Check a car’s accident history by entering its VIN on official UAE platforms like RTA or Tasjeel, and supplement this with a full inspection at Royal Prince Auto Care for hidden damage.
Combine digital records with expert checks to ensure safety and avoid costly surprises.
Purchasing a second-hand car in the UAE? The smartest thing you can do is to check its accident history. Pinpointing the old damages will prevent invisible issues, expensive repairs, and even hazards. Here in this guide, we discuss simple methods to find the information on accidents and how Royal Prince Auto Care makes you feel good about buying it.
Why Accident History Matters
The previous crashes may influence a car:
Structural integrity: concealed destruction to the frame
Safety systems: airbags, steering, and brakes
Future repair costs: body shop work, paint and parts
Resale value: Trust and price are influenced by resale value
What appears to be a minor fender-bender might be concealing greater problems with the engine, suspension or wiring. Thus, a transparent history is gold during shopping.
Step 1: Ask for the Vehicle’s VIN
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is assigned to every car that is registered in the UAE. This code of 17 characters plays a pivotal role in the history of the car. Ask the seller to provide the VIN- this is the initial measure to uncover the history of a car before purchasing it.
Step 2: Use UAE Official Platforms
Authorized services like Tasjeel, Shamil, and Dubai’s RTA allow you to check details using the VIN:
- Accident reports
- Salik and Fine records
- Ownership transfers
- Insurance claims
These platforms give official, backed info—so you get real accident data, not guesses.
Step 3: Get a Third-Party Inspection
Even a clean history may contain some latent damage that lurks under the surface. That is where the Royal Prince Auto Care professional car inspection comes in handy. Our auto specialists inspect body alignment, straightness of the frames and the indications of any repairs made in the past.
A proper inspection assists in the identification of:
- Unfit painted panels
- Irregular openings between panels and doors
- New underbody welds
- Broken suspension or tyres
Step 4: Bring It for a Full Diagnostic Check
The damage from accidents is not only body damage, but it may also harm the electrical circuits, sensors, and engines. With our engine repair or rebuild services, as well as the car electrical repair services, we make sure that your car is running as it ought to.
Wiring or spark plugs can be hit even by trivial fender-benders. A complete diagnostic scan can be restful that nothing under the hood was hurt.
Step 5: Review Service and Repair Records
Ask the seller for:
- Service logs
- Body shop invoices
- Warranty receipts
If the car was repaired, check how it was done. Did a licensed shop fix it? Did they use the original parts? Royal Prince Auto Care can help verify the quality of any past car repairs.
Step 6: Watch for Telltale DIY Fixes
Other sellers attempt to cover the damage with some of their own home paint or low-quality bumper replacements. Look for:
- Scratches in strange locations
- Inappropriate colour or texture
- The surface fillers are soft or cracked under the surface.
Proper safety and quality should be ensured through professional body shop repair in terms of colour matching, welding, and frame straightening of high quality.
Step 7: Test Drive and Notice Any Odd Feelings
During a test drive, pay attention to:
- Steering—does it pull or feel loose?
- Suspension—does it bounce or sound creaky?
- Brakes—are they quick and responsive, or involving soft brake pads?
- Engine—any shaking, delays, or flicker of check engine lights?
If something feels off, it could be related to past accident damage. Bringing your car in for a pre-purchase car inspection can uncover these hidden issues.
Step 8: Ask About Previous Insurance Claims
Old accidents are sometimes not mentioned by the sellers. However, insurance records are not deceptive. A previously claimed car can have:
- Frame or Structure work
- Replaced airbags
- Odometer tampering
- Fixed data recorder rebounds.
Direct inquiry and cross-reference of information with governmental data may reveal the truth.
Step 9: Use Mobile Apps and Online Tools
There are apps and websites in the UAE that scan the VIN and show a car’s accident history. While many are unofficial, they’re a good way to start. Just be sure to cross-check results with official sources and a physical car inspection.
Step 10: Bring It to a Trusted Specialist
In case of an accident in the history or incomplete records, take the car to Royal Prince Auto Care. Our complete car inspection, together with the body shop inspection, enables you to know what you are getting.
Paint protection film and car detailing are also available- this is perfect on freshly repaired cars to maintain that showroom appearance over the years.
Final Checklist Before Buying
- Ask for the VIN and run a history check.
- Review past service and repair records.
- Watch for mismatched paint or DIY fixes.
- Ask about insurance claims.
- Take it for a test drive.
- Get a professional car inspection.
- Decide based on full info, not just price.
Buying a used car in the UAE doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the correct info and expert help, you can make a wise choice.
Final Word
Want to skip the guesswork? Before you purchase your car, bring it to Royal Prince Auto Care. Our professionals are prepared with their professional car inspection to surprise others. With that, you make an intelligent, safe decision and feel confident in your car right away.
We want to assist you in driving more wisely because peace of mind is not a price that can be tagged.