Why Your Claim Might Get Rejected
Summary: Top 3 mistakes to avoid when filing a claim is delaying police report, using a non-panel workshop, and providing inaccurate or incomplete information.
Filing a claim is stressful enough without the added fear of a rejection letter. Most rejected claims in Malaysia aren't due to bad luck, but simple procedural errors. We list down the top three mistakes you can avoid to ensure your car insurance claims are successful.
Mistake #1: Delayed Police Report
After an accident, you should lodge a police report within 24 hours of the accident. A police report is required for insurance claims, and delays may complicate the claims process or cause insurers to doubt claim validity.
Mistake #2: Using a Non-Panel Workshop
It’s tempting to take your car to the "uncle" down the street who you trust. However, if that workshop isn't on your insurer’s authorized panel, you may need to pay upfront and submit a reimbursement claim, which can result in different settlement amounts compared to panel workshops.
Mistake #3: Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
Whether it's forgetting to disclose the actual driver or failing to properly document the accident scene, inconsistencies can delay your claim assessment or require further verification from the insurer.
In certain situations, claims may also be rejected. This can happen if the vehicle had expired road tax at the time of the accident, or if the driver did not possess a valid driving license while driving.
How to Avoid Common Claim Mistakes
A few simple steps can significantly improve your chances of a smooth claims process:
Snap first
Take clear photos of both vehicles, the surrounding area, and any relevant road conditions immediately after the incident.
Report promptly
Lodge a police report within 24 hours of the accident and follow your insurer’s official claims procedure.
Choose a provider with strong claims support
Select an insurer or platform that offers clear guidance and access to an authorised workshop panel to reduce friction during the claims process.
Compare available policies to find one that suits your needs and offers reliable claims support in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 typically get resolved within a few days, while complex claims (e.g. total loss, disputed liability) may take 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.
Can I make a claim if my driving license has expired?
Yes, you can still file a car insurance claim even if your driving license has expired, as long as your insurance policy and road tax is active and valid at the time of the accident. However, please note that your insurer may take this into account during assessment, which may result in penalties.
Can I make a claim if my road tax has expired?
If your road tax has expired at the time of the accident, your claim will get rejected by the insurer. This is why it is important to ensure your road tax is always kept active and up to date.
What is a panel workshop and do I have to use one?
A panel workshop is an insurance-approved car repair shop where your insurer pays repair costs directly, making the claims process faster and smoother. Using a non-panel workshop may require upfront payment and could result in lower reimbursement.
Below are the panel workshop list and roadside assistance number from our partner insurer:
Generali Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1800-22-2262
Zurich Takaful Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1-300-88-5566
Takaful Ikhlas Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1800-88-1186
MSIG Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1-300-880-833
Allianz Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1800-22-5542
Takaful Malaysia Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1800-888-788
Etiqa Panel Workshop Roadside Assistance: 1-800-88-6491
What happens to my NCD if I make a claim?
If you make a claim on your car insurance, your NCD will reset to 0% at your next renewal. However, if you are not at fault in an accident, you may get a claim from a third party to protect your NCD.
