No one wants to be in the middle of an accident. However, when disaster strikes here are some things to keep in mind to better manage a stressful situation.

Step 1: ASSESS the situation

Accidents required to make a police report:

For cases involving injury, call for an ambulance (995) and the police immediately (999).

• Parties not injured should stay at the scene
• Vehicles should not be removed unless necessary (e.g. evacuating of injured)

Other cases involving the police include:

• Injured pedestrian or cyclist
• Hit-and-run accident
• Government vehicles or vehicles not registered in Singapore. Government vehicles include all vehicles with car plates QX and MID or belonging to government ministries

*Call the police as soon as possible within 24 hours of such accidents.


Non-injury accidents

• Ensure the involved vehicles are not obstructing the traffic. Preferably, move to the road side or to a safe area immediately
• Place the hazard sign at least 50m away from the vehicle's boot
• Note down the number plates of all vehicles involved, as well as the names and contact details of all drivers or owners involved
• If any parties involved refuse to exchange their information, they are to make a police report within 24 hours. If not, they will be violating the Road Traffic Act
• Take down the contact details of any witnesses at the scene too
• Photograph the accident scene (e.g. the damages and positions of the vehicles)

We have included a checklist (Step 2 to 5) to ensure that you have taken down the necessary information needed. Full details on making a police report can be found on the Singapore Traffic Police website.

Step 2: EXCHANGE information

Gather the following information from the drivers, passengers or any witnesses at the scene*. DO NOT discuss liability with the parties involved until requested for by government, legal or insurance agencies.

• Full Name
• NRIC
• Telephone/Mobile Number
• Home Address
• Insurer Details

*Police reports will need to be filed within 24 hours if the drivers involved refuse to exchange information as the accident will be classified as a 'hit and run' incident.


Step 3: DOCUMENT Evidence

If you do not have a camera you will need to sketch out the accident scene.

• Photos of the accident scene and surrounding areas. (include lane markings, debris or prominent damage to structures)
• Take note of licence plate numbers
• Take photos of damages to your own vehicle (include licence plates)
• Take photos of damages to the other vehicle (include licence plates)
• Take down the time, date, location of the accident
• Take down the weather and road conditions at that time
• Fill up the relevant forms in the Accident Kit

Step 4: ENSURE Safety

After you have gotten the evidence required be sure to not obstruct traffic.

• Move the vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area
• Place hazard sign 50m away from vehicle boot

Step 5: ASSESS the damages

If you are doing a self-claim against your own policy, contact your insurer to find out where you are entitled to repair your vehicle at. If your insurer is a member of Independent Damage Assessment Centres (IDAC), you will have to assess your vehicle at IDAC before you start the repairs.

• Submit the assessment report to your insurer (if any)

Understanding your insurance terms and rights

What is an NCD?

A No-Claim Discount (NCD) on your car insurance renewal means that you have not made any claims within the past one year. Your policy premium will then decrease for each year (up to 50 percent) for each year without any claims.

Period of Insurance without claims	Discount upon renewal
One year	10 percent
Two years	20 percent
Three years	30 percent
Four years	40 percent
Five years	50 percent

What is BOLA?

The Barometer of Liability Agreement (BOLA) is what local insurers use to work out the liabilities for the parties involved in the accident.

Will my NCD be affected if my liability is below 20 percent?

No, Your NCD will only be affected if your liability in the accident exceeds 20 percent.


What if I have a dispute with my claim?

We recommend that you first appeal your claims settlement with your insurer first. If you are still unsatisfied, you can contact your insurer's higher management or submit an issue to the Insurance Disputes Resolution Organisation (IDRO) or the General Insurance of Singapore (GIA) through the details below:

Insurance Disputes Resolution Organisation (IDRO)

20 Cross Street #02-01/02 China Court, China Square Central
Singapore (048422)
Telephone: +65 6327 8878
Fax: +65 6427 8488
E-mail: info@irdo.com.sg

General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA)

103 Amoy Street Singapore (069923)
Telephone: +65 6221 8788 / +65 6221 8789
Fax: +65 6227 2051
E-mail: feedback@gia.org.sg
Website: www.gia.org.sg



*This article was updated on the 20^th February 2018.