Istimara Assistance
By Mr Weetabix •
I hear that there are people who can take your car through the Istimara process (take the car for the mechanical inspection, then deal with the paperwork). Any recommendations? How much does the service cost (above the normal cost of remnewing the Istimara)?
Hi Weetabix, I had the technical inspection for the car done two times through a guy named Mr. Minto, his mobile is 55426970. He usually sends a driver to collect your car at an agreed day, time and place (both times they were super on time, very unlike Qatar) who will take the car through the inspection with Police papers and all, and who then returns it a couple hours later. Both times I asked them to collect my car at work which was no problem at all so you just go to work as usual whilst your car is undergoing the inspection :-) easy as that. Expect to pay around 400 QAR or something like that though, I forgot the exact amount. Hope this helps! Best regards Tina
Also, there is a guy advertising to be doing this service here on Qatarliving, however cannot comment on the reliability:
70038438 WE ARE DOING ISTIMARA FOR ALL KIND OF LOCAL VICHELES, OUR SERVICES ARE INSPECTION ,INSURANCE,AND ROAD PERMIT...OUR SERVICE CHARGES ARE AFFORDABLE..THANKS..CONTACT HERE..70038438 (Automotive Services) ...Read more: http://www.qatarliving.com/search/apachesolr_search/technical%20inspection%20istimara?solrsort=created%20desc#ixzz1X5lXbSNO
I don't doubt that it is "quick" (by Doha standards) and easy... I just can't afford to take the time off work. I'd rather pay someone else to sit in line and deal with the admin.The cars in question are an '07 Mitsi Nativa and an '06 Volvo XC90.So, any suggestions?
Hello Mr Weetabix!
There are 2 places in Doha that i know of where you can get your car tested:
1. Industrial Area
2. Abou Hamour
If you go to the Industrial Area, you will find many 'agents' there who will be willing to take your car from you and go through the process. That of course means you have to go there first, and then find a taxi back to where ever it is you need to go back to. These 'agents' are not regulated, but they are honest and will deliver yor car back to you. With regard to their fees, when i went the agent i used asked for QR500, i ened up paying him QR50 becos all he did was take me through the process as it was my first time there (if you leave the car with them then expect to pay at least QR100, and a bit more to include taxi fee if they deliver the car to you home/office afterwards).
If you go to Abou Hamour, then you will go through the process yourself - if you go first thing int he morning it might be quick... when i have been there in the past i always went around 3pm and managed to get through in about 30 mins.... the cost of testing is Qr75 and you must pay CASH.
In either case, after receiving the test certificate you then need to go to a Traffic Department for issuance of a new Istimara. You will also need to take an Insurance Certificate with you.
If you go to the Abou Hamour test centre, the Abou Hamour Traffic department is just down the road. When you get there, there are insurance agents there who will issue you any type of uinsurance you want 'on the spot'. Then you just go inside to renew the Istimara.
I hope that has given you enough to go on.
There are agents who will collect your car from you at your convenience, but i don't have any numbers so i can't make a recommendation.
Good luck!
The process is quick and easy enough that you can do it yourself. Just go early in the morning before the queue builds up!