Question 1:
What is the MOTOR CLAIMS FRAMEWORK?
Answer:
The Motor Claims Framework (MCF) is a new best practice undertaken by all motor insurers in Singapore, which provides clear and common procedures on what to do in an event of a motor accident. The MCF provides motorists with an enhanced claims experience and at the same time, helps contain the cost of claims for insurers.

Question 2:
What follow-up action should a motorist take if another motorist offers to compensate him for damages caused to his vehicle at the point of the accident?
Answer:
Even if the parties agree to a private settlement, a report to the respective insurers is still required for record purposes.

Question 3:
The MCF prescribes that the motorists need to take down the other party’s particulars (NRIC, name, telephone number, address, insurer & digital photo of accident) after an accident. What happens if the other party refuses to give any of the details and stops me from taking any photographs? Can we still report the accident to our insurer?
Answer:
If the other motorist is not cooperative in providing his particulars, you should still take down the vehicle registration number. The GIA reminds all motorists that according to the MCF, they are required to report all accidents to their insurers, no matter how small.

Question 4:
The MCF states that if we are involved in accident, major or minor, we need to follow 3 steps that were issued by the GIA. Being a rider, if I was injured in an accident, it would be impossible for me to follow the 3 steps that were given. By not complying with these 3 steps could my claim be invalid?
Answer:
The GIA introduces the 3 steps reporting process to make it easy for drivers to remember what to do in an accident. If the circumstances are such that it is impossible for the motorist to follow the 3 steps, insurers will give special consideration to the claim. Just as a reminder to everyone, the three steps are:
1) Exchange particulars and take note of vehicle numbers;
2) Call your insurer’s hotline for a tow truck – if applicable in some cases;
3) Report and take your vehicle, damaged or not, to the approved reporting centre or authorized workshop within 24 hours.

Question 5:
Under the new MCF, what happens if the accident involves a foreign Vehicle (e.g. Malaysian registered Car) and the driver refuses to exchange particulars?
Answer:
If the other motorist is not cooperative in furnishing his particulars, the owner should still take down the vehicle registration number. For an accident involving a Malaysian vehicle, a police report is required.

Question 6a:
If the accident happens on the weekend, does the 24 hours rule still apply?
Answer:
The MCF states that the end of the next working day is the timeframe for reporting. This means that if the accident happens on a Saturday night, then the timeframe would end on Monday, the next working day.

Question 6b:
If I have a serious accident in Malaysia and have problems towing the car back to Singapore, will I be penalised when I am unable to report within the stipulated 24 hours?
Answer:
You will not be penalised for late reporting if you have a valid reason like the example cited above.

Question 7:
I understand that every accident must now be reported. However, would it be possible for some kind of memorandum of agreement to be signed by both parties for very minor accidents where the two parties agree to settle on their own?
Answer:
A memorandum of agreement would be a private matter between the two parties, but it would not alter the requirement under the MCF that both parties now have to make a report to their insurers. A memorandum of agreement should not supercede or be regarded as a substitute for this process.

Question 8:
I am a new driver and I heard most of my friends and colleagues said that once you reported a minor accident to my insured policy company, your premium on next renewal would be heavily increased. If so, I would think that most motorists would not report minor accidents based on MCF method; they would prefer to settle privately. Please advise.
Answer:
The GIA reminds all motorists it is now their duty to report all accidents, no matter how small and regardless of whether or not there has been damage to their vehicle. The consequent impact on NCD and premiums are not affected by the MCF and will be determined by the outcome of the insurer’s investigations into the accident.