Use new app to report minor accidents, save Dh50 on report

Sharjah - The cost of assessing a minor accident is Dh400 per person, when a police patrol is called to the site.

Now, you don't have to wait for the police patrol to arrive at the site to investigate a minor accident you are involved in. Just download the free Rafid app, send a picture of the accident and leave the rest to the traffic experts. They will check all the details and email you a police report or SMS the same in less than 15 minutes. You will be able to present this to the insurance company without any hassle.
What's more, by using this app, you not just save time, but also money - you pay only Dh350 (instead of Dh400) for the accident assessment.
Rafid - the new service provider that will respond to accidents - will be effective from Tuesday. It will replace the Saaed service.
During the one-month trial period, 50 patrols and 120 traffic experts will be tasked with Rafid's efficient functioning.
The cost of assessing a minor accident is Dh400 per person, when a police patrol is called to the site. However, the Rafid app will help it bring down to Dh350. You can report accidents to Rafid on 80072343 or 901.
Salim Al Midffa, director-general of Rafid, said the free app - which is currently available in all stores for download by residents of Sharjah - aims to make reporting of minor road accidents easier and more convenient for motorists in Sharjah.
He explained the 'Rafid Accident Response Service' app facilitates quick response to minor traffic accidents by advising motorists to first find a safe spot to pull over on the side of the road. The app then asks users to enter the necessary accident information, including driver licence information for each motorist involved, vehicle registration numbers and photos of the damage sustained by each vehicle. Users may opt to have a nearby Rafid officer assist, if necessary.
The app also allows users to select from several easy payment options, after which a final accident report is sent to motorists by email or SMS. The app also has a step-by-step guide in Arabic, English, and Urdu.
Rafid Automotive Solutions, a project by Sharjah Asset Management which is the investment arm of Sharjah Government, on Monday announced the launch of 'Rafid app' in collaboration with the Sharjah Police. The launch took place in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Asset Management.
Al Qasimi said: "The smartphone app initiative is in line with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to transform Sharjah into a technologically innovative city, with the best and most advanced technology within its services. We have worked very hard to make sure our application is easy and simple to use."
Colonel Dr Ahmad Saeed Al Naour, deputy director-general of Sharjah Police, said: "We are excited to offer Sharjah residents with a viable replacement to Saeed. Rafid is an innovative solution that provides the ease in reporting minor road accidents. Motorists no longer have to wait for the police patrol to arrive at the accident site to investigate and issue a police report, which can be time-consuming and an unnecessary use of police resources. Rafid is a cost-saving solution that cuts down on overhead, which means we can provide much-needed upgrades and services for the citizens of Sharjah. Rafid will work wonders in terms of investigating and reporting accidents, and assure an expedient response to emergencies."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com  
 

• Sharjah