What if my current insurance expires while my order is still processing?
If your old policy has ended and the new one has not been issued, your car is not insured, so do not drive it. Payment alone does not start cover. Your new cover starts only on the effective date shown in the policy or cover note from the insurer or takaful operator.
- Driving uninsured is an offence. The Road Transport Act 1987 requires valid third-party cover to use a car on the road.
- Roadtax waits for insurance. Roadtax can only be renewed once your new insurance is active.
- No official grace period. Cover ends when your policy expires, even if your order is in progress.
- Your NCD is at risk. A long gap between policies can affect your No Claim Discount.
Where you stand right now
| Your situation | Can you drive? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Old policy still valid, new order processing | Yes, under your old policy until it expires | Reply to any BJAK request quickly |
| Old policy expired, new cover not issued yet | No | Park the car and follow up with BJAK |
| New policy or cover note issued | Yes, from the effective date shown | Check the date, then check your roadtax |
| Order cannot proceed | No, not under this order | BJAK explains the issue and any refund |
What the law says
You need third-party cover to drive
Section 90 of the Road Transport Act 1987 makes it an offence to use a motor vehicle on the road without insurance against third-party risks. The penalty can be a fine of up to RM1,000, up to three months in jail, or both.
Roadtax needs active insurance
BJAK's FAQ is clear: roadtax can only be renewed after your insurance has been renewed and is active. So if your insurance is still processing, your roadtax renewal waits too. See what can delay roadtax renewal.
There is no grace period
Your policy ends on its expiry date. BJAK's guide on the grace period for car insurance and roadtax explains that no official grace period lets you keep driving after that.
What a lapse can mean for you
Your No Claim Discount (NCD)
Renewing late may affect your NCD if your policy remains unused for too long. The time allowed before your NCD is affected depends on your insurer's rules. Do not assume that every insurer follows the same grace period. Renew as soon as you can and check your current NCD with the BJAK NCD Checker.
Extra checks from the insurer
When cover has lapsed, some insurers and takaful operators ask for more before they issue a new policy. This can include vehicle photos, a physical inspection or a declaration that the car is in good condition.
What BJAK does and what you should do
After payment, BJAK checks your order, asks for any missing information and submits it to the insurer or takaful operator. BJAK can follow up and prioritise or escalate orders when your current cover is about to expire. However, the insurer or takaful operator controls the final approval. See why your policy may not be active yet.
Check your expiry date and order status
Know exactly when your old cover ends.
Do what BJAK asks straight away
Missing photos, documents or details can delay processing.
Do not drive after your old policy expires
Wait until the new policy or cover note is issued.
Tell BJAK your cover is about to expire
BJAK can prioritise or escalate your order. Call 03-9213 1717 or WhatsApp +6016-699 9129 (24 hours). See Contact BJAK.
Check the effective date when your document arrives
Then confirm your road tax has been renewed.
If your order cannot go through
BJAK explains which part cannot be completed and whether another option is available. If a refund applies, BJAK does not charge a refund processing fee for an unsuccessful order. Read what happens if my order cannot proceed and how long a refund takes.
Important
A refund does not give you cover. If an order fails, arrange other insurance before you drive again.
Frequently asked questions
No. Cover starts on the effective date in the issued document, not on the payment date. See does payment mean my policy is already active.
No. A receipt or bank deduction is not proof of cover. Only the issued policy or cover note is.
Renew early, well before your expiry date. You can also set renewal reminders on BJAK's reminder preference page.
Stay covered
The safest move is to start your renewal early and reply quickly to any request. Find more answers in the Trust Centre under Delays and unsuccessful orders.
- Last reviewed:
- 12 Nov 2026
- Reviewed by:
- Operations, Finance
- Next review:
- 1 Jan 2027