Anyone can get into a car accident, even if they are a rookie driver or have been driving for years. It’s very important to know what to do right after a car accident in Malaysia, both for your safety and to make sure your insurance claim proceeds smoothly later on.
Drivers often do the incorrect things at the site of an accident, which causes many insurance claims to be delayed or denied. Understanding the right steps can also make it easier to deal with insurance matters later. Top car insurance in Malaysia, such as Key Plus help Malaysian drivers compare car insurance options and understand claim-related processes more clearly.s
1. Stay calm and make sure everyone is safe.
The first thing you should do after an accident is to keep cool. When you’re scared, you typically make bad choices that make things worse.
Check to see if you or your passengers are hurt. Call for emergency medical help right away if anyone is badly harmed or if there are other cars that are blocking traffic and it’s safe to do so, pull them over to the side of the road. To let other drivers know, turn on your hazard lights.
Your safety is the top priority. Insurance matters and claims can always be handled later. If you are a lady, it is advisable to let the other driver step out of their vehicle first and observe the situation. There have been cases where accidents were intentionally staged as an attempt to rob drivers.
2. Don’t leave the scene of the accident
If you leave the site of an accident in Malaysia without a good reason, you could get into legal trouble. It’s crucial to stay at the scene of an accident, even a small one, until all the relevant information has been shared and the situation is under control.
If you leave early, it could hurt your insurance claim and cause problems later on.
3. Share information with the other driver
You should give the other person involved in the accident basic information. This includes:
- Full name (as per IC)
- IC number
- Number to call
- Number of the vehicle’s registration
- Name of the insurance business
Don’t argue or acknowledge fault at the scene. Later, evidence and an investigation will decide who is responsible.
4. Take pictures and write down proof
Taking pictures of the accident scene is one of the most crucial things you can do for insurance.
Take clear pictures of:
Damage to all of the cars involved
- License plates on cars
- The road and surroundings around it
- There are traffic signs or lights nearby.
- Marks from skidding or debris (if there are any)
If there are witnesses, respectfully ask them for their contact information. If there is a disagreement during the insurance claim procedure, this proof can be very useful.
5. File a Police Report (If Necessary)
In most cases in Malaysia, you need to file a police report. Police acts as a neutral party to draft a report as official evidence, which auto insurers heavily rely on.
Making a police report within 24 hours is usually a good idea, even for little accidents, because many insurance companies need it to handle claims.
Make sure that the report’s information is correct and matches what you tell your insurance company.
6. Tell your insurance company right away
Let your insurance carrier know about the accident as soon as you can, preferably within 24 hours. Notifying late may damage your eligibility for benefits.
When you call your insurance company, be ready to give them:
- Date and time of the accident
- Where the accident happened
- Information about the other person
- Reference for the police report (if you have one)
- Pictures or proof that were found
If you are unsure which insurer to contact or want to understand your coverage better, tools like Key Plus allow you to review your policy options and compare car insurance providers in Malaysia before making a decision.
7. Take your car to an authorize workshop
In Malaysia, cars normally have to be checked before repairs can start when someone files an insurance claim. If you send your car to a workshop without permission, your claim may be denied.
Carefully follow your insurance company’s directions and take your car to an approved panel workshop or assessment center. This makes sure that your policy covers the cost of repairs.
8. Know What Kind of Claim You Are Making
You might be making:
Claim for your own damage
Claim from a third party
Claim for damage to property by a third party
There are distinct standards, paperwork, and processing times for each type of claim. Knowing this will help you prevent delays and misunderstandings that aren’t essential.
9. Keep all your records and documents saf
During the process, make sure to keep copies of all important documents, including police reports, claim forms, repair estimates, photos and videos of the accident, as well as any communication with insurance companies or workshops. Proper documentation helps protect you in case of disputes and can significantly speed up the approval of your insurance claim.
10. Make the Most of the Situation
After everything is taken care of, spend some time to look over your insurance. A lot of drivers find out too late that their policy doesn’t meet all of their demands.
Think about:
If your coverage is good enough
If more protection is needed
How your No Claim Bonus (NCB) could change
If you know what to do right after a car accident in Malaysia, it can make a big difference. Staying calm, taking the right pictures of the incident, and following the necessary steps with your insurance will assist preserve your rights and make the claims process go more smoothly.
Accidents are stressful, but if you know what to do, you can deal with the situation in a responsible and confident way. If you have any questions or are currently looking for an insurance provider, do contact us.