Executive Summary

Recent HardwareZone forum discussions highlight significant frustrations among Singaporean drivers regarding car insurance claims, particularly when dealing with at-fault drivers who fail to report accidents. A key issue is the loophole allowing drivers to avoid liability by not reporting accidents to their insurers, leaving victims struggling to claim damages. The community strongly advocates for immediate action after an accident, including taking photos, obtaining medical attention, and lodging a police report. The lack of enforcement and the perceived inadequacy of current regulations are major points of contention. 13 complaints were received by the Ministry of Transport and LTA over the last three years regarding unreported accidents. Many users feel the system is heavily skewed against victims.

Key Developments

The Unreported Accident Loophole

Forum users express strong concern over the loophole that allows at-fault drivers to evade responsibility by not reporting accidents to their insurance companies. This forces the victim to either claim against their own insurance, potentially affecting their No Claim Discount (NCD), or pursue costly legal action. This issue has persisted for years, with little legislative action taken to address it.

“Reported to insurance but cannot proceed because the driver didn’t report the accident to insurance. Can’t proceed.” – AngryPiglet (06 Dec 2024)

“This problem has been ongoing for years already.” – TVaddict (06 Dec 2024)

The 24-Hour Reporting Rule

While the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIAS) requires accidents to be reported within 24 hours, this rule isn’t legally mandated. This means that non-compliance doesn’t automatically result in legal consequences for the at-fault driver, unless the accident involves injury or death. This lack of enforcement is a major source of frustration.

“It is an offence only if the law was enforced. Else it will be your words against my words.” – niefeng80 (06 Dec 2024)

Limited Government Action

Despite the ongoing issue, users perceive limited government action to address the loophole. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has stated that they are reviewing the requirements for reporting road traffic accidents but have yet to implement concrete solutions. This perceived inaction has led to dissatisfaction among some forum members.

“PAP did nothing about it. LTA prefers to use the energy for ERP 2.0…” – zyklon86 (06 Dec 2024)

“As usual, no definite answer.” – tomsss (06 Dec 2024)

Community Insights

User Experiences

Users share numerous firsthand experiences of being involved in accidents where the at-fault driver refused to report to their insurer, leading to significant challenges. Many were forced to claim against their own insurance despite not being at fault, facing increased premiums and loss of NCD. Some users have had to resort to legal action or absorb the repair costs themselves.

“Accident at Shenton Way last year. Driver hit me and ran off … was told me not to report insurance as the repairs were only about *SGD 900* … ‘driver’ did not report to insurance so I can’t proceed to claim against him…” – torque6 (06 Dec 2024)

“I kenna hit and run. I got the other driver on camera… My insurer said they will buy his details and contact his insurer (even though he didn’t report). In the end, his insurer notified him. My insurer gave him our demands. He decided to private settle and did paynow…” – drkcynic (06 Dec 2024)

“My wife stopped at a traffic light … Car rolled forward and kissed the car in front at 1km/h… One week later I got a call from my insurer. Why didn’t I report it? They received a TP letter regarding injury to the other party. Insurer says other party claiming a few K for medical, loss of income, repairs.” – Chunchunmaru (06 Dec 2024)

Tips and Recommendations

The forum community offers several practical tips for drivers to protect themselves in the event of an accident:

• Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the other vehicle’s license plate and the driver.
• Report Immediately: Lodge an accident report with your own insurer within 24 hours, even if the other party seems cooperative.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you experience any pain or discomfort, see a doctor and obtain a Medical Certificate (MC) for at least three days. This can trigger a police investigation.
• Avoid Private Settlements: Do not agree to private settlements, as it can complicate insurance claims.
• Use Authorized Workshops: Take your vehicle to an authorized workshop of your insurance company for assessment and repair.
• Involve the Police: If the other party is uncooperative or if there are injuries, file a police report immediately.
• Claim Injury: If there is any discomfort, report injury and get medical attention.
• Inform all Parties: Inform all parties to lodge a report of accident with their insurer.
• Get Black and White: Tell your workshop not to start repairs until they have written confirmation that the third-party insurer will pay.

“Then time just take photo and claim insurance. Don’t need talk so much to the other party.” – Woof24 (06 Dec 2024)

“After accident, take photos and exchange contact. Inform all parties to lodge a report of accident with their insurer.” – kyokoto (06 Dec 2024)

“any injury also shld go see doc. cos if u ignore seemingly small aches now, noone will be liable for any repercussions later if it develops.” – codexboy (06 Dec 2024)

Important Considerations

Drivers should be aware of the following potential issues:

• NCD Loss: Claiming against your own insurance may result in a temporary loss of your No Claim Discount, even if you are not at fault.
• Insurance Excess: You may be required to pay an excess amount when claiming against your own insurance.
• False Claims: Be aware that some drivers may attempt to make false claims for injuries or damages.
• Uncooperative Parties: Dealing with uncooperative or unresponsive at-fault drivers can be very difficult.
• Legal Costs: Pursuing legal action against an at-fault driver can be expensive.
• Time Constraints: It is essential to report accidents within the specified time frame to avoid complications.

“If I claimed insurance, it will affect my NCD even though it is not my fault.” – torque6 (06 Dec 2024)

“If the 3rd party insurer refuses to pay, there’s 3 options… or you can go ahead and repair and you stupidly pay the workshop and sue the other driver.” – kyokoto (06 Dec 2024)

Looking Ahead

The forum community anticipates further discussions and potential changes to the current system. There is a strong desire for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and a more streamlined process for handling insurance claims. Users are also watching for the outcome of the MOT’s review of accident reporting requirements. Many feel that the government needs to take stronger action to protect victims of accidents.

“MOT/LTA and MAS will work with other relevant government agencies and the GIAS to review and if necessary, strengthen the requirements for reporting road traffic accidents to insurers.” – tomsss (06 Dec 2024)

“Because of this. i dont think i can vote PAP this time round. Going on for so long and no fix to this.” – BiomedicalPasta (06 Dec 2024)

The community will continue to share their experiences and seek solutions to the challenges posed by the current car insurance system in Singapore.