Before you book
Car Inspection FAQs
Find answers about inspection choices, prices, mobile visits, reports and booking. For a question about your own car, send the make, model, year and what you need checked.
Choosing an inspection
Start with what you need to know about the car.
Which inspection should I choose?
Choose pre-purchase inspection when buying a used car, an annual check for routine condition and maintenance planning, or diagnostics for a warning light or specific fault. If you are unsure, describe the car and your concern when you contact us.
What does a general car inspection cover?
The agreed checks can include tyres, accessible braking and suspension components, visible leaks, engine-bay condition, lights, controls and operating behaviour. Scan coverage, lift access and road testing depend on the selected inspection. We confirm the included checks before booking.
Is it the same as an RTA test?
No. Inspector.ae provides private vehicle inspections. An official technical test, registration renewal and authority certificate are separate services. Tell us if your purpose is preparation for an official test so we can discuss the appropriate private checks.
Does an inspection include repairs or dismantling?
An inspection does not automatically include servicing, repairs or major dismantling. If a finding needs a specialist test or component removal, that work must be agreed separately.
Prices and booking
Know what is included before confirming an appointment.
How much does a car inspection cost?
Guide prices are AED 150–300 for basic checks, AED 400–600 for a comprehensive inspection and AED 500–800 for pre-purchase inspection. Mobile inspections are typically AED 300–500. The final quote depends on the vehicle and included work. See our inspection prices for the differences.
Is VAT included?
Ask for the total payable amount, including the VAT treatment and any agreed travel or extra testing charges. The guide ranges are not a fixed all-inclusive price for every vehicle.
What should I send to request a booking?
Start with the make, model, year, location and reason for the inspection. Add your preferred date and mention any warning light, non-running condition or access restriction. You do not need to diagnose the fault yourself.
Is my appointment confirmed after I submit the form?
An online request is an enquiry. The appointment is confirmed after the team agrees the service, price, access and time with you. Use the appointment form or call 050 608 7150.
How long does an inspection take?
The appointment window depends on the checks, vehicle condition and access. Ask for the expected time when booking your specific service, particularly if you are coordinating a seller or planning a purchase handover.
At the vehicle
Prepare the access that the inspection needs.
Can you inspect the car at its location?
A mobile inspection can be arranged at a suitable Dubai location with permission, safe space and access. Some checks need workshop equipment or a lift. Share the exact location before a visit is confirmed.
What should the seller or owner provide?
Provide the keys, permission to inspect and safe access to the car. Agree any diagnostic connection, photographs and road test in advance. Service records and previous reports are helpful when available.
Will the car be road-tested or put on a lift?
Only when those checks are included and the vehicle can be handled safely. A road test also needs permission and suitable road-use conditions. A mobile visit does not automatically provide workshop-style underbody access.
Can you inspect hybrid or electric vehicles?
Send the make, model, year and the checks you need. Support must be confirmed for the vehicle. A general inspection does not automatically include high-voltage dismantling or battery-capacity certification.
Reports and follow-up
Understand the findings and the next useful action.
Will I receive an inspection report?
The report format and included photographs or scan information are confirmed with your service. The findings should identify what was checked, relevant concerns, priorities and unavailable checks. Learn more about the inspection report.
Can an inspection guarantee there are no faults?
No. It records accessible condition at the time of the appointment. Concealed or intermittent faults may remain undetected, and future component life cannot be guaranteed.
Does a fault code identify the part to replace?
A code shows a condition recorded by a control unit. Symptoms, physical checks and suitable tests are needed to identify the cause. Our computer diagnostics service explains the next stage when a scan alone is insufficient.
Can I ask for a finding to be explained?
Yes. Contact us with the report and the specific item. Ask what was observed, how urgent it appears and whether the next step is maintenance, further testing or a repair estimate.
Buying and safety
Give yourself time to act on important findings.
When should I arrange a pre-purchase inspection?
Arrange it before final payment or ownership transfer, with enough time to review the findings. If you plan to pay a deposit first, check the seller’s written terms and agree how any inspection concerns will be handled.
Can you confirm the complete accident history or mileage?
An inspection may reveal repair evidence or inconsistencies, but it cannot guarantee a complete accident or mileage history. Available records, seller information and vehicle findings need to be compared.
Should warning lights be cleared before inspection?
Keep existing warning information available. If codes were cleared, the battery was disconnected or repairs were recently attempted, tell the inspector. Photos or videos of an intermittent warning can also help.
What if the vehicle may be unsafe to drive?
If you have a serious braking or steering problem, severe overheating, smoke or a strong fuel smell, stop safely and arrange appropriate assistance. Tell us about the condition before booking. A routine inspection appointment is not emergency roadside assistance.