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While no one wants to think about being in a car accident, being prepared can make all the difference. Understanding the correct car accident procedures in Qatar helps protect your safety, your rights, and your insurance coverage.
This guide explains what to do after an accident, how to file a police report, how to use Metrash for minor accidents, and the step-by-step insurance claim process.
Understanding Minor vs Major Accidents
Car accidents in Qatar are generally classified into two categories:
Minor Accidents
A minor accident involves no injuries and light vehicle damage, such as:
- Scratches or small dents on panels or bumpers
- Broken side mirrors
- Minor headlight cracks
- Superficial paint transfer
- Small windshield cracks not affecting visibility
Minor accidents can usually be reported through the Metrash app, provided both parties agree.
Major Accidents
A major accident involves:
- Injuries
- Airbag deployment
- Significant body or structural damage (crumpled hood, chassis issues, wheel misalignment)
- Situations where drivers do not agree on fault
These require immediate police attendance.
Different Scenarios of a Car Accident in Qatar
Here are the different actions to take depending on the type of accident you are involved in.
Scenario 1: Minor Accident (No Injuries)
Once the vehicle stops, turn on the hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. If both parties agree, you can move the vehicles to the side of the road so they do not block traffic.
Before moving the vehicles, take at least four photos, including one showing the number plates.
PLEASE NOTE: Ministry of Interior has announced that in case of accidents where there are no injuries, the vehicles shall be moved to the nearest parking area not to block the traffic. Otherwise, you will be fined QAR 1000, and three points will be registered against your license.
After moving the vehicle, take the other driver’s phone number, name, and Qatar ID (if possible).
As per the new procedure, drivers can now file online reports of minor accidents using the Metrash app, uploading clear photos of the damage.
This service eliminates waiting for a traffic patrol and removes the need to visit the Traffic Department for minor cases.
Steps for Online Accident Reporting (Metrash)
- Enable location services on your mobile.
- Open Metrash → Traffic → Traffic Accident → Accident Registration.
- Confirm accident location (auto-detected).
- Enter both car plate numbers, drivers’ QID details, and mobile numbers.
- Attach photos of both vehicles.
- Agree on legal responsibility.
- Submit the report.
You will receive an SMS to wait for the next update.
- If responsibility is clear, the investigator completes the report and you will receive an SMS to download the insurance and repair report.
- If more investigation is required, both parties will receive SMS instructions to visit the Traffic Department.
Scenario 2: Injury, Major Damage, or Disagreement
- Do not move the vehicles.
- Call the police (999), as they must see the exact positions to determine fault.
- Request an ambulance if anyone is injured.
- Follow Step 2 (below).
Scenario 3: Hit-and-Run or Damage While Parked
- Go to the nearest police station.
- A file will be opened, and authorities will wait for up to a week in case someone comes forward.
- After that, you will receive a police accident report, enabling you to repair your vehicle.
- Follow Step 4 (below).
Scenario 4: Accident Without Another Party (Hitting an Object)
- Visit the nearest police station.
- You will receive an accident report that allows you to repair your car.
- Fully insured vehicles can claim repairs. With third-party insurance, you must bear the repair cost.
- Follow Step 4 (below).
Car Accident in Qatar: Steps To Follow
Step 1: Emergency Calls
- Police: 999 / 44890699 / 44890670
- Ambulance: 999
- Hamad Hospital: 44392222 / 44393333
Step 2: When Police Arrive at the Scene
You will be asked to provide your:
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration (Istimara)
- Insurance documents
Police will issue either:
- Green paper = Not at fault
- Red paper = At fault
You will receive an SMS with an accident file number. The details will be shared electronically with your insurance company. Updates can be viewed through Metrash.
Step 3: At the Police Station
Bring your car if requested for inspection.
If you do not speak Arabic, it is better to take someone who does.
Carry your:
- Qatar ID
- Driving License
- Istimara (Vehicle registration)
- Insurance documents
Do not sign anything you do not understand, and do not accept blame if you believe you are not at fault.
Once the report is filed, you can download it through the Metrash app or the MoI website using this link.
Step 4: Insurance Claim Process
If you are not at fault, ask the other driver for the name of their insurance company.
Documents needed for the insurance claim:
- Police accident report
- Police approval for repair
- Copy of your vehicle registration
- Copy of your driving license
Most insurance companies now process claims online, and Traffic Police send accident reports directly to them.
Some insurers allow document submission via website, email, or fax. Contact your insurer’s call centre for details.
Step 5: Garage Repair
It is illegal for any garage in Qatar to repair accident damage without official police and/or insurance paperwork.
If the repair is through insurance, the insurance company will tell you which authorized garage to visit. You will receive an approval paper to give to the garage, and you will not need to pay.
Situations Where Your Car Insurance Will NOT Cover You
Insurance does not cover accidents if:
- You do not hold a valid driving license
- You were driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- You crossed a red light
- You were driving at excessive speed
- You drove off-road without off-road insurance
Check your policy for complete details.
Final Note
We wish you safe, accident-free driving. However, if you are ever involved in a car accident in Qatar, following the correct steps—reporting through Metrash, cooperating with police, and completing the insurance process—ensures that everything is handled smoothly and legally.
READ NEXT: Complete Guide To Fahes Vehicle Inspection
Related Articles:
- 13 Traffic Violations in Qatar That Can Land You in Jail
- Things to Know Before You Rent an Apartment in Doha
- How to Get an International Driving License in Qatar
- Qatar Traffic Signs and Their Meanings
- Qatar Driving License Procedure
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
I had an accident which the other driver admitted fault. My insurance is saying that they will only cover 400QR of the repair of the 600QR because my car is a 2013 model. I have reminded them that it was the other person’s fault and that they are responsible for the repair. I had to get an updated police report because when the initial report was done it did not show the full extent of the damage. The garage resubmitted the updated report but my insurance is saying it will only replace the bumper and nothing else. I have a comprehensive coverage but the insurance is not will to pay more than 300QR for the repairs.
What should I do?
Hi DG,
How i register accident through metrash without another party (hit on a Object)
Hello
I have updated wrong accident report without knowing the meaning of responsibility and affected in metrash app
my rental car is hit by a truck at back side police also told its truck mistake when I went to apply through metrash I have applied responsibility instead of affected and then fine is generated to me.
Truck driver company is not allowing him to come resolve the issue now
can anyone suggest the solution for this one
Hello,
I hit a car in front me very slightly, because when it was approached to the main road she put sudden break. But there was no any damages. She found a paint scratch which was held in previously. But she imposed it to me and I explained her, she didn’t agree that. It seems clearly long time back.
We went to police station and there was no any police. Only the captain was there, he didn’t hear my words even he didn’t see the photos and didn’t inspect the car as well. He accepted the word from that lady and file the accident report against me.
I received the message to pay 100 riyals for insurance report.
How can I make objection for this?
I am using my sponsor’s car, for the insurance claim , who driving license copy will need the insurance company.. my or sponsor
Hi Riyas, If your license was given to police during accident report, you have to submit license copy of driver as well as owner.
hello I hit the car infront of me but there was too much traffic and no parking space so until I found the parking space and check for the other guy he left from there so I don’t know have his any details not even his car number..it’s a minor accident…I went for the traffic department they said just apply from the metrash 2 …so is it possible without other party to register accident on metrash 2??
Hi Syed, You can report as hit and run. Traffic police would wait for a few days to see if anyone claims that incident. Then they would advise what to do.
What is the complaints’ procedure if an insurance company is asking you to pay for the repairs of your car in a scenario that the accident is not your fault and the faulty party has a third party insurance? This is after receiving a Police report.
Hi Abdulmalik, You can use the complaints option in Metrash.
There is a minor scrach while parking, not an accident. Do I still need to report to police?
Hi Srini, If you plan to get it repaired or repainted you will need accident report from police. If it is very minor, no other vehicle was involved, and you don’t want to repaint, you can leave it.
We hit the bumber of a car in front of us inside our parking area while we are parking. The affected car was just parked. There were scratches and the plate number was detached. We tried to locate the owner of the car in our apartment building but we cannot locate him. We tried many times to knock on his apartment but It seems that he is on vacation as nobody is answering. I just leave a note on his
car wiper saying that I want to speak with him and we left out contact number. I tried to report the minor accident on metrash but it is asking for the affected QID and Contact number. What should we do?
Hi Yogi, If you can’t contact the owner, visit Traffic Department and show the photo of the car with plate number. They will enter it in the system.
I got my license few days ago only, i would like to know that, is there any restrictions to drive vehicle?
is it true that my could be cancelled if i make any accident in first 6 motnhs of my license issue?
Hi Subhash, There are no restrictions.
How long a police report valid to claim insurance?
Hi Mohamed, Usually it is valid for 30 days. Please confirm with your insurance provider also (may be their policy is different).
Hi I’m the Affected party of the accident, so my car cannot move from the location, but all methrash registration done and sms received to contact insurance company, so bring my car to insurance/garage i need to use recovery vehicle, then may i know who will be pay for the recovery vehicle cost?
Hi Manoj, If the vehicle needs a towing services, you need to contact the other party’s insurance company. Either they will pay or reimburse you.
This is great, but I have a friend who was knocked down while on a motorcycle and broke his hand, the other party accepted the fault and told him to claim to be paid for he is insured, but we don’t know where to start from.
Resourceful article. Legal aid or legal service is really important for everyone. Most of the time generally we don’t have a clear idea about the law. But this article helped me a lot to understand. Thankyou to the author for very informative writing.
A police officer in mattar behaved badly after the other guy I had accident with lied
to him and i want to report both of them
Is there a penalty for someone that hit from behind?
is there a fee to get the police report online?
How I check my accident report in my mobile phone .I have already police SMS
Hi,
One guy came and banged my car from the back and police has confirmed that it is his fault. This guy does not have any third party insurance and police asked me to get the quotation from three garages. I bought the quotation and this guy is not agreeing to pay the money and police is completely backing him. Police said to me that, you can file a case if you do not agree,
I want to know what is the procedure to file a case and does it cost me any money, do I need to visit court for the hearings.
Kindly help me.
Hi everyone,
We are glade to infrom you all that if there is any emergency breakdown or any accident you all can contact us for the road assistanc. We do provide breakdown truck , fell free to contact us on (66160168). We are working 24*7.
“We Assist You Any where Any time”
Hi Doha Guides Team you’re doing a great job, I really appreciate.
Please help in this below case.
I met a major accident in the signal while my way was green and the opposite side guy violate the signal and hit my car when he was taking left.
The Traffic police after checking the CCTV it was not my fault, he prepare the reports and they issued the vehicle repair paper and I received the message for Insurance details.
Also the next day I received a message from MOI that my incident was transferred to Traffic prosecution.
When I visit the Insurance office they asked me to bring my car to the Garrage which they mentioned.
I spend myself for the breakdown to take my car to Garrage and after the Surveyor inspection they told me that the car was hit very badly and cannot repair. So they will cancel the car pay the money it cost. The next day they called me and offer very few money and I ll loose two times of the car cost I bought in the market.
Please let me know what I have to do in this situation, let me wait for the court justification or else bargain them to get little more money.
Also how long it will take the court case to be done.
Please advice.
Thank you very much
Hi Shibin, That is really unfortunate. Court case may take few months. You can try negotiating with the insurance company. If they don’t offer a reasonable amount, proceed with court.
Thank you so much
You are welcome!