Car Insurance Guide: 5 Common Car Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid

Driving a car in Singapore is a luxury that many of us enjoy, but we also know Singapore’s roads can be a little rough to be on at times, even when we’re extremely careful! Even though you obey the law and you have comprehensive car insurance, it won’t be of any help unless you know what to do after the incident happens. Some people would go for a private settlement. But more often than not, it’s better to check your car insurance coverage first in case of potential insurance rejection. To help you along with the sometimes confusing claim process, here are some of the most common car insurance claim mistakes and how you can avoid them.
 

1.  Taking too long to file a claim

While you may feel a bit jarred or uneasy after an accident, you can’t waste any time in contacting your insurance company. It’s essential to report the incident within 24 hours. If the accident happens on a weekend, you can wait until the next business day. Not reporting within this timeframe is grounds for the insurance company to deny your claim.

When you sign up for car insurance in Singapore, you agree to many stipulations. The length of time to file a claim is one of them. If you don’t contact your insurance company within this 24-hour window, you may end up violating your policy. Besides being denied, you may lose protection or not be invited to renew.
 

2.  Not providing enough documentation

If you want your insurance to find the claim in your favour, you need proof that you were not at fault. Even though you may feel shaken up after an accident, you can’t forget about getting enough documentation.. Be sure to take enough photos of the accident scene. These photos should include both close-up pictures of the damage and full-view images of the scene. To give your insurance a good idea of what occurred, be sure to take all photographs before moving any vehicles.

What type of evidence do you need? You should document how the vehicles collided, snapping pictures before moving them. It’s also important to take photos of the location, road conditions, and license plates of all vehicles involved. Of course, you should present all images of the accident and resulting damage to your insurance company right away.
 

3.  Claiming fault prematurely

Although you may feel like you were in the wrong, avoid telling the other driver that the accident was your fault. And if the other party takes the blame at the scene. Remember--they could change their story when they report the incident to their automobile insurance company. Instead, keep your lips sealed until you speak with a police officer or insurance agent.

Consider investing in an in-car-camera. These devices are very helpful when it comes to determining fault after an accident. They provide a clear, non-biased view as to what actually happened. It’s also wise to get names and numbers of any witnesses. If the other party claims fault, record their statement.
 

4.  Forgetting to make a police report

In minor accidents, you may feel that contacting the police is just an extra chore you have to go through, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If someone was injured during the accident, you have to report the incident to the police ASAP. Just like with insurance claims, you have a 24-hour window to do this.

Filing a police report isn’t just helpful, but it’s sometimes required by the law. Hit-and-run accidents, traffic fatalities, and foreign vehicles always require a call to the authorities. While comprehensive car insurance protects you after an accident, the insurance company could deny your claim if you didn’t complete a police report on time.
 

5.  Unauthorised drivers

Before you allow anyone else to drive your vehicle, read  your policy again thoroughly. Car insurance sometimes only covers the policyholder. Even if the other driver is a close relative, like a spouse or child, it could cost you if they drive your vehicle without proper coverage.

You can avoid this scenario by selecting an insurance policy that extends coverage to other drivers. It’s possible to add family members and other people as additional drivers on your policy. Of course, you need to do this before an accident occurs.
 

Comprehensive Car Insurance

Don’t assume your insurance policy fully covers you. Although your insurance is there to protect you, it won’t help if you don’t know how to file a claim after an incident. Always read the fine print to make sure you understand the limitations and requirements of your policy. Understanding how insurance works before an accident may save you dearly in the long run.

Here at DirectAsia, we offer customisable car insurance policies to suit your specific lifestyle needs. Get in touch today to receive a quote on your personalised policy!