How Long Does a Car Insurance Claim Take?
After a car accident, you may need to arrange repairs or find alternative transport while waiting for your insurance claim.
Some straightforward claims may be settled within a few weeks, while more complicated cases can take longer. The timeline depends on the type of claim, supporting documents, insurer assessment and repair requirements.
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How long does a car insurance claim take?
There is no fixed timeline for every claim. The process depends on the type of claim and the checks required.
| Claim type | What can affect the timeline? |
|---|---|
| Own-damage claim | Inspection, repair approval and workshop availability |
| Third-party claim | Police investigation and liability assessment |
| Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) | Eligibility and insurer assessment |
| Theft claim | Police investigation and required documents |
| Total-loss claim | Vehicle valuation and settlement approval |
These are general guides, not guaranteed timelines. Contact your insurer for an estimate based on your case.
What are the steps in a car insurance claim?
Report the accident
Make sure everyone is safe and contact the relevant authorities if needed. In Malaysia, road accidents should generally be reported to the police within 24 hours.
Notify your insurer promptly and follow its instructions to avoid unnecessary delays.
Submit the required documents
Your insurer may request your identity card, driving licence, policy details, vehicle information, photos and a police report where required.
Submit complete and accurate documents as early as possible. If anything is missing, ask your insurer what else is needed.
Arrange a vehicle inspection
Your insurer may appoint an adjuster or ask an approved workshop to inspect the damage before repairs begin.
Inspection times depend on appointment availability, the extent of the damage and whether further assessment is needed.
Wait for claim approval
The insurer reviews your documents, inspection findings and policy terms before deciding whether the claim is covered.
Missing evidence, disputed liability or extensive damage can make the process take longer. Ask your insurer if anything is holding up the decision.
Repair your car or receive a settlement
Once approved, your car may proceed to repairs, or the insurer may begin the settlement process if it is declared a total loss.
Claim approval doesn't mean your car will be ready immediately. Repairs may take longer if the damage is extensive or spare parts are unavailable.
What can delay a car insurance claim?
| Possible delay | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Missing documents | Submit all requested documents |
| Late accident reporting | Notify your insurer promptly |
| Police investigation or disputed liability | Provide accurate details and available evidence |
| Extensive damage | Ask whether further inspection is needed |
| Workshop or spare-parts delays | Request updates from the workshop |
| Unclear policy coverage | Ask your insurer to explain the relevant terms |
You cannot control every part of the process, but keeping documents organised and responding quickly to requests may help prevent avoidable delays.
How can you check your claim status?
Contact your insurer or appointed workshop if you haven't received an update. Keep your claim reference number ready so they can locate your case.
Ask whether your claim is waiting for documents, inspection, approval, repairs or settlement. You should also confirm the next step and its estimated timeline.
Does your insurance type affect the claim process?
Yes. Your policy type determines what you can claim and which process may apply.
| Insurance type | General coverage |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive | Damage to your own car and third-party liability, subject to policy terms |
| Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) | Third-party liability and specified fire or theft risks |
| Third-party only | Liability for injury, death or property damage caused to others |
Comprehensive insurance may cover damage to your own car, depending on the circumstances. Third-party and TPFT policies generally don't cover accidental damage to your own car.
If another driver caused the accident, you may be able to make a third-party claim or, for eligible cases, an OD-KFK claim through your insurer. The process depends on the circumstances and applicable requirements.
Compare car insurance options on BJAK to review the coverage available for your vehicle.
Will a claim affect your NCD?
Your No Claim Discount (NCD) may be affected by an own-damage claim. However, the outcome depends on the type of claim and whether an exception applies.
An eligible OD-KFK claim may preserve your NCD if the relevant conditions are met. Confirm the impact with your insurer and use the BJAK NCD Checker to check your current NCD.
What if your claim is rejected?
Ask your insurer for the rejection reasons in writing and review them against your policy terms and submitted documents.
If you disagree with the decision, ask about the insurer's internal complaint process and available dispute-resolution options. Keep copies of the decision, evidence and correspondence.
Frequently asked questions
There is no fixed number of days. Straightforward claims may take a few weeks, while investigations, disputed liability or total-loss assessments can take longer.
It depends on the completeness of your documents, the insurer's assessment and whether coverage is disputed. Ask your insurer for an estimate for your specific claim.
Repair time depends on the damage, workshop availability and spare-parts supply. Delays can still happen after the claim is approved.
Report the accident promptly, submit complete documents, keep relevant evidence and respond quickly to requests from your insurer or workshop.
Check with your insurer first. It may need to inspect your car or approve the repair estimate before work begins.
Compare car insurance on BJAK
Understanding your policy can help you prepare for the claims process if an accident happens. Compare coverage, excess, exclusions and other policy terms instead of choosing based on price alone. Compare car insurance on BJAK to review available options and find coverage that suits your needs.