What Is a Vehicle Damage Certificate?
A Vehicle Damage Certificate, officially known as a "To Whom It May Concern" (TWIMC) certificate, is a document issued by Dubai Police that confirms your vehicle sustained damage during a specific incident. After a flood event, this certificate serves as the official police-side record that your car was affected. Every insurance company operating in Dubai requires this certificate before they will process a flood damage claim. Without it, your claim will be rejected regardless of how much evidence you have.
The certificate is filed under the category of "Unknown Accident" because flood damage is not caused by another driver. It records the nature of the damage, the date and location of the incident, and your vehicle details. Think of it as the flood equivalent of a traffic accident report.
Why You Need This Certificate
Insurance companies in the UAE will not open a flood damage claim without an official police certificate. This is a mandatory requirement across all insurers, whether you are with a large provider like Oman Insurance, RSA, or AXA, or a smaller regional insurer. The certificate proves that you reported the damage to the authorities and that the incident was logged in the official system. Submitting your claim without it will result in an immediate rejection, and you will still need to go back and get the certificate before resubmitting.
Beyond insurance, the TWIMC certificate is also needed if you plan to export the vehicle, sell it as salvage, or de-register it with the RTA after flood damage. It creates the official paper trail that links the damage to a recorded event.
Cost and Processing Time
The TWIMC certificate costs AED 95 and is paid online during the application process. Payment is accepted via credit or debit card through the Dubai Police app. There are no hidden fees or additional charges. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 business days, although during major flood events when thousands of applications are submitted simultaneously, processing can take up to 3 to 5 business days. You will receive a notification through the app once your certificate is ready.
Documents You Need Before Starting
Gather the following before you begin the application:
- Emirates ID of the vehicle owner (front and back photos)
- Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) showing the plate number, chassis number, and owner name
- Photos of the damage showing the flood water level on the vehicle, interior damage, and the surrounding flooded area
- Dubai Police app installed and registered on your phone (available on iOS and Android)
- UAE Pass account for identity verification
Step-by-Step Guide Through the Dubai Police App
Follow these 16 steps exactly to complete your TWIMC application:
- Step 1: Open the Dubai Police app on your smartphone.
- Step 2: Log in using your UAE Pass credentials. If you have not set up UAE Pass, you will need to do this first through the UAE Pass app.
- Step 3: From the home screen, tap on "Services" in the main navigation.
- Step 4: Select "Traffic Services" from the list of service categories.
- Step 5: Tap on "Traffic Incident Report" or "Unknown Accident Report" (the naming may vary slightly depending on the app version).
- Step 6: Select "New Request" to begin a fresh application.
- Step 7: Choose "Natural Disaster / Weather" as the incident type. During active flood events, there may be a dedicated "Flood Damage" option.
- Step 8: Enter your vehicle details including plate number, plate source (Dubai), and vehicle category.
- Step 9: Verify the vehicle information that auto-populates from the RTA database. Confirm the make, model, year, colour, and chassis number are correct.
- Step 10: Enter the date and approximate time the flood damage occurred.
- Step 11: Enter the location where the vehicle was when it flooded. Use the map pin feature to mark the exact location or type in the area name.
- Step 12: Upload photos of the damage. Include at least 4 photos: front, rear, left side, and right side of the vehicle showing water marks or damage. Add interior photos showing water in the cabin.
- Step 13: Write a brief description of what happened. Keep it factual: "Vehicle was parked at [location] during the rain event on [date]. Floodwater reached [approximate level] on the vehicle."
- Step 14: Upload your Emirates ID (front and back) and vehicle registration card.
- Step 15: Review all the information you have entered. Check every field carefully because corrections after submission require a new application and another AED 95 fee.
- Step 16: Pay the AED 95 fee using your credit or debit card and submit the application.
After You Submit
Once submitted, you will receive a reference number. Save this number. You can track your application status through the Dubai Police app under "My Requests." When the certificate is approved, you will receive a push notification and can download the PDF directly from the app. Forward this PDF to your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply as early as possible. During major flood events, the system receives thousands of applications and processing slows down. Applying within the first 24 hours gets you into the queue faster.
- Take photos before any cleanup. The damage photos you upload should show the vehicle in its flood-affected state. If the car has already been towed and cleaned, the photos from the original scene are still valid as long as they are timestamped.
- Double-check your plate number. The most common reason for rejection is an incorrect plate number or plate source. Make sure you select the correct emirate (Dubai) and enter the number exactly as it appears on your registration card.
- Use a stable internet connection. Uploading multiple photos on a weak mobile signal can cause the app to timeout. Use Wi-Fi if possible.
- Save the PDF in multiple locations. Once you download the certificate, email it to yourself, save it to your cloud storage, and keep a copy on your phone. You will need to share it with your insurer, the garage, and possibly the RTA.
Next Steps After Getting Your Certificate
With your TWIMC certificate in hand, you can now proceed with your insurance claim. Contact your insurer and provide the certificate along with your photos and any inspection reports. If you need help navigating the insurance process or want to ensure your claim is handled correctly, visit our insurance contacts directory for direct lines to major UAE insurers' claims departments.