CNY Driving Myths That Could Cost You More Than Red Packets
Summary: Many common CNY driving “tips” meant to save money such as not reporting accidents, delaying renewal, or skipping gimmicky deals can actually cost more in the long run. Save smart into the new year by comparing insurers, understanding your coverage, and renew early.
Chinese New Year is all about prosperity, smooth journeys, and starting the year on the right foot. But when it comes to driving during CNY, many well-meaning beliefs and “traditions” can quietly cost you more money than you realise, sometimes far more than the angpao you receive.
Let’s clear up a few common Chinese New Year driving myths that could affect your car insurance, road tax, and wallet, and learn how to avoid unnecessary losses this festive season.
Myth #1: “As long as it’s a small accident, better not to report”
During CNY, many drivers choose to “settle quietly” after a minor bump to avoid bad luck or paperwork. While understandable, this can backfire.
If damages worsen later or the other party changes their story, you may end up paying out-of-pocket — or worse, facing insurance disputes. Making a claim may affect your No-Claim Discount (NCD).
However, if the accident is not your fault and recovery is successfully made against the third party, your NCD may remain protected. Failing to report an accident could affect your ability to seek proper claim recovery later.
Ong tip: Avoid these mistakes when filing your car insurance claim!
Myth #2: “Renew later lah, still got time”
CNY schedules are packed — travel, visits, reunions. Insurance renewal and road tax often get pushed aside until the last minute.
This is risky because:
A policy lapse can affect your NCD eligibility
Last-minute renewals mean less time to compare prices
You might miss festive promotions that help lower total costs
Renewing earlier gives you peace of mind — which is exactly what CNY is about.
Myth #3: “Cheap insurance is bad luck”
Some believe that paying more means better “ong”. In reality, value comes from proper coverage, not price alone.
Online car insurance platforms now allow you to:
Compare insurers transparently
Choose suitable add-ons (windscreen, additional named driver, etc.)
Avoid overpaying through agents or rushed decisions
Smart choices are not unlucky, they’re practical.
Myth #4: “Road tax discount sounds too good to be true”
Promotions often raise eyebrows, especially during festive seasons. But not all deals are gimmicks.
PolicyStreet’s Betul-Betul Free Road Tax campaign offers road tax discounts that are applied automatically during checkout, subject to the selected Drive+ Membership tier and applicable discount cap.
How to enjoy it:
Get a car insurance quote at PolicyStreet
Renew from 25th to end the month (specific campaign dates change monthly)
Add Road Tax Renewal under Add-ons — discount applies automatically
Drive+ Membership is required. Existing customers get Lite at RM19.95, Standard at RM34.95, or Premium at RM49.95 (new customers pay RM39.90, RM69.90, and RM99.90 respectively)
Terms & eligibility apply — check the campaign page for full details.
Extra Ong This CNY: More Than Just Savings??
Chinese New Year is about sharing good fortune, and this festive season, PolicyStreet is preparing something special.
If you’re renewing your car insurance soon, keep an eye on PolicyStreet’s channels. PolicyStreet is launching a CNY giveaway campaign soon and you could stand a chance to win BIG.
Details will be announced soon so stay tuned and stay lucky.
Drive Smooth, Spend Smarter This CNY
The real bad luck isn’t driving during CNY, it’s overpaying, missing renewals, or believing myths that don’t protect you.
This festive season, renew early, compare properly, check out ongoing promotions, and keep your journey smooth and stress-free.
Because the best kind of “ong” is knowing you’ve made the right choice.
Renew your car insurance with PolicyStreet today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I compare car insurance prices easily?
PolicyStreet is a car insurance comparison platform that lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers, customise your coverage, and renew your policy online — anytime, anywhere, in just minutes.
Can I transfer my NCD to a new car?
Yes. NCD is tied to both the policyholder and vehicle. When buying a new vehicle, NCD transfers to that new vehicle. NCD cannot be shared between two vehicles simultaneously—it applies to one vehicle at a time.
How long does a car insurance claim take to process?
The time it takes to process a car insurance claim varies depending on the complexity of the case and the insurer. Minor claims may take a few days, standard claims between 2-4 weeks, while complex claims longer depending on investigation required. To speed up your claim, ensure you submit all required documents promptly, including your police report, photos, and any supporting evidence to your insurer.
Does my NCD reset after one accident?
If you make a claim on your car insurance, your NCD will reset to 0% at your next renewal. If you are not at fault in an accident, you may get a claim from third-party to protect your NCD.
How do I know which insurer is best for me?
The best insurer depends on your individual needs, vehicle type, and budget. Some factors to consider includes premium price, coverage, claims process, and available add-ons.
