Car accident claims in Malaysia, step by step

After a car accident in Malaysia, make a police report within 24 hours, tell your insurer as soon as possible (usually within 7 days), and choose the right claim type so your NCD is protected. This guide walks through each step.

Two drivers photographing a minor car collision on a city road

At the scene

  1. Make sure everyone is safe and switch on your hazard lights.
  2. Photograph the scene, both cars, the damage and both plate numbers.
  3. Exchange names, phone numbers, IC and insurance details with the other driver.
  4. Don’t admit full liability or sign anything, and don’t accept towing from strangers. Call your insurer’s emergency line for a tow.

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Deadlines you must meet

  • Police report within 24 hours. It is required under the Road Transport Act 1987, even if both drivers agree to settle privately. You can file at the police station or through the police e-reporting portal.
  • Tell your insurer within 7 days (longer if you were hospitalised). Check your policy for the exact deadline.

Which claim to make

Claim typeWhenYour NCD
Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK)You have comprehensive cover and the other driver is clearly at faultNot affected; you can also recover your excess
Third Party Property Damage (TPPD)Claim directly from the other driver’s insurerNot affected; can include loss of use (CART)
Own Damage (OD)You are at fault, or no other party is involvedResets to 0% at next renewal

OD-KFK can’t be used if someone was injured, if the other insurer is outside Malaysia, or if the other vehicle is a bus, taxi or rental car.

Documents to prepare

  • Completed claim form
  • Original police report, and the police result letter showing who was compounded
  • Copies of the vehicle grant, and the IC and driving licence of the driver and policyholder
  • Photos of the scene and damage
  • Repair estimate from the workshop, and receipts for towing or car rental

Choosing a workshop

The PIAM Approved Repairer Scheme (PARS) ended on 1 August 2025. For own damage and KFK claims, use your insurer’s panel workshop; an unapproved workshop is a common reason for a reduced claim. Panel workshops deal with the insurer directly, so you only pay any excess.

Questions people ask

Do I need to make a police report for a minor accident?

Yes. Malaysian law requires a police report within 24 hours of a road accident, even if both drivers agree to settle privately.

How long do I have to inform my insurer?

Usually within 7 days of the accident, or longer if you were hospitalised. Check your policy schedule for the exact period.

What is a Knock-for-Knock claim?

An Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) claim lets your own insurer repair your car when the other driver is at fault, then recover from their insurer. Your NCD is not affected.

Should I claim from my insurer or the other driver’s?

A Knock-for-Knock claim through your insurer is usually faster; a third party claim against the other insurer can include loss of use. Both protect your NCD if you weren’t at fault.

Can I use any workshop?

For own damage and KFK claims, use your insurer’s panel workshop. The old PIAM approved repairer scheme ended in August 2025.

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WhatsApp Lulu photos and your plate number. She’ll tell you which claim to make and what to prepare.

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