Own Damage vs Third-Party Claim: Which Should You File?
The right car insurance claim depends on who caused the accident, your insurance coverage and whether you qualify for an Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) claim. If you caused the accident, you may need to claim under your own comprehensive policy. If another driver was at fault, you may be able to claim against their insurer or use OD-KFK through your own insurer.
Before deciding, understand how each claim works and how it may affect your No Claim Discount (NCD).
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Own damage vs third-party claim: what's the difference?
| Claim type | Who handles the claim? | When it may apply | NCD impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own Damage (OD) | Your own insurer | You caused the accident and have comprehensive cover | Generally affects your NCD |
| Third-Party Property Damage (TPPD) | The at-fault driver's insurer | Another driver caused damage to your car | Generally does not affect your NCD |
| Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) | Your own insurer, which seeks recovery from the other insurer | Another insured driver was at fault and you meet OD-KFK requirements | Generally does not affect your NCD if eligible |
The correct claim route depends on the circumstances, policy terms and how liability is assessed. An NCD outcome or claim approval is not guaranteed in every case.
Own Damage (OD) claim
An Own Damage claim covers eligible damage to your car under your comprehensive policy, usually when you caused the accident.
For example, if you accidentally hit a pillar and damage your car, you may claim under your comprehensive policy, subject to its terms and conditions.
Important
A standard OD claim generally affects your NCD. Third-Party Only and Third-Party, Fire and Theft policies generally do not cover accidental damage to your own car.
Before claiming, check your policy excess, any applicable betterment charges and the likely repair cost. You can also read Should You Claim Car Insurance or Pay for the Repair Yourself?
Third-Party Property Damage (TPPD) claim
If another driver caused the accident, you may claim for your car's damage against that driver's insurer. The insurer will assess liability and the supporting evidence before deciding on the claim.
You may need to provide:
- Police report and relevant accident details
- The other driver's and vehicle's information
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Repair estimates and other requested documents
A successful third-party property damage claim generally does not affect your NCD because you are claiming against the responsible driver's insurer, rather than making a standard OD claim under your own policy.
If you have only third-party insurance, claiming against the responsible driver's insurer may be your main route to recover repair costs when another driver is at fault. However, recovery may be more difficult if the driver is uninsured or liability is disputed.
Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) claim
OD-KFK allows an eligible driver who was not at fault to claim through their own insurer. Your insurer can then seek recovery from the at-fault driver's insurer.
This route may be more convenient because you deal with your own insurer, and your NCD generally remains unaffected if the claim qualifies.
However, OD-KFK is subject to eligibility conditions. You generally need comprehensive insurance, and the other driver's fault must be established. OD-KFK may not apply if:
- A third-party bodily injury claim is involved
- A public or government-owned vehicle is involved
- The at-fault vehicle is uninsured
Other restrictions may apply depending on the insurer and circumstances. Confirm your eligibility with your insurer before proceeding.
For more information, read BJAK's guide on How to Make a Car Insurance Claim.
Which claim should you file?
Use this table as a general guide. Your insurer will confirm the appropriate claim route based on the accident and your policy.
| Situation | Possible claim route |
|---|---|
| You caused the accident and have comprehensive cover | Own Damage (OD) |
| Another insured driver was at fault and you have comprehensive cover | OD-KFK, if eligible, or a third-party claim |
| Another driver was at fault and you have third-party-only insurance | Claim against the responsible driver's insurer |
| The at-fault driver has no insurance | Ask your insurer about available options; OD-KFK generally will not apply |
| Fault is disputed | Make the required reports and let the insurers assess liability |
| Your car was damaged in a single-vehicle accident | OD, if your comprehensive policy covers the damage |
What should you do after a car accident?
Follow these steps to protect your safety and support your insurance claim.
Check for injuries and move to safety
Contact emergency services if necessary.
Document the accident
Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and relevant details, where safe.
Exchange information
Record the other driver's details, vehicle registration and insurance information.
Make a police report within 24 hours
This is required under Malaysia's road accident reporting rules.
Notify your insurer as soon as possible
Confirm the correct claim route and workshop requirements before authorising repairs.
Keep all documents
Save reports, repair estimates, receipts and other records requested by your insurer.
For further guidance, visit BJAK's car insurance claim guide.
Frequently asked questions
A standard Own Damage claim under a comprehensive policy generally affects your NCD. An eligible OD-KFK claim is different and generally does not affect your NCD if the relevant conditions are met.
Generally, no. OD-KFK usually requires comprehensive insurance. If another driver caused the accident, you may instead claim against their insurer, subject to liability and the circumstances.
OD-KFK generally will not be available. If you have comprehensive insurance, ask your insurer whether you can claim under your own policy. A standard OD claim may affect your NCD. You may also explore pursuing compensation directly from the responsible driver, depending on the circumstances.
If you have Third-Party Only or Third-Party, Fire and Theft cover, damage to your own car from an accident generally will not be covered under those policies. Check your options before authorising repairs.
You can read more in BJAK's guide on What Happens If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Not necessarily. OD-KFK may be more convenient because you deal with your own insurer, but processing time depends on liability, supporting documents, repair arrangements and the circumstances of the accident.
An eligible OD-KFK claim or a successful third-party property damage claim generally does not affect your NCD. A standard OD claim generally does. Always confirm the applicable claim route and NCD treatment with your insurer.
Compare car insurance options on BJAK
Understanding your claim options can help you make a more informed decision after an accident. Before renewing your policy, compare available coverage and prices to understand what each option offers.