I should say this first, not to check the history of the car is a rookie thing. No matter whether you plan to make a deal in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, a decent UAE car history check can prevent your legal problems in the future, missed fines, or accidents you were not informed about.
Here is the guide that will show how you can examine the accident history, ownership history, and other details of a car, both free and paid, and even with the help of third-party providers.
Quick Summary: Where Can You Check UAE Car History?
| Platform | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) | Free | Accident history, vehicle status |
| Ministry of Interior (MoI) | Free | Government-verified accident reports |
| RTA Dubai | Free | Dubai-registered vehicle history, fines |
| CarReport / CarSwitch | Paid (AED 100–300) | Ownership, mileage, accidents (aggregated) |
Methods to Check Car History in UAE
Even the majority of checks only demand a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This 17-digit code can give the background of any car (accidents, change of ownership, etc).
So, how can we go about them?
1. Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)
- Website: https://evg.ae
- Supports: Nationwide car history + Dubai&Abu Dhabi accidents
How to Use EVG
1. Create an Account
- Visit the EVG website: https://evg.ae/default.aspx.
- If you are a new user, just select Sign Up, which is available on each platform to sign up.
- Enter your Emirates ID, your mobile number, and your email address as requested by the application.
- After registration, you need to go through the email confirmation to finalize the process.
2. Log In to Your Account
- After registering, log in using your username and password.
- Remember to choose a secure username and password so that you can use it later when needed.
3. Enter the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Locate the VIN of the car you want to check. This is usually found on the driver’s side door jamb or the lower corner of the windshield on the dashboard.
- Type the VIN in the input box on the official website of the EVG company.
4. Access Accident History
- After you have typed in the VIN, click on “Submit”.
- Through the website, you will be able to find out every accident the car has ever been involved in, the dates of the event, and its exact location as well as the extent of the damage.
What You Get
- Detailed accident history.
- Verified data from official sources.
- Easy-to-navigate website.
2. Ministry of Interior (MoI) Website
- Website: https://moi.gov.ae/en
- Most Suitable: Accident check through VIN in no time
How to Use MoI
1. Visit the MoI Website
- Go to the official website: https://moi.gov.ae/en/.
- For convenience, select the language of your preference: Arabic or English.
2. Find the “Accident Inquiry” Section
- Search the “Public Services” menu.
- Under this section, locate “Accident Inquiry” and click on it.
3. Enter the VIN
- In the VIN field, please enter the Vehicle Identification Number.
- Double-check to make sure the VIN is correct before submitting.
4. View Accident History
- Once submitted, the MoI website will display any recorded accident information related to the vehicle.
- You will get basic information about the accident that including the date and location of the accident and the severity of the accident.
Advantages of Using the MoI Website
- Access to specific vehicle incident data for free.
- Information is sourced directly from official databases.
- Easy-to-use interface.
3. RTA Dubai Website
- Website: https://www.rta.ae
Best For: Vehicles registered in Dubai
How to Use RTA Dubai
1. Visit the RTA Dubai Website
- Go to the official RTA website: https://www.rta.ae/.
- That language that you are conversant with, whether it is Arabic or English, is the one to go for.
2. Enter the VIN and Plate Number
- Scroll down to the “Vehicle Services” tab.
- Choose “Vehicle Status Certificate.”
- Type the VIN and the plate number of the car in the exact fields provided.
3. Check Vehicle Status
- After entering the required data, press the ‘Submit’ button, and the site will give more information about that car.
- It enables you to get information on the occurrence of an accident, insurance details, ownership history, and any pending penalties.
Advantages of Using RTA Dubai
- Confirmed data about the registered vehicles in Dubai.
- Offers comprehensive details about the car’s history.
- Gives insurance and car ownership information.
4. Third-Party Websites
For additional and sometimes more comprehensive reports, third-party sites provide car history check reports at a cost. These platforms collate information from different sources, thus providing you with a picture of the history of the car.
Popular Third-Party Websites
- CarReport
- Offers detailed accident history, ownership records, and other essential data.
- Offers genuine data on vehicles within the United Arab Emirates.
- CarSwitch
- An accessible online service that offers various car checks, including crash history and overall mileage.
- Dubizzle
- It provides a paid car history report with comprehensive information about the condition and past ownership of the car.
How to Use Third-Party Websites
1. Provide VIN
- Visit the website and type the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)/Chassis Number.
- Check the correct input of VIN to ensure proper identification is made.
2. Pay the Fee
- Most websites charge a fee for providing a detailed report.
- The fee can often be paid via credit card or any other form of online payment.
3. Receive the Report
- Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a comprehensive car history report.
- The report usually revolves around past accidents, changes in ownership, and any problems that are related to it.
Advantages of Using Third-Party Websites
- Detailed and comprehensive reports.
- Access to data from multiple sources.
- Easy to use, with quick results.
Where to Find the VIN Number in UAE Cars
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Driver-side windshield | Lower-left corner (visible from outside) |
| Inside driver’s door | Door frame near the hinge |
| Car Registration card | Listed alongside the chassis number |
Pro Tips to Avoid Buying a Bad Used Car
- It is always wise to check history through 2+ sources.
- Check against more than one of them, EVG + MoI + RTA.
- Demand service records of the seller.
- A well-maintained car has the service stamps, receipts, or online records.
- Hire a trusted mechanic.
- Frame abuse or odometer fraud can be discovered during a 200 AED check.
- Search the VIN on Google.
- You will be shocked by what appears, complaints, auctions, and so on.
FAQs
In the UAE, is car history free?
Yes, platforms like EVG, MoI, and RTA Dubai allow free accident and vehicle checks using your VIN.
Which platform is the most detailed?
Yes, websites such as EVG, MoI, and RTA Dubai will enable free checking of accidents and vehicles with the help of your VIN.
Can I check a car’s history with just the plate number?
Not always. To enter most platforms, a VIN is needed, whereas in RTA Dubai, one can also enter plate number + VIN.
What if I can’t find the VIN?
Inquire with the seller. And any hesitation on their part is a red flag. Windshield corner / inside door frame.
Read Also: UAE Vehicle Details Check: 4 Hidden Methods
My Final Words
To check a car’s history in the UAE, you could use the platforms I covered, Emirates Vehicle Gate, Ministry of Interior, RTA Dubai, and other sites. Doing this helps you avoid buying a car with a problematic history, which this process minimizes.
