Introduction
Many Malaysian drivers wonder: Do I need to renew my car insurance and roadtax together, or can it be done separately? The short answer: you can renew roadtax and insurance separately, but there are conditions set by JPJ that you must follow.
Roadtax vs Insurance: What’s the Difference?
| Aspect | Car Insurance | Roadtax |
| Purpose | Provides coverage for accidents, loss & third-party claims | Official license to legally drive your vehicle |
| Validity | Usually 12 months | 6 or 12 months |
| Key Requirement | Must be active before roadtax renewal | Can only be renewed with valid insurance |
| Renewal Platforms | Insurance companies / online (Bjak, MyEG) | JPJ/MyJPJ, Pos Malaysia, MyEG |
Can You Renew Roadtax Without Insurance?
- Not directly: JPJ requires active insurance before roadtax renewal.
- But you can renew separately: This means you can renew your insurance first, then roadtax at a later date.
- Example: Renew insurance today → renew roadtax one week later.
Important Note: Roadtax must be renewed within 14 days of your insurance cover note becoming active. If more than 14 days pass, you won’t be able to renew for a full year because your insurance policy will no longer cover a full 12-month period.
Common Situations in Malaysia
- Renewing insurance via Bjak, but choosing to renew roadtax at JPJ for lower fees.
- Drivers in Sabah & Sarawak → usually buy insurance online (Bjak) and handle roadtax directly at JPJ.
- Some drivers opt for digital roadtax in MyJPJ (no extra fees).
Pros of Renewing Separately
- Flexibility – pay for insurance first, roadtax later.
- Cost savings – avoid delivery charges for physical roadtax.
- Better budget control – especially for 12-month renewals.
Cons of Renewing Separately
- Different expiry dates – harder to track.
- Risk of forgetting – late roadtax renewal may lead to fines.
- Repetitive process – two separate transactions.
How to Manage Roadtax & Insurance Easily
- Renew insurance first – compare prices online (e.g., Bjak).
- Ensure your policy is active.
- Choose how to renew roadtax:
- JPJ/MyJPJ → free for digital roadtax.
- Pos Malaysia → nearby counter service.
- MyEG / Bjak → renew both online if preferred.
- JPJ/MyJPJ → free for digital roadtax.
Conclusion
Although you are not required to renew roadtax along with your policy, you will still need to renew it within 14 days of your policy being active. If the period has lapsed you will be unable to renew your roadtax for the 1 year period and only 6 months unless you request an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I renew roadtax without insurance?
No. Roadtax can only be renewed after your insurance is active.
2. Can I renew insurance first and roadtax later?
Yes. Insurance can be renewed first, and roadtax at a separate date.
3. What happens if I don’t renew roadtax within 14 days of insurance activation?
You won’t be able to renew for a full year, as your insurance coverage will not match the required period.
4. What’s the easiest platform to renew roadtax?
You can use JPJ/MyJPJ, Pos Malaysia, MyEG, or Bjak depending on your needs.
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