Car Got Scratched or Keyed? Here’s What to Do in Malaysia (Even If No One’s Around)
You walk back to your car and notice a long scratch — or worse, clear signs of vandalism. No note, no witnesses, no explanation. Situations like this are more common than most drivers expect, and they raise immediate questions about your car insurance, your insurance policy, and whether making a claim will affect your NCD.
Before rushing into repairs or filing an insurance claim, it’s important to understand your options — especially when there’s no identifiable third party involved.
First Step: Confirm Whether It’s Accidental or Vandalism
Not all scratches are treated the same.
Minor accidental scratches (e.g. tight parking spaces)
Intentional damage (keyed car)
Hit-and-run while parked
Why this matters:
Your insurance policy may classify these differently, especially under comprehensive coverage versus specific perils like vandalism.
Step-by-Step: What You Should Do Immediately
1. Document Everything Clearly
Take:
Close-up photos of the scratch
Wide shots showing the car’s surroundings
Time and location details
Even without a suspect, this documentation is critical if you plan to claim.
2. Look for CCTV or Witnesses
Check nearby:
Shops
Parking facilities
Residential areas
Even partial footage helps support your claim — especially if it turns into a police report.
3. Lodge a Police Report
If the damage looks intentional (keyed or vandalised), you should file a report with PDRM.
This is especially important if you’re asking:
“How to report a keyed car to the police for insurance purposes?”
A police report strengthens your claim and proves the incident wasn’t self-inflicted.
Can You Claim Insurance If You Don’t Know Who Did It?
Yes — but it depends on your coverage.
Comprehensive Insurance Covers:
Vandalism
Unknown third-party damage
Accidental damage
So if you're wondering, “can I claim insurance for car scratches if I don't know who did it?” — the answer is yes, provided your policy includes comprehensive protection.
Will It Affect Your NCD?
This is where many drivers hesitate.
If you file an Own Damage claim:
Your NCD will likely be reduced
Your next premium may increase
For small scratches, it may be cheaper to pay out-of-pocket instead.
When It’s Better NOT to Claim
Consider skipping an insurance claim if:
Repair cost is low (e.g. polishing or minor repaint)
Your NCD discount is high (e.g. 55%)
You want to avoid premium increases
In these cases, preserving your NCD may save you more long-term.
When You SHOULD Claim
Filing an insurance claim makes sense if:
Damage is extensive (deep scratches, multiple panels)
Paint protection or coating is affected
You suspect vandalism
This is where understanding your policy clearly becomes important — and why many drivers choose to manage their renewals and coverage through platforms like PolicyStreet.
What are you waiting for? Renew today with us!
How Drive+ Helps in These Situations
Unexpected repairs are frustrating — especially when they don’t feel like your fault.
Drive+ helps reduce ongoing costs so situations like this feel less painful:
Road tax discounts (up to RM120)
Free handling fees
Flexible payment options
RM40 Bateriku voucher
Instead of worrying about every small repair, you get a more predictable cost structure over time.
Is Car Vandalism Covered in Malaysia?
Yes — most comprehensive car insurance plans in Malaysia include vandalism.
If you’re asking:
“Is car vandalism covered under comprehensive insurance Malaysia?”
The answer is yes — but:
A police report is usually required
Claims will still affect your NCD
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim insurance for car scratches if I don’t know who did it?
Yes, as long as you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer may accept the claim as an Own Damage case. However, since no third party is involved, your NCD will likely be affected after the claim.
Is car vandalism covered under comprehensive insurance in Malaysia?
Yes, vandalism is typically included under comprehensive policies. You’ll need proper documentation and usually a police report to support your claim.
How do I report a keyed car to the police for insurance purposes?
You can lodge a report at any police station or online (where available). Include photos, location details, and a clear explanation of what happened to support your insurance claim.
Should I claim insurance or pay for repairs myself?
It depends on the cost of repairs versus your NCD value. If repairs are minor, paying out-of-pocket may be more cost-effective in the long run.
