26/03/2020
To all Singapore drivers here’s a tip for you if you get into an accident in Malaysia.
What to do if you have an accident in Malaysia
Even a minor car accident can be troublesome at home, but are you prepared if you have one in West Malaysia?
GETTING INTO A car accident must rank as one of life’s most stressful moments, but to make things much worse, try having one across the Causeway. On second thought, try not to. You really don’t need the hassle.
But even if you get into a car crash in Malaysia, there are steps you can take to minimise the hassle of the aftermath. These tips will tell you what you need to know.
The first thing you should do is to check for injuries and tend to them immediately. It’s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit in your car for minor injuries before an ambulance arrives.
Next, make sure you follow these important steps:
Move the vehicles out of harm’s way, if possible.
Take photographs of the accident scene. You should also take pictures of the other vehicle. The photographs should capture the extent of all damage, road tax disc, driver’s license, certificate of insurance and car license numbers. If possible, film a short video clip of the damage and surrounding area as well.
Note these details: the date, time, exact location and weather conditions (was it rainy, sunny or hazy?).
Exchange particulars with the other driver(s). You should obtain their name(s), contact number(s), driving license number(s) and car licence number(s).
If witnesses step forward (or you could ask a bystander to be one), obtain their name, contact numbers and, if possible, IC numbers as well as signatures on any statements that they furnish.
Having done the above, here are two useful phone numbers to have with you:
The number of your insurance hotline. For example, AIG’s 24-hour customer assist number is 6338 6200.
The Malaysian Tourist Police hotline: +603 2149 6590.
Calling the Malaysian Tourism Police will get you help in English. This may prove useful as all traffic accidents in Malaysia require the parties involved to file a police report, and such reports must be written in Bahasa Melayu.
As for your insurer, a leading one will protect you with a policy that not only includes coverage in Malaysia, but also comes with important benefits that you’ll be grateful for in times of need.
AIG’s auto insurance, for example, will assist by dispatching a tow truck if your car has to be recovered from Malaysia. The Auto Protector policy will reimburse up to S$500 in towing charges (although additional customs fees will have to be borne by you).
The towing coverage not only covers a major expense, but provides reassurance in a vital way: it ensures that your car is being towed by a reliable tow truck company, and not touts.
Not all auto insurance policies provide the sort of coverage or support described above, so it’s best to check before you cross the border.
If you purchased your car from Cycle & Carriage and took up coverage with our preferred insurance partner, AIG, you would already be covered by AIG’s comprehensive policy, which includes benefits for drivers who drive to Malaysia.
It’s a given that an insurance company should help you when you’re home, but a leading insurer like AIG covers you even when you are across the border.
