Planning a long-distance road trip in Malaysia? Whether you are driving home for a holiday, travelling interstate or making a long commute, it is worth checking your car insurance before you leave.
A few minutes of preparation can save you time and stress if your car breaks down or you are involved in an accident.
Use this simple car insurance checklist before long-distance travel to make sure your policy, roadside assistance and important documents are ready.
Why Check Your Car Insurance Before Travelling?
Before a long trip, check that your car insurance is still active and that you understand what your policy covers.
This is important because:
- Your insurance needs to be valid when you are driving.
- You should know what to do if an accident happens.
- You can check whether roadside assistance or towing is available.
- You can review any add-ons that may be useful for your trip.
Bank Negara Malaysia recommends checking important details such as your sum insured, NCD, excess, approved repairers and policy terms. (BNM Motor Insurance & Takaful)
What Type of Car Insurance Do You Have?
Before travelling, check your current policy and understand the level of protection you have.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive insurance provides the widest standard protection. It can cover damage to your own car caused by an accident, fire or theft, as well as certain third-party liabilities. (BNM Motor Insurance & Takaful)
It may be suitable if you want protection for your own vehicle during a long-distance trip.
You can learn more about comprehensive car insurance in Malaysia.
Third-Party Car Insurance
Third-party insurance mainly covers your liability for injury, death or property damage caused to other people.
It does not cover accidental damage to your own car.
If you are using third-party insurance, make sure you understand this limitation before starting a long journey. (BNM Motor Insurance & Takaful)
Read more about third-party car insurance.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
Check whether your insurance plan includes roadside assistance and what services are available.
Depending on the insurer or plan, roadside assistance may include services such as:
- Battery jump-start
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Tyre assistance
- Breakdown assistance
- Towing
The towing distance and number of uses can vary between policies, so check your policy terms before travelling.
If you purchase eligible comprehensive insurance through BJAK, VIP Rescue is available as a separate add-on. It provides unlimited towing distance with one towing request per year, subject to its terms and coverage area. (BJAK VIP Rescue)
Car Insurance Checklist Before a Long Trip
1. Check Your Insurance Expiry Date
First, make sure your car insurance is still active for the entire period of your trip.
Check your policy or e-cover note for the policy start and expiry dates.
If your insurance is about to expire, renew it before travelling.
You can compare and renew car insurance online with BJAK.
2. Check Your Roadtax Status
Your car also needs a valid Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM), commonly called roadtax.
For eligible vehicles, you can check your digital LKM through the MyJPJ app.
If you are travelling soon, check the expiry date before leaving so you do not discover an expired roadtax halfway through your trip.
You can also read our guide on how to check your roadtax on MyJPJ.
3. Check Your Coverage
Do not assume that every car insurance policy covers every type of damage.
For example, flood and other natural disasters may require additional coverage. Windscreen protection is also usually a separate add-on.
If you are travelling during the monsoon season or through areas that may experience flooding, check whether your policy includes the protection you need. (BNM Motor Insurance & Takaful)
You can also read more about special perils and flood coverage.
4. Check Your Roadside Assistance
Save your insurer’s emergency hotline before starting your trip.
Also check:
- Is towing included?
- What is the towing distance limit?
- How many times can you use the service?
- Is roadside assistance available 24/7?
- Does the service cover your travel area?
Having this information ready is much easier than searching for help after your car breaks down.
5. Know What to Do After an Accident
If an accident happens, stay calm and prioritise everyone’s safety.
Depending on the situation:
- Move to a safe location if it is possible to do so safely.
- Contact the relevant emergency services if anyone is injured.
- Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage when it is safe.
- Exchange the necessary information with the other driver.
- Contact your insurer or the approved assistance channel.
- Follow your insurer’s claims procedure.
Do not admit liability or agree to repair arrangements without understanding the claims process.
For more information, see our guide on how to make a car insurance claim.
6. Prepare Your Important Documents
Before leaving, make sure you can access the documents and information you may need.
Keep these available:
- Driving licence
- MyJPJ details and digital LKM
- Insurance policy or e-cover note
- Vehicle registration information
- Insurer’s emergency or claims hotline
- Breakdown or roadside assistance contact details
You do not necessarily need to carry every document as a physical copy. Make sure you can access the relevant digital information when needed.
Check Your Car Before a Long Journey
Insurance is important, but your car should also be road-ready.
Before driving long distance, check:
- Tyres – check pressure, tread and visible damage.
- Brakes – make sure there are no unusual noises or braking problems.
- Engine oil – check the level and condition.
- Coolant – make sure the level is sufficient.
- Battery – look for warning signs or corrosion around the terminals.
- Lights – check headlights, brake lights and indicators.
- Fuel – fill up before entering areas with fewer petrol stations.
- Windscreen wipers – make sure they work properly and provide clear visibility.
If your car has recently shown a warning light or developed an unusual noise, get it checked before starting a long trip.
A little preparation can make your journey safer and more comfortable.
- Keep your phone fully charged and bring a power bank.
- Save your insurer’s emergency number.
- Plan your fuel stops.
- Take regular breaks during long drives.
- Avoid driving when you are very tired.
- Keep drinking water in the car.
- Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving.
- If travelling with children, prepare suitable food, water and essentials.
Should You Upgrade Your Car Insurance Before a Road Trip?
Not necessarily.
The right coverage depends on your vehicle, policy and personal needs. However, a long-distance trip is a good opportunity to review your existing policy.
For example, you may want to check whether you need:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Windscreen protection
- Special perils or flood coverage
- Better roadside assistance
- Towing protection
- Other relevant add-ons
Add-ons and roadside benefits vary between insurers, so always check the actual policy terms before purchasing.
Ready for Your Next Road Trip?
Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to check your car insurance, roadtax, roadside assistance and vehicle condition.
Having the right information ready can make it much easier to deal with an accident or breakdown during your journey.
Nabil Farhan· · 6 min read
