People involved in car accidents in Qatar can now save themselves a trip to the police station and head straight to their insurance company to register the incident, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has announced.

As part of a new service, the Traffic Department has opened five investigation offices inside major insurance companies to make it easier to complete all accident-related procedures in one place.

The MOI did not name which companies these are, but Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) is among those who have discussed a tie-up with the traffic department.

Saving time

Previously, motorists had to wait for police to arrive on the scene of an accident or go to the Traffic Department to file a police report before going to their insurance companies.

Now, they can go straight there, log the accident with investigations, and then speak to insurance company staff about vehicle repairs, the MOI said in a statement.

“The parties are no more required to go to traffic investigation sections at different areas of the country.”

It remains unclear what happens if a driver is not insured.

The MOI added that investigators will register the accident electronically, with those on the scene taking photos and sending their reports directly to insurance companies via tablets.

Traffic accident victims will also be texted a copy of the report, and can also print their cases out from the MOI’s website or via the Metrash2 mobile app.

Last year, the MOI said it was working on setting up an electronic link with insurance companies to save motorists a trip to the police department, but hadn’t said when the system would be in place.

The same month, it reminded motorists in Qatar that accident reports must be filed within 48 hours, or they risk a QR1,000 fine.

Thoughts?