A car and a motorcycle collide. Most people assume the car driver must be the one at fault, because the car is bigger. That is not how it works. After an accident, responsibility depends on what happened, what the police find and what evidence exists, not on the size of the vehicle.
So if a motorcycle hits your car, can you claim? Yes, in most cases. If the rider is found responsible, you can claim for your car repairs from the rider’s insurer through a Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) claim. If you have a comprehensive policy, you may also be able to claim through your own insurer under Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK). This guide explains both routes, what to do at the scene and what happens if the rider has no insurance.
Who Is at Fault When a Motorcycle Hits a Car?
Fault is decided case by case. A motorcycle can be in the wrong, and so can a car. Two simple examples show the difference:
Rider at fault: a motorcycle runs into the back of your car while you are driving normally or have stopped. If the investigation shows the rider did not keep a safe distance, the rider may be held responsible.
Driver at fault: you change lane suddenly, turn illegally or drive carelessly, and a motorcycle cannot avoid you. In that case, responsibility may fall on you.
This is why your first reaction at the scene matters. Do not admit fault on the spot, and do not agree on a private settlement without keeping any record of the accident.
Can You Claim From the Motorcycle’s Insurer?
Yes, but you need enough evidence to show the rider was responsible. According to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), if you are not at fault, you can submit your claim directly to the insurer or takaful operator of the party at fault. This is called a Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) claim. You can read BNM’s explanation on its motor insurance and takaful FAQ.
Whether the insurer pays, and how much, still depends on its investigation, the police findings, the repair assessment and the policy terms. A TPPD claim also needs the rider to have valid insurance cover.
Two Ways to Claim When You Are Not at Fault
TPPD claim
OD-KFK claim
Who you claim from
The at-fault rider’s insurer
Your own insurer
Policy you need
None of your own for this claim. The rider must be insured
A comprehensive policy
Main requirement
Proof that the rider was responsible
The accident meets your insurer’s OD-KFK conditions
Effect on your NCD
You are claiming against the other party’s policy
Not affected, according to BNM
BNM lists three conditions for OD-KFK: you must hold a comprehensive policy, you must not be involved in a third-party bodily injury claim, and the claim must not involve a public or government-owned vehicle. If any of these does not apply, your insurer will tell you which route to take. For a broader comparison, see our guide on own damage vs third party claims.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Hits Your Car
1. Collect evidence at the scene
When it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of:
Both vehicles and the damaged areas
Both number plates
The accident scene and road conditions
Your dashcam footage, if you have one
If a CCTV camera is nearby, ask whether the footage can be obtained.
2. Make a police report
Report the accident to the police as soon as possible and keep a copy. The police findings carry weight because insurers use accident information to decide who is responsible.
3. Inform your own insurer
Notify your insurer promptly, even if you plan to claim from the rider’s insurer. It can tell you which claim route to use and which documents to prepare.
4. Send your car for assessment
Take the car to the workshop your insurer asks you to use. The workshop or the claims adjuster will assess the damage and the repair cost.
5. Prepare your claim documents
The exact list depends on the insurer and the accident. It commonly includes:
Without valid insurance on the motorcycle, you generally cannot make a TPPD claim, because there is no insurer to pay for the damage.
If you have a comprehensive policy, ask your insurer whether the accident qualifies for OD-KFK. When the conditions are met, BNM says your NCD is not affected. Not every accident qualifies, so confirm with your insurer first.
If you do not have comprehensive cover and the rider is uninsured, you may have to pursue the rider for the loss through other legal means.
Can You Settle Privately Without a Police Report?
It is not advisable. Even a small accident can lead to disputes over repair costs, insurance claims or who was responsible. If you still choose to settle privately, check your insurer’s requirements first and inform it quickly. If fault is disputed, keep all the evidence and make a police report. A verbal promise is not enough.
Key Points to Remember
Size does not decide fault. A car driver is not automatically the one responsible.
Evidence matters. Photos, dashcam footage and the police report can shape the outcome.
Do not admit fault too early. Wait until the facts are established.
Tell your insurer quickly. Do this even if you will claim from the other side.
Know the difference between TPPD and OD-KFK. Ask which one applies to your accident.
Conclusion
Being hit by a motorcycle does not mean you are the one who must pay. If the rider is found responsible and has valid insurance, you can claim your repair costs through TPPD. If you hold a comprehensive policy, ask your insurer about OD-KFK as well. Whichever route you take, keep your evidence, make a police report and inform your insurer without delay.
If your car or motorcycle insurance is due for renewal, you can compare plans from multiple insurers and takaful operators on BJAK, and choose an instalment or BNPL option where eligible. Compare car insurance on BJAK.
Is the car driver always at fault when a motorcycle hits the car?
No. Fault depends on how the accident happened, the police findings and the evidence, not on vehicle size. If the rider failed to keep a safe distance or broke traffic rules, the rider can be held responsible.
Can I claim from the motorcycle's insurer if my car is damaged?
Yes, if the rider is found responsible and the motorcycle has valid insurance. BNM says you can submit the claim directly to the insurer or takaful operator of the party at fault. This is a Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) claim.
What is OD-KFK and does it affect my NCD?
Own Damage Knock-for-Knock lets you claim for your car repairs from your own insurer when you are not at fault. BNM states that your NCD is not affected. You need a comprehensive policy, no third-party bodily injury claim and no public or government-owned vehicle involved.
What if the rider has no insurance?
You generally cannot make a TPPD claim without an insurer to claim from. With a comprehensive policy, ask your insurer if OD-KFK applies. Otherwise, you may have to seek recovery from the rider through other legal means.
Should I still make a police report for a minor accident?
Yes. A police report and its findings help your insurer decide who is responsible, and they protect you if the other party later disputes the facts.
Can I settle privately with the rider and skip the claim?
It is not recommended. Repair costs and responsibility can become disputed later. Check your insurer’s requirements and inform it promptly, and keep a full record of the accident.
Nabil Farhan· · 5 min read
