You never know when an accident might happen. You’re driving smoothly along the highway, and the next thing you know, you’re dealing with a small crash or something worse. In these moments, the last thing you want is a complicated or stressful insurance claim process.
If you know exactly how to file a car insurance claim in Malaysia, you can save time and money. Many car insurance providers offer different coverage terms, so it’s important to know how the process works ahead of time so you can respond quickly and avoid making costly mistakes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is A Car Insurance Claim?
A car insurance claim is a formal request to the insurance company to pay for damages or repairs after an accident, theft, or natural disaster. It prompts the insurer to assess damages and pay for repairs, vehicle replacement, or liability claims.
Types of Car Insurance Claims
Own Damage: Covers repairs to your own car from accidents or disasters.
Third-Party Property Damage: Filed against another driver’s insurance company when they are at fault.
Own Damage Knock-for-Knock: Claim repair costs directly from your own insurer when not at fault in an accident, without losing No-Claim Discount (NCD).
Windscreen Claim: A specific, optional, non-fault claim that repairs or replaces windscreens without affecting your NCD.
Theft or Fire Claim: A claim made if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
Special Perils Claim: Covers damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods, storms, or falling trees.
Car Insurance Claims Process
- Prepare the Necessary Documents
You must have proof in order to properly file an insurance claim. In general, you need to prepare the following:
- Original copy of the police report
- Copy of your NRIC and driving license
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Insurance claim form (provided by your insurer)
- Police Investigation Result
- Repair estimates, or receipts
- Inform Your Insurance Company
You are required to inform your insurance company within 7 days of the accident. If you’re not sure which insurance company to contact or want to learn more about your coverage, tools like Key Plus help you compare policies and identify the best online car insurance malaysia options based on your needs and budget.
- Submit Your Claim
Bring your vehicle and documents to the approved panel workshop appointed by your insurance company.
The workshop staff are usually experienced in handling insurance claims and can assist you in submitting the paperwork to the insurance company.
- Follow Up
Don’t just submit and forget. Check in with both the shop and your insurance company from time to time to track the progress of your repairs and the status of your claim.
- Receive Compensation
After you submit your claim, the insurance company will assess the damage and decide how much money you should get as a settlement.
If your claim is approved:
- Repairs will be paid directly to the workshop
- You will receive compensation based on the agreed settlement
Common Mistakes of Insurance Claim Rejection
Many drivers’ claims are turned down due to simple errors. Avoid these common mistakes:
Delayed Reporting
Delaying the report of the accident to the police or your insurer may delay your insurance claim. Remember to make a police report within 24 hours and notify your insurer as soon as possible.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing a single document (e.g., police reports or accident scene photos) could delay the entire process. Double-check your document before submission.
Unauthorized Repairs
Don’t let anyone make repairs until the insurance adjuster has inspected the damage. If you fix the car yourself and then try to claim reimbursement later, your insurer will probably turn down your claim because they can’t verify the damage.
Conclusion
In Malaysia, every driver must know how to file a claim for their car insurance. To ensure the claims process goes smoothly, you need to act quickly, maintain accurate documentation, and follow the steps.
Visit Key Plus today to compare car insurance providers and find the best insurance quote. With the right preparation and the right platform, you can stay protected and drive with peace of mind.