Do’s

The Motor Claims Framework (MCF) provides the following clear and common procedures for the reporting of motor accidents:

THREE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

1. a) Exchange Particulars of Parties Involved in the Accident and take note of the vehicle numbers
   b) Take photos of the scene of the accident and the damages to all vehicles.
2. Call Your Insurer's Hotline for a Tow-Truck or further advice on the accident
3. Report the accident to your Insurer within 24 Hours or by the next working day.
   If you do not report an accident,
   • Your insurer may repudiate liability;
   • Your No-Claims Discount may be docked upon the renewal of your policy; and
   • Your insurer may cancel or refuse to renew your policy.
4. If there are injured parties in an accident, call for medical assistance and the police immediately.
5. Make a Traffic Police report as soon as possible or within 24 hours of the accident if the accident involves:
   • Fatality;
   • Damage to government property;
   • Foreign vehicle;
   • Pedestrian or cyclist;
   • Hit-and-run case; or
   • Injury cases where
     
     i. at least one person involved in the accident was taken to hospital from the accident scene by an ambulance/ self conveyed; or
     ii. any party involved in the accident was injured and obtained outpatient medical leave for 3 days or more.
     
6. Filing a Traffic Police report is not equivalent to making a report to your insurer. Please note that after filing a Traffic Police report, you are also required to report to your insurer within 24 working hours or by the next working day.
   If you do not report an accident,
   • Your insurer may repudiate liability;
   • Your No-Claims Discount may be docked upon the renewal of your policy; and
   • Your insurer may cancel or refuse to renew your policy.

 

Dont's

• Do not move your vehicle before taking photographs of the accident scene.
• If someone is injured or there has been a fatal accident, please do not attempt to move the injured person or vehicle(s).
• Under the MCF, motorists are strongly advised not to have any dealings with unauthorised tow-truck operators at the scene of accident.

 

How can you make sure your workshop is not charging more than it should?

You are advised that following an accident, you should go to an authorised workshop of your insurer for repairs (even if you are claiming against the other party).
You are strongly advised not to have any dealings with unauthorised tow-truck operators at the scene of accident. You are also advised not to send your damaged vehicle to any unauthorised repair workshop to avoid complications of your claim.
Please exercise caution when signing any documents you are presented with.

What to do in the event of an accident outside Singapore?

You should make a report at the nearest Police Station in the country the accident occurred. If you require advice and assistance, please call your insurance company.

Do I need to report an accident if a private settlement is made?

Yes, always report all accidents to your insurer even if you have made a private settlement. This is for recording purposes because you cannot be fully certain that the other party will not file a claim against you later. By not reporting the accident, your claim may be prejudiced or declined later by insurers.

What do I need to do if I would like to use my private car to ferry passengers for a fee?

You should approach insurers to expand their motor policy to cover “hire and reward” usage.