What Should You Do After a Motor Accident?

This was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Getting into a motor accident is an unfortunate occurrence in itself, and filing a claim in its aftermath can be an added source of stress. We’ve put together a guide so that should the situation arise, you will know what to do. Here, we share the framework of a motor claim, what is allowable and what is not, and related information that will be good to know.

Unforeseen circumstances can still happen regardless of how much precautions we take, and this is when we need to know how to deal with such situations.

Motor Claims Framework

The Motor Claims Framework (MCF) was set up to provide clear and standard procedures for reporting motor accidents. The MCF is fully supported by all insurers in Singapore. It allows motorists to have a smooth and straightforward experience in making claims, and while helping to contain claims costs for insurers.

The framework prescribes that a report be completed within 24 hours by the motorist involved in the accident. Based on the framework, you’ll be expected to follow the guidelines below.

Dos & don’ts after a motor accident

Steps to follow

Source: General Insurance Association of Singapore

When a car accident happens, stay calm and follow these important steps:

• Exchange particulars (NRIC, name, contact number, address, insurer) with the involved parties in the accident.
• Take note of the vehicle numbers.
• Take photographs of the scene of the accident and the damage to all vehicles involved. Take close up images of all damage as well as overview images to show the scene of the accident.
• Make a call to your insurer’s hotline for assistance from tow-truck services or further advice on the accident.
• Submit a report of the accident to your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day. Visit one of the insurer’s authorised workshops to report the accident.

If there are injured parties in the accident, call for medical assistance and the police immediately.

A report needs to be made to the Traffic Police as soon as possible, or within 24 hours of the accident, if it involves the following situations:

• Fatalities
• Damage to government property
• Foreign vehicle
• Pedestrian/cyclist(s)
• Hit-and-run cases
• Injury cases, where at least one person involved in the accident was taken to hospital from the accident scene, or where any party involved in the accident was injured and obtained medical leave of three days or more.

Be aware that even when you file a report with the Traffic Police, you are still required to make a report to your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day. Accident claims typically take between six months to 3 years to finalise.

Pro tip: Compare the best motor insurance policies available using this handy breakdown

If you do not report an accident, the following outcomes may be possible:

• Your insurer may refuse to accept liability
• Your No-Claim Discount may be reduced upon the next renewal of your motor insurance policy
• Your insurer may cancel or reject to renew your policy

What not to do

• Do not move your vehicle before taking pictures of the accident scene
• If there is an injured person or if a fatal accident took place, please do not move the injured person or vehicle(s)
• Do not have any dealings with unauthorised tow-truck operators at the scene of the accident

Other related information

Installing an In-Vehicle Camera can help in claim disputes

Installing an In-Vehicle Camera can help you in the event of motor accident claim disputes, as they act as “witnesses” in such situations. The footage recorded will help to provide a clearer picture of the situation and a better understanding to the insurer. This can potentially reduce the time of the lengthy investigation process.

In certain motor accidents, the incident may take place at the back of your motor vehicle. Therefore, it is always advisable to also install a rear In-Vehicle Camera on top of the one in front. Depending on your motor vehicle model, certain In-Vehicle Cameras (front and/or rear) can still power on even when the engine is off. This is especially useful for recording events such as hit-and-run accidents, vandalism or theft.

No-Claim Discount

A No-Claim Discount (NCD) is awarded to the driver if there is no claim made under the driver’s policy for a year or more with the insurer. The maximum NCDs that can be awarded for private or commercial vehicles are different. This is illustrated by the table below:

Source: General Insurance Association of Singapore

Depending on the insurer, you can top up with an extra premium to protect your NCD if you have accumulated your NCD to a certain level. In the event that there is a claim on your motor insurance policy, your NCD can be protected.

Certificate of Merit

A Certificate of Merit (COM) is a document issued by Singapore’s Traffic Police as an award to recognise a person who has been driving safely for the past three years. The driver can use the COM to claim a Safe Driver Discount of an additional 5% on top of the NCD to enjoy a lower premium.

Reporting accident in event of private settlement

Reporting all accidents to your insurer is crucial to ensure there is an existing record. This will help to safeguard against future possibilities of the other party filing a claim against you. Otherwise, insurers may reject your claim or deem it unqualified.

Conclusion

Thanks to the Motor Claims Framework, filing a claim after a motor accident can be an uncomplicated and predictable process. Nonetheless, it is most ideal to avoid having to file a claim altogether by doing our part to create a safe driving environment for ourselves and other road users.

Read more: All You Need To Know About Motor Insurance Policies in Singapore