While driving your Tesla on Dubai’s bustling roads, an accident can occur at any moment, whether it’s a minor collision on Sheikh Zayed Road or a parking incident at a mall. Such situations can be stressful, and it’s important to follow the correct process to ensure your vehicle is repaired properly and safely.
If you’re dealing with this right now, take a moment to breathe. You’re not alone, and the steps are straightforward.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety First
Check everyone is safe first and call 999 if anyone is injured. Move to a safe spot if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use warning triangles to stay visible. For minor accidents with no injuries and agreement between drivers, use the Dubai Police app. If there’s disagreement or serious damage, wait for the police to arrive.
When to Call Police vs Using the App
According to Dubai Police’s accident reporting service, you can file a minor traffic accident report through their smart service if both drivers agree and there are no injuries. The report is valid for three months from the date of issuance. However, if drivers disagree or if there’s serious damage, you must contact the relevant police station directly.
Involved in a Tesla accident in Dubai? Contact XpressAuto immediately on +971 42 695 9066 for expert guidance on the repair process and what steps to take next.
Step 2: Document Everything at the Scene
After everyone is safe, collect evidence using your phone. Take clear photos of all vehicle damage from different angles, including close-ups and wide shots. For your Tesla, make sure to capture any damage to cameras, sensors, or the charging port.
Photograph the accident scene as well, including vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any damaged property. Write down or photograph the other driver’s details, including name, contact number, vehicle registration, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, get their contact details quickly.
Also check your Tesla’s dashcam or Sentry Mode footage. Save the video as soon as possible so it is not overwritten, as it can be very helpful for insurance and police reports.
Step 3: Obtain the Official Police Report
In the UAE, you cannot proceed with insurance claims or repairs without an official police report. This document is absolutely essential, regardless of how minor the accident seems.
For accidents in Dubai, you’ll need to visit the nearest police station or file through the smart app. The Dubai Police property and accident claims system allows you to inquire about and manage your accident report once it’s been filed. Keep your reference number safe, as you’ll need it for everything that follows.
If your Tesla was damaged while parked and the other driver is unknown, you can still request an ‘unknown accident report’ from Dubai Police. This allows you to proceed with repairs even when the responsible party cannot be identified.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider immediately, ideally within 24 hours of the accident. According to the Central Bank of UAE’s insurance regulations, insurance companies must acknowledge your claim in writing and inform you of any missing documents within three days of receiving your claim.
When you call your insurance company, make sure you have all the key details ready. This includes your policy number, the police report number, the date, time, and place of the accident, what happened, the other driver’s details, and any photos or videos you took.
Your insurer will then give you a claim number and explain the next steps. They will also tell you which repair shops are approved under your policy. For Tesla owners, this is important because not every garage is qualified to work on these cars. Using a non-approved workshop can risk your warranty and safety.
Need help navigating your Tesla insurance claim? XpressAuto works directly with all major UAE insurers. Call +971 42 695 9066 or visit our Al Quoz facility for personalised assistance.
Step 5: Choose a Tesla-Approved Repair Facility
This is where many Tesla owners go wrong. A Tesla isn’t just another car. It’s advanced technology on wheels, with high-voltage systems, special materials, and complex software.
Tesla-approved body shops are set up specifically for this kind of work. Their technicians are factory trained, they use Tesla-certified diagnostic tools, have specialised equipment for aluminium repairs and can properly recalibrate cameras and sensors after an accident. These aren’t extras. They’re essential for repairing a Tesla the right way.
XpressAuto holds both Tesla approval and ESMA 5-star certification. This means repairs meet Tesla’s strict standards as well as UAE regulatory requirements. When you’ve invested in a Tesla, your repairs should protect its safety and long-term value.
Step 6: Get a Detailed Repair Estimate
Once you take your Tesla to a certified repair centre, the team starts with a full inspection. This isn’t just a quick look at the outside damage. Using Tesla-approved diagnostic tools, technicians scan the entire vehicle to check how every system is performing.
The repair estimate should detail every component that needs attention:
- Structural damage: Body panels, frame elements, or mounting points
- Electrical systems: Wiring, connectors, or computer modules affected by the impact
- High-voltage components: Battery pack assessment, drive motor checks, charging system evaluation
- Sensors and cameras: Any that need replacement or recalibration
- Parts and labour: Clear breakdown of genuine parts costs and labour hours
- Paint and finishing: Colour matching and multi-stage painting process
Take your time with this step. Checking everything carefully now stops surprises later, like finding hidden damage during repairs. This also helps avoid delays with insurance.
Step 7: Understand the Repair Process Timeline
Tesla repairs take longer than regular car repairs because they require specialised work and precise procedures. Minor repairs usually take one to two weeks, moderate damage around three to four weeks, and major repairs can take six to eight weeks or more.
Delays are often due to waiting for genuine Tesla parts to arrive in the UAE. Throughout the process, certified centres follow strict repair steps, including safe handling of high-voltage systems, specialised aluminium work, precise paint matching, and full sensor and camera recalibration.
Want to know how long your Tesla repairs will take? Get an assessment from XpressAuto, Dubai’s #1 Tesla-approved body shop for accident repairs.
Step 8: The Calibration and Testing Phase
Calibration and testing are important to make sure all of your Tesla’s smart features work properly.
Every sensor and camera in your Tesla requires precise calibration to factory specifications. This includes:
- Autopilot cameras (forward-facing, side, and rear)
- Ultrasonic parking sensors
- Radar systems for adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping cameras
After calibration, the Tesla goes through careful testing. Certified centres don’t just take a quick drive. They check acceleration, braking, electronics, Autopilot, and make sure the touchscreen shows no errors. This ensures your Tesla is fully restored inside and out.
Step 9: Final Inspection and Vehicle Collection
Before collecting your repaired Tesla, inspect it carefully. Check the paint, panel alignment, and doors, and test all electronics including Autopilot and charging. Take a short test drive to ensure handling and systems are normal. Finally, review and keep all repair documents, warranties, and calibration certificates for your service records and resale value.
Understanding Your Rights as a Tesla Owner
UAE law and insurance regulations provide specific protections for vehicle owners, and knowing your rights ensures you receive fair treatment throughout the repair process.
The Central Bank of UAE regulations require insurance companies to acknowledge claims promptly and inform you of their decision within reasonable timeframes. If your insurer delays unreasonably or denies a legitimate claim, you can file a complaint with the CBUAE.
You can choose any repair facility from your insurer’s approved list, so insist on Tesla-certified shops if needed. If your Tesla is a total loss, make sure you receive fair market value reflecting its condition and features. Many insurance policies also provide a rental car while repairs are underway, so check the duration and coverage with your insurer to avoid surprises.
Why Choose Certified Excellence for Your Tesla
Choosing the right repair facility affects your Tesla’s safety and resale value. XpressAuto in Al Quoz, Dubai, combines Tesla-approved certification with ESMA 5-star standards, ensuring top-quality repairs.
Our technicians receive factory training, use Tesla-approved diagnostic tools, and order genuine parts for perfect compatibility. We also consider UAE-specific factors like local police procedures, insurance requirements, and extreme heat to ensure repairs last. Beyond fixing cars, XpressAuto builds long-term expertise to support Tesla owners across the GCC.
Contact Xpress Auto for Expert Tesla Repairs
According to Dubai RTA’s green mobility initiative, which has converted 72% of Dubai’s taxi fleet to environmentally friendly vehicles, the transition to electric mobility is accelerating. This growth makes proper EV repair expertise increasingly vital for UAE drivers.
At Xpress Auto, we’re proud to serve as the UAE’s trusted partner for Tesla owners facing accident repairs. Our Tesla-approved, ESMA 5-star certified facility combines technical excellence with genuine care for your vehicle and your peace of mind.
Don’t leave your Tesla’s repair to chance. Contact XpressAuto today to get a quote.