Planning to buy a used car? Looks can be deceiving. While there’s no official data for the Qatar market, for instance, in the U.S., research shows that 4 in 10 used cars have been in an accident. In a fast-growing market like Qatar’s, where thousands of vehicles change hands each month, checking a car’s accident history before buying it is essential.

In Qatar, the second-hand car market is booming, with an average of more than 1,000 ownership transfers every day, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority. More than 600 traffic accidents happen in the country every month. That means the chances of a pre-owned car having some kind of damage are higher than you might expect. Here's why checking the accident history is a step you simply can't afford to skip.

Ensure safety 

You shouldn’t judge a car by its cover. Some vehicles that have been through major accidents may get cosmetic repairs that make them appear new, but still have serious structural or technical issues.

For instance, the chassis’s condition can greatly impact the car’s overall stability and dynamics. And 42% of vehicle crashes can result in brake defect issues, often due to worn systems or faulty repairs that reduce stopping distance. Vehicles with structural damage are more than twice as likely to develop mechanical problems, particularly with suspension, alignment, and steering systems.

Save your money

It’s not uncommon for major damage to be covered up with superficial repairs, leaving the real issues to build up. These concealed problems may only become apparent after the purchase, and by then, the repair bill is yours to handle. Depending on the severity, repairs can cost you from QAR 2,000 to QAR 10,000 for moderate issues. But, if structural damages are involved, costs can easily exceed QAR 20,000, especially for luxury models. 

The history of accidents plays a significant role in determining a vehicle's resale value. Cars involved in multiple accidents will sell for lower prices than those with a clean history. 

Lower the insurance fee

A vehicle’s accident history can greatly affect your ability to get the right kind of car insurance coverage, due to prior damage. If a car has been in a serious accident or has structural problems, you may end up paying more for comprehensive coverage or not even getting it at all. 

Unfortunately, there is no option to get a complete history of accidents online. However, you can still access the report of the latest accident that involved a vehicle through both the Ministry of Interior website and Metrash.

Here's the process on the MOI website:

1. Go to the MOI website and log in.

2. Select Traffic Services and then Traffic Violations and Accidents.

3. Enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number.

4. Click Search to generate the accident report.

The system will show recorded traffic incidents along with their dates and locations. It will also specify the severity level of the accidents (minor or major damage), provide official reports, and list the registered repairs associated with the incident.

To check in Metrash, you need to:

1. Add the car to your profile using its vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number.

2. Go to Traffic and then tap on Accidents.

3. Choose the car you want to check. You'll see an overview of its recent accident history.

Visit the traffic department

You can request the vehicle accident report directly from the General Directorate of Traffic in Madinat Khalifa, Doha. When you go there, make sure to bring:

• The vehicle’s Istimara (registration card). If you need to renew Istimara, we have a full step-by-step process to guide you.

• The chassis number, plate number, or VIN.

• Driver’s license. 

• Your Qatar ID (QID)

You’ll receive a printed record of any registered accidents, including dates, severity, and associated police reports. This is especially useful if the vehicle was registered long ago or you suspect recent damage wasn’t uploaded online.

Hire a private inspection service

Many garages and certified mechanics in Qatar offer complete vehicle inspections. These services typically include:

• Underbody check: Inspectors lift the car to look for hidden damage, rust, or signs of past accidents.

• Engine diagnostics: Mechanics run computer diagnostics and physical checks on the engine, transmission, and key systems to spot faults that aren’t visible during a basic test drive.

• Repair history: Technician’s trained eyes know exactly where to look: replaced parts, signs of repainting or welding marks, and anything that can indicate previous damage. 

These inspections can cost you between QAR 250 and QAR 500 and can go up to QAR 1000 for luxury vehicles. But they are worth every riyal if they help you save thousands in repairs.

You’ve made the wise decision to pull the car’s accident history, and it came out with a list of accidents. Is it a dealbreaker? Should you walk away? How can you even decide? 

This is where reading between the lines can make all the difference. When analyzing the report, the severity, frequency, and points of impact of each accident are key details you should pay attention to to determine a car's condition.

The accident report in Qatar often distinguishes between two types of accidents: minor and major. Minor can be defined as small incidents like dents or scratches. Major damage is usually more severe, like frame issues or airbag deployment, which may negatively impact the safety and long-term reliability of the car.

Don’t just skim the report. Use it as a conversation starter with the seller. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. In case you feel the story doesn’t add up and there are too many unanswered questions, it’s okay to walk away — after all, a car is one of the most expensive investments.