Why Your Police Report Matters More Than You Think
In Malaysia, you are required to lodge a police report within 24 hours of an accident.
This report becomes the primary document used by insurers to:
Determine who is at fault
Decide claim approval or rejection
Assess compensation amount
A weak or incomplete report can easily work against you, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
What You Must Include in Your Police Report
To avoid complications, make sure your report is clear, detailed, and accurate.
Here’s what to include:
1. Personal & Vehicle Details
Full name, IC number, contact number
Vehicle registration number
Insurance company (if known)
2. Date, Time & Location
Exact date and time of the accident
Specific location (road name, landmarks, direction)
3. Description of the Accident
What happened, step-by-step
Your position on the road (lane, direction)
Speed and traffic condition
Note: Be factual and avoid assumptions or emotional language
4. Other Parties Involved
Name and contact details
Vehicles plate numbers
Insurance info (if available)
5. Witness Information
Names and phone numbers of witnesses
Their account of the incident (if possible)
6. Damage & Injuries
Visible damage to all vehicles
Any injuries (even minor ones)
7. Supporting Evidence
Photos/videos of:
Vehicle damage
Road conditions
Traffic signs or signals
Dashcam footage (if available)
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Claim
Even small errors can lead to delays or rejections. Watch out for:
Giving inconsistent statements
Changing your story later can raise red flags and weaken your case
Admitting fault prematurely
Avoid statements like “it was my fault”. Let insurers and police determine liability.
Missing the 24-hours deadline
Later reports can result in:
Claim rejection
Fines up to RM300
Difficulty proving your case
Leaving out key details
Missing witness info or evidence can make it harder to defend your claim.
Taking photos at the scene
Once vehicles are moved, it’s harder to prove what actually happened.
How Your Report Affects Insurance Claims
Your police report directly influences:
Liability Decision
Insurers rely heavily on your report to determine who caused the accident.
Claim Approval
Incomplete or unclear reports may delay or reject your claim.
NCD Protection
If you’re wrongly deemed at fault, you coils lose your NCD, increasing your future premiums.
Make Your Claims Process Smooth with Drive+
Drive+ is PolicyStreet’s 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 RM49.90, 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.
Final Thoughts
A proper police report isn’t just paperwork, it’s your strongest protection after an accident. By including the right details and avoiding common mistakes, you improve your chances of a smooth claim and fair outcome.
With the right support like Drive+, drivers can handle unexpected situations with a lot more confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I don’t make a police report within 24 hours?
You may face and your insurance claim could be rejected or delayed. Always report as soon as possible.
2. Can I still claim insurance if I settle privately?
Yes, but it’s risky. With a police report, proving fault becomes difficult if disputes arise later.
3. Do minor accidents require a police report?
Yes. Even for small accidents, a report protects you legally and ensures your insurance claims remain valid.
