As drivers, it’s our responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe by practising good driving habits. But let’s face it, accidents can still happen even to the most vigilant drivers out there. So, what do you do when you find yourself in a situation where you need to make an insurance claim?
Fear not! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of car insurance claims in Malaysia, covering everything from the different types of claims to the step-by-step process of making one. So, buckle up and get ready to learn how to claim car insurance in Malaysia!
Types of Car Insurance Claims
Own Damage Claim
An Own Damage claim is made when your car is damaged due to an accident or a natural disaster. This type of claim provides the highest level of protection under Comprehensive Car Insurance. If the Own Damage claim deems the car a total loss, the insurance company will pay for the cost of repairs or the market value of the car. The insurance company will cover repair or replacement costs, but filing an own damage claim will result in losing No Claims Discount (NCD).
Own Damage Knock-for-Knock Claim
An Own Damage Knock-for-Knock claim is made when two or more cars belonging to different insurance companies are involved in an accident. In this type of claim, each insurance company will pay for the damages to their respective policyholder’s vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. Note that policyholders who own comprehensive insurance can make an Own Damage Knock-for-Knock claim. Additionally, this claim will not affect the No Claims Discount (NCD).
Third-Party Claim
A Third-Party claim is made when your car is involved in an accident that damages another person’s property or causes injury to another person. In a Third-Party claim, the insurance company will pay for the cost of repairs or the market value of the other person’s vehicle, as well as any medical expenses or compensation for injury or make a Third-Party claim against the third party’s insurance for causing the accident. Also, The Motor Vehicle Insurance Act in Malaysia requires drivers to have Third Party Car Insurance policies.
Car Insurance Claims Process
Notify Your Insurance Company
The first step in making a car insurance claim is to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. You can do this by calling the company’s hotline or visiting their office in person. You will need to provide your policy number and details of the accident.
Provide Supporting Documents
To support your claim, you will need to provide documents such as a police report, photos of the accident, and receipts for repairs or medical expenses.
Wait for Assessment
The insurance company will assess the damages and determine the amount of compensation you’re entitled to after you submit your claim. This may involve sending an adjuster to inspect the damage to your car.
Receive Compensation
Your insurance company will compensate you if they approve your claim. This may come in the form of a cheque or a direct transfer to your bank account.
Insurance Claim for a Minor Car Accident
Yes, you can make an insurance claim for a minor car accident. However, it’s important to consider the cost of repairs and your excess before making a claim. If the cost of repairs is less than your excess, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket. Please keep in mind that making an insurance claim for minor accidents may impact your No Claims Discount (NCD).
Accident with an Uninsured Vehicle
Report the accident to the police within 24 hours and inform your car insurance company as soon as possible if an uninsured vehicle is involved in an accident with you. Your insurance company may be able to recover the costs of repairs or compensation from the other driver. However, if the other driver is unable to pay, you may need to claim from your own insurance policy.
As a responsible driver, your priority is not only your safety but also the safety of other road users. So, make sure you have active car insurance because accidents can happen to anyone. But if you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you need to make a claim, don’t worry! Just stay calm, follow the right steps, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
And if you’re looking for a hassle-free and exclusive car insurance experience, head over to Bjak at https://bjak.my/ to enjoy exclusive discounts and attractive prices.
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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