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Car damaged by storm stuck
A car stuck in the rain (Credit: Dubai Media Office)

Car damaged by the storm? Here’s what to do

Make sure you know the process

by Time Out Editors

After the worst rainfall to ever hit the UAE, many people have struggled through waterlogged roads and cars were inevitably damaged.

Many cars were left abandoned in the floods overnight.

If your car has become water-damaged from the treacherous conditions then in the first instance don’t attempt to restart the vehicle. Water can damage every component of your vehicle including the engine and transmission.

While frustrating in the moment, this step could potentially save you a lot of money in repairs.

If you’re able to do so then remove as much water as you can as quickly as you can. So, get your towels working overtime to absorb as much wet mechanical components as possible.

When you’re able to do so, you should then ventilate the car by either opening the windows or the doors to let in the sunlight and dry off the vehicle.

While no one likes the smell of a wet car, there are much bigger problems flooding can cause such as hydrolocking, rust and electrical issues.

Once you’ve dried out the car as quickly as possible, it would be best to get a professional mechanic to have a look at if the car is salvageable.

Some car insurance companies cover damages caused by severe weather conditions but it depends on your policy’s terms and conditions (so, you’ll need to check).

In light of the bad weather, Dubai Police has reminded residents what to do if their vehicle is damaged by the storm.

On X (formerly Twitter), Dubai Police told drivers they can now request a “To Whom it May Concern” certificate via their website or app.

The post said: “In the event of a vehicle breakdown caused by severe weather conditions, you now have the option to request a ‘To Whom it May Concern’ certificate through the official Dubai Police website or mobile app.”

The certificate will help in filing insurance claims in case the car was damaged during a “natural disaster”.

If a vehicle has been damaged due to weather it should also be reported to the Dubai Police. You will need to do the following:

You may also like: Rules to follow to avoid hefty traffic fines

  1. Document the damage by taking photos and video.
  2. Visit a police station.
  3. File a report

If you have lost you license plate during the storm, Dubai Police are also encouraging motorists to use their app to obtain a lost license plate certificate.

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