It is normal to be sometimes confused by some of the terms regarding car insurance, especially as a first-timer. However, for your own convenience, you should try to understand how car insurance works. To help you, we share in this article a rundown of the frequently asked questions regarding car insurance. Read on to know more about car insurance, explained in this easy guide.
What are the differences between car insurance and personal accident insurance?
Car insurance is a compulsory cover that all vehicle owners must purchase. Basically, car insurance protects you against the losses or damages of your vehicle or the third party’s vehicle due to accidents, fire, or theft, depending on the policy selected.
On the other hand, personal accident insurance is not a compulsory cover. This additional cover compensates you in the event of injury, disability or death due to car accidents. This cover only compensates the policyholders and not the third parties involved in the car accidents.
For your information, without the additional personal accident cover, your car insurance will not compensate you in the event of your death or disability due to car accidents. However, your car insurance will compensate the third party in the event of death or injury to the third party due to an accident that you cause. The compensation amount to the third party is subject to your insurance company.
Typically, you will need to pay an additional amount to get personal accident cover. However, some insurers and takaful operators such as Takaful Malaysia and Liberty Insurance provide personal accident cover for free.
Takaful Malaysia provides free personal accident coverage of RM15,000. This is for each driver and passenger in the event of accidental death or permanent disability.
Meanwhile, Liberty Insurance provides free personal accident coverage of up to RM10,000. However, this is only for the policyholder. This complimentary coverage is applicable for death or permanent disability within 180 days after an accident that involves the named vehicle.
Do you have to renew car insurance if you seldom use your car?
As a car owner, you still have to renew your car insurance as it is compulsory by law. Furthermore, you must have valid insurance and roadtax to legally drive on public roads. This is as stipulated under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Moreover, your failure to renew your insurance will affect your No Claim Discount (NCD) rate for every year that you skip the renewal. As a result, your insurance premium will be more expensive when you finally renew your insurance.
Not renewing your car insurance will also be burdensome. This is as you have to send your car to Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (PUSPAKOM), a computerized vehicle inspection for vehicle inspection if your policy expiry date has exceeded 3 years. The inspection includes a thorough check on your car’s condition such as car brakes and signal lights. You can only renew your insurance and roadtax if your vehicle passes the inspection.
Other than that, keep in mind that it is important to always have your motor insurance active should anything untoward happen to your car. Note that you can only claim on your insurance due to car theft or accident if you have valid insurance. Otherwise, your insurance claim will be rejected.
Can you renew car insurance for cars above 15 years?
Yes, you can still renew car insurance for a 15-year-old car. However, take note that not all insurance companies offer comprehensive insurance for cars that are above 15 years old.
Most insurers would recommend third party, fire, and theft insurance for cars above 15 years old to ensure protection for old vehicles.
Why are 15-year-old vehicles unable to get comprehensive coverage policy?
Most insurance providers do not provide comprehensive coverage for old vehicles especially if they are no longer under a hire-purchase agreement. This is because old vehicles pose a higher risk and tend to run into accidents compared to vehicles that are below 10 years.
Nevertheless, insurers normally recommend third party, fire, and theft insurance for cars above 15 years old.
Can old vehicles make insurance claims?
Yes, you are eligible to make a car insurance claim even if your car is old, as long as your policy is still valid.
However, if you own third party, fire and theft policy, you will not be able to claim on your policy for damages due to an accident where you are at fault. This is because the policy does not provide coverage to the first party (you). Hence, you will need to use your money for the repair costs.
For third party, fire and theft insurance, the claim is only eligible for the third party (in an accident caused by you) or if your vehicle is stolen or on fire accidentally.
Can you cancel car insurance policy before its expiry date?
Yes, you may cancel your insurance policy at any time by providing written notice to your insurer so long as you have not activated your roadtax.
However, if you have already renewed your roadtax, you must first go to a JPJ branch to cancel your roadtax. After your roadtax cancellation, you can proceed with insurance cancellation.
Note that a majority of insurance companies set a period of 7 days for cancellation. In order to cancel your insurance, you have to provide your original insurance certificate or get a statutory declaration if you have lost or damaged the certificate. After the cancellation approval, you are eligible to receive a refund of the premium based on the short-term rate set. Note that the amount varies across insurance companies.
Remember to always consider carefully what you need before choosing a policy to avoid any insurance cancellation in the future.
Can you cancel insurance after renewing roadtax?
As mentioned, you can only cancel your insurance if you have not activated your roadtax. But if you have already renewed your roadtax, you have to go to a JPJ branch first before proceeding with cancelling your insurance policy.
Why do insurance rates vary across insurers?
Several factors cause the premium rates for cars to vary from one another. They include the car model, manufacturing year, NCD rate and engine capacity.
There are also a few other contributing factors to consider following the liberalisation of motor insurance tariffs. These factors include location, driving records, age, occupation and vehicle usage.
You may also read our past article to understand the factors that determine car insurance premiums and how car insurance is calculated.
Does insurance rate increase every year?
One of the main factors that determine auto insurance premiums is the current market value of your car. Basically, the older your car gets, the lower the market value of your car gets. This will therefore reduce your insurance premium for years to come.
However, your insurance premium will increase should you make a claim on your insurance as this will affect your NCD. This is because your NCD will return to zero after you make a claim. This will therefore cause your premium to soar during the next insurance renewal.
Do we need to renew insurance during the MCO?
Yes, you must renew your insurance even during the MCO. The flexibility given by JPJ is only for roadtax renewal exemption until 31 December 2021. Hence, you still have to renew your car insurance and provide the e-cover note to the authority if required.
Compare before you buy car insurance
We hope that our basic guide helps clear any confusion you may have regarding car insurance.
As a vehicle owner and road user, it is important that you are aware of the important matters pertaining to insurance and roadtax. For more car insurance info and tips, you may read our comprehensive guide on car insurance in Malaysia. You may also compare up to 15 insurers for free at Bjak. Start by getting your free car insurance quotes online at Bjak.my and secure cheap car insurance that well meets your needs.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Get your free insurance quote from Bjak today!
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