Things to do after car accident by GIA
June 2nd, 2008 by ALVIN SOONG
Following the update I had placed few weeks ago on motor claims, I have placed a Q and A for people who might need this info from claims. The recent source is from Straits Times and GIA.
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Q: Why is the new framework necessary?
It is a best practice undertaken by all motor insurers in Singapore, and provides clear and standard procedures regarding what to do in the event of a motor accident. When involved parties are forced to report their accidents ‘fresh’, the incidence of people lying and collaborating with repair workshops to inflate claims is drastically reduced. This will provide motorists with a better claims experience and help contain insurers’ cost of claims.
Q: Will the new framework translate into higher premiums?
On the contrary, it will help to contain the cost of claims for insurers. And if claims are managed well, premiums should not rise.
Q: Do I have to pay any reporting fee to the insurer?
No.
Q: What if there is no damage to my vehicle? Do I have to inform my insurers?
Yes, you have to report all accidents to your insurer no matter how minor the accident is.
This is the requirement even if there is no visible damage, or even if you have come to a private settlement with the other driver. This is because you can never be absolutely sure that the other party will not file a claim against you later.
Q: Do I still need to report to my insurer if I do not intend to claim from any insurer or third party?
Yes.
Q: What happens if I choose not to report the accident to my insurer?
Failure to make a report within 24 hours or on the next working day will affect your NCD when you renew your motor insurance. For private car owners, this means losing 10 percentage points of their NCD if they do not comply. For motorcyclists and owners of commercial vehicles, the penalty is 5 percentage points of their NCD.
Not reporting will also put you at risk of having your claim declined later by insurers.
Q: Will the new framework apply to all motorists?
Yes, the framework applies to all motorists. It will be a policy condition that all motor insurers will enforce with effect from today.
Q: What if I want to send my car back to my car dealer or favourite mechanic?
Each insurer offers different types of motor insurance plans, some of which allow customers to use any workshop. You have to check with your insurer on this point.
Q: Can I still use Idac (independent damage assessment centres)?
The new framework does not spell the end of Idac. There is no change to the process at Idac, which is used by some insurers.
Resolving disputes
Meanwhile, drivers in disputes with insurers over motor accident claims now have a venue through which to settle them under a new mediation scheme. If your motor accident damage claim is below $1,000 and involves no bodily injury, you can file your complaint with the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec) under the Fidrec-Nima (non-injury motor accident) scheme. The scheme was launched last month, and is expected to help settle cases more affordably and quickly than going before the courts. The scheme applies to disputes where consumers claim against an insurer that is not their own insurer. Where disputes are resolved through mediation, Fidrec’s services are free of charge for the consumer.
What to do after a motor accident
If anyone has been hurt in the accident, call the police immediately. Otherwise, a police report should be made within 24 hours of any accident that involves:
1. Damage to a government vehicle or property.
2. A foreign-registered vehicle.
3. A hit-and-run incident.
The parties involved should exchange particulars, including their names, identity card numbers, telephone numbers, addresses, insurers and vehicle numbers. If there are witnesses, note their contact details.
If you have a digital camera or camera phone, take photographs of the accident, the vehicles and the scene. If you are sending the photos via a multimedia message, enter 97112758 and the vehicle number and date of accident in the following format: , . You will receive an acknowledgement SMS from the General Insurance Association Record Management Centre.
Call your insurer’s hotline for a tow truck or for further advice on how to handle the accident. Avoid all unauthorised tow-truck operators or repair workshops.
Report the accident and take your accident vehicle, whether damaged or not, to the approved reporting centre (provided by your insurer) within 24 hours or by the next working day.
Take with you the completed Singapore Accident Statement, which contains two forms, if you have it. You can also ask your approved reporting centre or authorised workshop to help you fill up the forms.
Avoid discussing which party is at fault. Refer all communication from the other drivers or their lawyers to your insurer. Do not authorise any repair work without the consent of your insurer.
Source: General Insurance Association of Singapore and Sunday Straits Times 01 June 08
