A vehicle insurance renewal may seem simple to many people. But when it is not done correctly, it can cause unexpected problems that may lead to financial losses. Most Malaysian car owners are used to renewing their car policies through an agent who handles everything.
This saves a lot of time and the hassle of renewing policies ourselves. Even then, people are bound to make some mistakes in one way or another that could otherwise help them save money. In this article, we will look at four common mistakes most Malaysians make when renewing their car insurance policy. If you are doing this, avoid them in the future.
Not comparing policies
Did you know that one of the most efficient ways to get the best insurance at a low price is to compare different policies? Though it may sound insignificant, comparing policies from other insurers is not what many of us are used to doing.
Since we typically approach agents for the job, we may miss out on exclusive deals and customisable plans that may suit our needs better. The general rule of thumb is to compare more than 5 insurance brands simultaneously. Doing so allows you to:
- Evaluate benefits and protection offered by the insurance company
- Compare the sum insured with the premium offered
- Identify the price points of additional protection, such as special perils and windscreen
- Get a plan that fits your budget
Insurance comparison doesn’t have to be a tedious process. You can do it easily using platforms like Bjak, which offers policies from 18 insurance brands and savings of up to RM500!
Renewing the same policy yearly
Many vehicle owners are comfortable renewing the same auto insurance every year. People do it for various reasons, such as personal preference, an agent’s recommendation, or wanting to save money. However, this is not ideal because there’s a high possibility that you may get the same coverage or better from another provider for a lower price.
Often, people who stick to the same brand or policy yearly aren’t familiar with comparing policies or rely too much on insurance agents. So, consider changing your policy now and then by weighing the pros and cons. Sometimes, switching to another policy or brand can give you benefits like first-time customer deals or free coverage options that you won’t get if you stick to the same brand every year.
Getting too many add-ons
While it’s true that the more protection you have, the better and safer it is for you and your passengers, this may not be so practical given the amount of money you need to spend. Remember that insurance companies typically only cover specific incidents for the basic premium.
Any additional coverage not included in your policy must be purchased by paying an additional premium. Put simply; more coverage equals more money. Hence, you don’t need to subscribe to every add-on coverage the insurer can offer for your vehicle.
Only take what you need. When selecting add-on coverage, consider your situation and your car’s immediate needs. For example, flood coverage is highly recommended if you live in a flood-prone area. Likewise, if your vehicle is older than 5 years, consider adding a betterment waiver to your insurance plan to avoid those charges.
Providing inaccurate information
In any case, make sure you provide accurate information upon renewing your policy. Giving inaccurate details, such as the wrong address or contact information, is not encouraged. Also, do not cheat in any way just because you want to get cheap insurance.
In most cases, these actions can exacerbate the claims process later on. It may also result in the claim application being rejected without the option to dispute. So, always provide accurate information and update your details to your provider if you move to a new address or change your contact number.
Vehicle insurance mistakes
A car insurance policy is a legal requirement for vehicle owners in Malaysia. Therefore, avoiding mistakes when renewing them is imperative to save the hassle of unwanted problems or potential financial losses.
If you are a car owner making one or more of these mistakes, be sure to stop doing it in the future and educate your friends and family about it too.
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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