Worried About Car Damage During These Heavy Rains In UAE? Here’s How To Protect Your Vehicle

During such unstable weather conditions, which have been forecast to stay until Friday, motorists have been advised to take precautions. They have been asked to remain vigilant and to protect their vehicles from any damage that may be caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. Due to increased rain-related incidents, drivers must be aware of the correct steps when it comes to their vehicle, which is exposed to water to avoid any damage. Here’s how you can protect your car during these heavy rains.

Motorists Advised To Keep Their Cars Protected

During the unstable weather, there is an increase in rain-related incidents. So, drivers must ensure that they keep their cars protected and take the necessary steps when it comes to their vehicle being exposed to water. This is done to avoid any further damage to the engine’s electrical systems or the vehicle’s structure. In a report of the Gulf News, it was mentioned that the first step one must take is to assess the extent of damage.

What Are The Precautions To Follow During Heavy Rain?

It is advisable to identify how the water entered the vehicle, if at all. In case the water has seeped into the cabin, one must remove it immediately with the help of towels or a wet vacuum. One must also ensure that the doors and windows are opened and properly ventilated so that the interiors can be dried out to prevent any kind of mold and odour.

Coming to the mechanical perspective, drivers are advised not to start the vehicles if there is any possibility that water has entered the engine or transmission. One must check the engine oil, coolant, and air filters before restarting the car. After all, water intrusion into these components can cause serious damage if the engine is turned on prematurely.

Electrical systems must also be carefully inspected, such as the battery, wiring, lighting and electronic control units. Specialists have therefore advised in the same report to keep qualified technicians to inspect the vehicle. Additionally, drivers must avoid flooded roads during heavy rainfall. They must ensure that there is proper drainage around homes and parking areas, and must use waterproof covers while parking the vehicles outside.

What To Do If A Vehicle’s Been Exposed To Significant Flooding?

In cases where the vehicle has been exposed to significant flooding, the insurance coverage can play a key role in covering the repair cost. So, the motorists have been advised to contact their insurance promptly. Not to mention, automotive specialists have also stressed the importance of prevention.

Also Read: UAE: With Unstable Weather Forecast, Take Note Of Some Dos & Don’ts, Penalties & Emergency Numbers

How To Apply For Vehicle Damage Certificate

But what can one do in case a vehicle has been affected? Well, one must apply for an official damage certificate for insurance claims and other administrative processes. To apply for a vehicle damage certificate, there are different procedures for different emirates. For instance, in Dubai, one can do so by following these steps.

• One must visit the Dubai police website and select ‘Certificate Services’.
• After this, one must choose the ‘TWIMC Certificate’ and then click on the access service.
• Once this is done, they must fill in the required details, which include the following:

After this, the image of the damaged vehicle must be uploaded in PDF, JPJ, PNG, etc format, and the service fee must be paid, after which you can submit your request.

Once this is done, you will receive a transaction number through SMS and email, which will help you track your application. The service fee costs AED75 and the knowledge and innovation fees AED20. At this point, it’s worth mentioning that the certificate is generally issued within one or two working days, and it is sent to the registered email ID.

For Abu Dhabi, one must file an unknown accident report through Saaed. To apply, one must visit the official website or download the Saaed App. And for Sharjah, they can apply for the TWIMC certificate service through Sharjah Police. They can do so by following these steps:

One must apply through the Sharjah police website, which is shjpolice.gov.ae or through their smart app.
After this, they must upload the photos and the damaged vehicle.
Certificates can be received, typically within one working day.

Finally, it’s important that one receives the certificates, as they help avoid delays in processing compensation, which is required for insurance claims.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Lina Darjan’s Images