Do's and Don'ts
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING unless you fully understand what it is
Do not accept the blame if you think it is not your fault
Do not lose your temper
Do not use bad language
Do not use aggressive behaviour

DO SMILE AND BE PATIENT
(it works wonders)

Procedure
Should you be involved in an accident, strict procedures will apply, however - if you handle yourself well and follow this advice - it need not be such a harrowing experience.

DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLES - no matter where the accident occurs, whether on your property or on a main road causing major congestion. The police need to see the position of all vehicles to assess responsibility. They will likely allow you to move your vehicle once an assessment has been completed.

Do not move your vehicle until the Police tell you to

If there are injuries call 999 and ask for an ambulance or contact Hamad Hospital Emergency on 4392111 or for Hamad Hospital general enquires on 4394444.

Contact the police on 4890666 or 999, provide them with the location of the accident including names of landmarks near you. Police must be notified of every accident regardless of whether there are any injuries, and a police report must be issued. No damage can be paid by your insurance without one, not even a touch-up to the paint. Remember that Qatari culture expects respect and politeness at all times in dealing with other individuals and the police.

At the accident scene you will be asked to provide your license, vehicle registration and insurance documents. The police will listen to the explanations of all involved and complete their preliminary roadside report. They will advise all involved when to attend the Traffic Department (normally the following day, although it can be immediate) to receive the documentation required for repair-work and insurance. Recently there has been a change in this process for small Accidents (no injuries) that allows the police to give you a report which can be directly handed over to your insurance Company without you having to go to the police station at a later date. The QR 100 fine will be handled during re-registration.

It is illegal for any garage in Qatar to carry out any repairs on your vehicle without the authorized paperwork from Police and or your insurance company.

DO Ensure you get contact details from the policeman making the road side report - his name, which police station he is from, details of his shift schedule over the next few days. Try your best to retrieve his personal GSM phone number, THIS WILL SAVE A LOT OF FRUSTRATION AND WASTED TIME.

Above procedures subject to change

(Courtesy Tony Porter - Oasis Cars)