minor accident - reported 20 days later
Dear All,
I am new to Qatar. I got a rental car and few days later a car bumped into mine on a roundabout, it left very minor scratches.
Cutting story short, 20 days later we approached the traffic department, the officer examined both the cars and gave a me a slip in Arabic, the slip was in my favour. We then went to the investigation counter, the guy at the counter looked at the slip and asked when the accident happened, we told him 20 days ago. The guy got furious and started saying things in Arabic, listening to him the other guy walked out, I followed him and he told me that the accidents need to be reported in 2 days otherwise we won't get a report.
Can you please let me know what are my options here, I do not wish to pay QAR 1,000 to the rental company as I don't have a report, also it wasn't my fault and on top of all this the scratches are very minor.
Your help is much appreciated.
Regards
It is very minor, do not worry at all.
If you do not register the accident within 2 days, there is a fine of 100 QAR i believe. Speak with the other guy who was in accident with you and tell him to speak with the police guy again and suggest appropriate fine for reporting late.
Work it out between both of you about late report fine money.
Secondly, if its a minor scratch, rental companies sometimes let it go depending upon the work needed for repairs. 1000 QAR is too much if your rental company is asking for it. Usually, companies charge 500 QAR for scratches.
See what works for you best.
20 days seems far too long. Accidents need to be reported straight away or how will the police investigate?
I don't recommend you lie to the police as this could get you in a lot of trouble. Your only other option is to hope that the rental company don't notice the damage.
Suggest you meet the Captain at the Traffic Police office and explain to him the whole thing. They are very cooperative, understanding and helpful people. Since the damage is very minor he may let you have a Police Report after inspecting your car. This would enable you get the car repaired.