Accidents are unpredictable events, and they have a funny way of creating a lot of worry for the car owner. If you have recently found yourself with an accident-damaged car in Dubai, you might be asking yourself the question... should I repair my vehicle or sell it as is?
In a city like Dubai, where cars are a sign of status and traffic can be stressful, making the right decision about your vehicle could save you time, money, and headaches later on.
At Car1.ae, we assist vehicle owner with selling their undesirable or damaged vehicle, and we wanted to discuss how to approach the issue of getting your vehicle repaired versus selling it in its present condition.
Assessing the Actual Costs of Repairs
Before you decide, it is critical to evaluate the amount of the damage and the final cost of the repairs. Some scratches, minor bumps, or bruises are one thing, but collision damage could mean you are compromising your car’s structural integrity, safety systems, and resale value.
Garages in Dubai that are reputable will be able to provide you with a written estimate of the actual cost of repairs. Always get multiple quotes; sometimes, the first bill can get inflated as further damage is discovered. This is especially true if there are deployed airbags, a bent chassis, or water damage.
Most experts will agree, if the repair bill is above a certain amount, say 50% or more of your car’s market value, it’s probably time to consider selling.
The Effect on Car Insurance
Your insurance coverage is another issue you might consider. When you have comprehensive insurance in the UAE, for example, it may include accident repairs, but it may come with an excess fee, and there may be a chance of increasing your renewal premium costs if you claim for the accident.
Ask yourself:
- Does the insurer plan to cover the full repairs?
- What are your total out-of-pocket expenses?
- Does claiming have any effect on how you pay for premiums in the future?
If your responses indicate ongoing high cost, it could be worthwhile for you to consider selling your accident-damaged car. A lot of people do not realise, or consider, that even if they have repaired the car, its resale value would drop significantly, because its history of an accident would remain on the RTA records.
Should You Repair An Older Car?
When it comes to older vehicles, there is another factor to consider. Repairing an already older car that sustained damage in an accident, especially a vehicle over the age of 7–10 years, usually does not make financial sense. The parts for older vehicles tend to be costly or unavailable, and once repaired, they may be tough to get a decent resale price.
In such cases, it often makes more sense to sell your car for scrap or just to an accident car buyer in Dubai that you trust. At Car1.ae we work with accident-damaged cars that you no longer want or cannot get going again, as we know this can be a difficult decision. Our team will quickly assess the car, and we can pay cash on the spot!
Environmental and Legal Aspects
Some automobile owners may not realise that driving a poorly repaired or unsafe vehicle can endanger the vehicle occupants and other road users. The Dubai RTA is careful in the regulations of their vehicles; every vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection, and many fines will prevent a vehicle from being driven. A vehicle that fails inspection may cost you more in fines or limit you to frequent trips back to the garage.
Also, abandoned accident cars pose not only legal implications but could also leave slow leaking fluids or unattended broken parts that can be hazardous to the environment. Therefore, it is important to take time to make the right decision about repairing or scrapping an automobile.
Selling Your Accident-Damaged Car - The Process
When you decide, for whatever reason, that repairing your car is not worth the hassle anymore, taking your car for scrap or selling it to a damaged car buyer can be an easy way out. But what is the process?
At Car1.ae we keep the process of selling a car that has been damaged in an accident quick and simple in Dubai. Here is what you should expect:
- No obligation, free online car valuation: We will give you an accurate estimate for your car based on its make and model, condition, and accident history.
- Cash offer: If you accept our offer, we can pay you within the hour.
- No repairs: Because we buy your car as-is, there is no need to spend money on repairs.
- Paperwork taken care of: We take care of the RTA deregistration and ownership paperwork on your behalf.
Many car owners will be pleasantly surprised at how much they can still get for their damaged vehicles when selling to the right car buyer.
Advantages of Selling Instead of Repairing
There are several benefits to selling your accident-damaged car:
- Save on expensive repairs: Don't risk thousands of dirhams on repairs that might not even fix the issue.
- Immediate cash: Gain immediate access to funds for your new and safer car.
- No lengthy wait: No more weeks or months waiting on spare parts or an insurance company decision.
- Less stress: Leave behind your stress of dealing with damage and future repairs.
Important Points to Remember
As you consider your options, here are a few last things to think about:
- You should get multiple quotes on repairs from garages you trust.
- Be realistic about the market value of your car after repairs.
- Consider your insurance impact and future running costs.
- If you're going to scrap your car or sell it, use a legitimate buyer.
Don't let your accident-damaged car just sit there—you'll find it is depreciating even further.
Why Choose CarPoint.ae?
Car1.ae has helped 100s of car owners in Dubai and throughout the UAE sell their accident-damaged or unwanted vehicles. We offer:
- Free valuations
- Top cash offers in the market
- Quick process
- Free towing on a non-running car
- Total RTA transfer or deregistration handling
Whether you decide to repair the car or sell it, we will make it easy for you!
Conclusion
Deciding what to do about an accident-damaged car in Dubai might seem multifaceted; if the damage was minor, it might be wise to consider repairing it, but if the damage is substantial, you’re likely dealing with a growing expense, insurance confusion, and underlying risk.
If the financial considerations just don’t make sense, then selling your damaged car to a reputable and professional buyer like Car1.ae is probably the best option. You can stop thinking about repairs (hopefully forever) and walk away with cash to start fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I know if my car is too damaged to repair?
You can compare the cost of the repairs to the market value of your car. If the repairs exceed 50% of its value, then it might make sense to sell.
Q2: Will I get a good price for my damaged car?
At Car1.ae, we pay competitive market prices for cars with accident damage, regardless of their state.
Q3: Do I need to fix my car before selling it for scrap?
No! We will buy your car as-is without any repairs.
Q4: What if my car does not run?
That's ok. We will provide free towing anywhere in Dubai.
Q5: How fast can I sell my damaged car?
Many of our customers can sell their damaged cars and get paid the same day.
