How the 2026 “Repairer’s Code” Protects Your Car

A Broken Windshield of a Car

Car insurance claims can sometimes feel frustrating, especially when repairs are delayed or communication from workshops slows down. To improve transparency and protect drivers, the insurance industry introduced the 2026 repairer’s Code, a set of standards designed to ensure fair treatment during motor insurance claims.

The new guidelines strengthen accountability between insurers, workshops, and policyholders, giving drivers clearer protection if something goes wrong during the repair process.

What is the “Repairer’s Code?”

The Repairer’s Code is part of a broader industry effort supported by regulators such as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to improve how motor insurance claims are handled.

It sets expectations for how insurers and repair workshops should:

Communicate with policyholders
Handle repair timelines
Manage claims approvals and documentation
Resolve disputes when problems occur

The goal is simple: reduce delays, improve transparency, and ensure drivers are treated fairly during the claims process.

How It Protects Drivers During Claims

Under the updated standards, insurers and workshops must follow clearer procedures when handling motor insurance claims.

This includes:

1. Clear communications

Drivers should be informed about claim status, repair progress, and expected timelines.

2. Standardised repair practises

Workshops must follow industry-approved repair standards to ensure quality and safety.

3. Fair dispute resolution

If disagreements arise, insurers must follow structured dispute resolution procedures.

These changes help ensure drivers are not left in the dark while their vehicles are being repaired.

What Happens If a Claim Is Delayed?

If a claim is delayed or mishandled, insurers are now required to follow a formal Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) process.

This means drivers can escalate issues when:

Claim decision are delayed
Repairs take excessively long
Communication from the insurer or workshop breaks down

The IDR process ensures complaints are formally reviewed and resolved according to industry guidelines. In some cases, drivers may also be entitled to compensation if service standards are not met.

What Drivers Should Do During a Claim

To ensure a smoother claim process, drivers should:

Report the incident or damage as soon as possible
Provide clear documentation (photos, police report if needed)
Use approved panel workshops recommended by the insurer
Keep records of communications with the insurer or repairer

Following these steps helps avoid delays and strengthens your position if a dispute arises.

Renew Smartly with PolicyStreet

Drivers can also reduce ownership costs by choosing platforms that provide additional renewal benefits.

What Is Drive+ and Why It Matters

Drive+ is PolicyStreet’s car-owner membership program created to help Malaysians save money and reduce hassle when renewing car insurance and road tax online.

When renewing your car insurance with PolicyStreet, you can choose from three Drive+ membership tiers, starting from RM39.90, depending on how much you want to save.

Each Drive+ tier gives you a road tax discount every year:

Drive+ Lite: Up to RM50 off
Drive+ Standard: Up to RM90 off
Drive+ Premium: Up to RM120 off

Higher tiers offer bigger savings, making them especially worthwhile for drivers with higher road tax amounts.

Beyond road tax discounts, Drive+ members enjoy exclusive renewal discounts when using Atome or EPP payment options for car insurance. Members also benefit from waived road tax processing fees and access to exclusive member vouchers and perks. These benefits help drivers reduce upfront costs, avoid extra fees, and manage rising car expenses more effectively.

In short, Drive+ turns a routine insurance and road tax renewal into a smarter, more affordable car ownership experience.

Drive+ Membership Tiers and Bateriku Benefits

Beyond the headline savings, Drive+ comes with practical perks that make everyday car ownership easier.

One standout benefit is the RM40 Bateriku voucher you receive with every Drive+ renewal. This voucher can be used for car battery replacements through Bateriku, Malaysia’s on-demand battery service.

Typically, the RM40 value is structured as:

RM20 off a new battery
RM20 trade-in rebate

You can redeem it via the Bateriku app or at selected Bateriku service points. Drive+ vouchers can also be stacked with Bateriku promo codes available on their app or website (such as seasonal campaigns like CUTI40, subject to terms and conditions).

If your battery is due for a replacement, this perk alone can deliver real, immediate savings, not just discounts on paper.

What This Means for Drivers

The 2026 Repairer’s Code introduces stronger protections for Malaysian drivers by ensuring insurers and workshops follow clearer service standards during motor insurance claims.

With better communication requirements and mandatory dispute resolution procedures, drivers now have more protection if repairs are delayed or mishandled.

Combined with programmes like Drive+ membership, which help reduce renewal costs and add extra perks, drivers today have more tools than ever to make car ownership both safer and more affordable.