Of late, we could see natural disasters happening more frequently as a result of torrential rains. For instance, on Nov 22, flash floods as high as 0.3 meters to 1.5 meters hit several areas in Ampang, namely Taman Hillview, Kampung Lembah Jaya Utara and Lembah Jaya Selatan.
The flash floods led to the opening of three relief centres to shelter the flood victims.
Besides the flash floods in Ampang, there were 11 incidents of landslides and fallen trees in Cameron Highlands on Nov 22. The incidents happened at about 2 pm due to heavy downpours that lasted for almost two hours, injuring a driver whose car was hit by a fallen tree.
Does car insurance cover damage due to natural disasters?
Natural disasters such as the above can happen without any warning. The victims can lose valuable property, including their vehicle, in a blink of an eye.
For car owners, you should know that standard car insurance does not cover car damage or loss due to floods or other natural disasters. But there is a way to make an insurance claim for a flood-damaged car.
Special perils cover can save your car
If you add special perils cover to your policy, you can make an insurance claim for the damage.
However, in order for you to purchase this additional cover, you will need to have comprehensive insurance. With the special perils cover, you do not have to worry as your insurer will cover the loss or damage to your vehicle.
Note that if you make a claim under the special perils cover, your No Claim Discount (NCD) will return to 0%. Your insurance premium the following year will therefore be higher.
How much do you have to pay for special perils cover?
You do not have to worry as the premium for this cover is not expensive compared to paying for your car repair yourself.
You will usually have to pay an additional 0.5% of the sum insured for your car to enjoy the special perils cover.
However, note that the additional premium varies across insurers.
Is it worth getting special perils cover?
No one can predict what will happen in the future. The recent incidents of natural disasters in Ampang and Cameron Highlands show that anyone is exposed to these risks.
Besides, you only need to purchase the special perils cover once a year when you renew your insurance. The cost is not that expensive if you compare it to the amount you will have to bear to repair your car.
It is best that you prepare yourself by getting this special perils protection. It is worth getting and may be helpful to you someday. As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Renew insurance and get special perils cover
It is mandatory for car owners to have valid car insurance. We recommend you get comprehensive insurance, if eligible, and add the special perils cover to your policy for added protection. Should anything untoward happen, you can claim from your insurance for your flood-damaged car.
If your insurance is expiring, renew your car insurance and road tax online at Bjak. You can choose from 15 leading insurance brands in Malaysia. Start by getting free car insurance quotes at Bjak.my today.
