Late Police Report for Accident: Will Your Claim be Rejected?

Summary: A late report usually complicates your claim but doesn't automatically reject it. If you have comprehensive cover and you're not at fault, you may be able to use OD-KFK to claim directly from your own insurer without losing your NCD.

What to do first after an accident

Safety comes first. Move to a safe spot if your car can still move, switch on your hazard lights, and check if anyone needs medical help.

Once everyone is safe, take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any damage. Note down the other driver's details — name, IC number, vehicle registration, and insurance details.

Then lodge a police report. Under Section 52(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, drivers involved in an accident causing injury or damage must report it at the nearest police station within 24 hours. Missing this deadline without a valid reason can lead to a fine of up to RM2,000 or up to 6 months' jail for a first offence.

After the report is lodged, contact your insurer as soon as you can so they can start processing your claim.

Will a late police report automatically reject your claim?

Not automatically, but it's risky. A late report doesn't instantly void your claim, but lodging a police report is mandatory within 24 hours of the accident, and insurers rely on this document to assess fault and process your claim.

If you have comprehensive car insurance and the accident wasn't your fault, you may be eligible for the Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) option, which lets you claim directly from your own insurer without affecting your No-Claim Discount (NCD). OD-KFK generally doesn't apply if there are injuries involved, or if a bus or taxi is part of the accident.

The safest approach is treat the 24-hour window as a hard deadline, not a guideline.

What to do if you missed the deadline

1. File the police report anyway. Lodge it as soon as you can, even past the 24-hour mark. It's still a core document for your claim, and the police may accept a late report if you have a valid reason, such as being hospitalised.

2. Notify your insurer immediately. Explain what happened, when, and where. Insurers and PIAM both stress early notification so your claim can be assessed properly.

3. Keep every piece of proof. Save photos, dashcam footage, repair quotations, and any police or workshop documents. The more documentation you have, the easier it is for your insurer to process your claim.

Make post-accident process less stressful with Drive+

Dealing with paperwork after an accident is stressful enough without also juggling your insurance renewal. This is where Drive+ by PolicyStreet can help.

Drive+ members get priority support when renewing their car insurance, plus step-by-step guidance from Customer Service when submitting a claim. PolicyStreet provides guidance on claim submission but doesn't submit claims on your behalf, and doesn't offer legal advice.

Drive+ also comes with tier-based Loyalty Rewards worth up to RM360, including a road tax discount of up to RM120 (based on your membership tier), plus vouchers for battery replacement, service maintenance, dashcam, car tinting, and car rental.

Renew car insurance with Drive+ to get this extra support ready before your next renewal or claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a police report needed for an auto insurance claim?

Yes. It's a legal requirement under the Road Transport Act 1987, and insurers rely on it to assess your claim and determine fault.

2. Can I file a police report online?

In some cases, yes. PDRM has piloted e-Police Reporting for minor, single-vehicle accidents on selected PLUS highways, but it isn't available for every situation. If you're unsure, go to the nearest police station within 24 hours.

3. What if I have comprehensive cover?

You may be eligible for OD-KFK, which lets you claim directly from your own insurer and keep your NCD if the accident wasn't your fault. This doesn't apply if there's an injury, or if a bus or taxi is involved.

4. What should I do immediately after a road-trip accident?

Move to safety, take photos, exchange details, lodge a police report within 24 hours, and contact your insurer without delay.