Motor & EV

How to File a Motor Insurance Claim in Singapore – Step-by-Step Guide for Drivers

ECICS
January 26, 2026

A motorcycle insurance claim is a request you make to your insurer for compensation after something unexpected happens to your vehicle. This could be due to an accident, theft, vandalism, or other forms of damage covered under your policy.

Filing a motor insurance claim correctly and promptly is very important. Delays or mistakes can lead to longer processing times or even claim rejection. Knowing what to do helps protect your rights and ensures smoother claim handling.

Common situations where you may need to file a motor insurance claim include:

  • Road accidents involving other vehicles
  • Damage caused by fire, flood, or fallen objects
  • Vehicle theft or attempted theft
  • Windscreen damage

This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you know what to expect and how to act with confidence.

Types of Motor Insurance Claims in Singapore

Own Damage Claim

An own damage claim is made when your vehicle is damaged, and you claim against your own insurance policy. This usually applies when:

  • You are at fault in an accident
  • The other party cannot be identified
  • The damage is caused by non-collision events, such as floods or falling objects

Own damage claims may affect your No Claim Discount (NCD), depending on your policy.

Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim is made when another driver is at fault. In this case, you claim against the other driver’s insurer instead of your own.

This type of motor insurance claim usually requires:

  • Clear evidence of fault
  • Accident details from the other party
  • A police report in certain situations

If successful, your NCD is usually not affected.

Windscreen Claims

Some policies allow separate claims for windscreen damage. These claims:

  • Usually involve lower costs
  • May not affect your NCD
  • Often have specific limits or conditions

Always check your policy to understand what is covered.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

What you do right after an accident can affect your motor insurance claim later.

Here are the key steps to take:

  • Ensure safety first - Stop your vehicle safely and check if anyone is injured. Call for medical help if needed.
  • Exchange details with the other party - Collect the name, NRIC, contact number, and vehicle number of everyone involved.
  • Take clear photos and videos - Capture the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and licence plates from different angles.
  • Report the incident promptly - Inform your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day, even if the damage seems minor.

Early reporting helps your insurer guide you on the next steps and protects your claim rights.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Motor Insurance Claim

This is the core process of making a motor insurance claim in Singapore. Each step matters, so follow them carefully.

  1. Contact Your Insurer

Inform your insurer as soon as possible after the accident. Provide basic details such as the date, time, location, and what happened. Your insurer will advise whether your situation qualifies for a claim and explain the next steps.

Early contact also helps prevent misunderstandings or missed requirements.

  1. Lodge a Police Report (if required)

A police report is required in certain situations, such as:

  • Accidents involving serious injuries
  • Hit-and-run cases
  • Disputes over fault
  • Theft or vandalism

The police report supports your motor insurance claim by providing an official record of the incident.

  1. Send Your Vehicle to an Approved Workshop

Your insurer will usually ask you to send your vehicle to an approved workshop for inspection. This allows them to:

  • Assess the damage
  • Prepare repair estimates
  • Confirm whether the damage matches the reported incident

Using a non-approved workshop without informing your insurer may affect your claim.

  1. Submit Your Claim Documents

You will need to submit supporting documents to complete your motor insurance claim. This usually includes:

  • Accident photos and reports
  • Police report, if applicable
  • Repair quotation or invoice
  • Completed claim form

Submitting clear and complete documents helps speed up claim processing.

  1. Claim Assessment & Approval

Once documents are submitted, the insurer will assess the claim. They will review:

  • Policy coverage
  • Cause of damage
  • Repair costs
  • Responsibility for the accident

If everything is in order, the claim will move towards approval.

  1. Repair & Settlement

After approval, repairs can proceed. Payment may be made directly to the workshop or reimbursed to you, depending on the arrangement.

Settlement timelines vary, but insurers aim to complete the process as efficiently as possible once all requirements are met.

Documents Needed for a Motor Insurance Claim

Preparing documents early helps avoid delays. Common documents include:

  • Accident report and clear photos
  • Driver’s licence and NRIC
  • Police report, if required
  • Repair quotation or final invoice
  • Completed claim form from your insurer

Keep copies of everything you submit for reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Motor Insurance Claim

Avoiding these common mistakes can help your claim move smoothly:

  • Delaying accident reporting - Late reporting may result in claim rejection or reduced compensation.
  • Using non-approved workshops - Repairs done without insurer approval may not be covered.
  • Providing incomplete or inconsistent information - Missing or unclear details can slow down the assessment.
  • Negotiating privately without informing your insurer - This can complicate liability and affect your claim outcome.

How Long Does a Motor Insurance Claim Take?

The time needed for a motor insurance claim depends on the case.

  • Simple claims may take a few days to a couple of weeks
  • Complex claims involving disputes or serious damage may take longer

Factors affecting processing time include:

  • Availability of documents
  • Clarity of fault
  • Repair complexity

If your claim is delayed, contact your insurer for an update and clarification.

How to Check the Status of Your Claim

You can usually check your claim status by:

  • Contacting your insurer directly
  • Using online portals, if available

Always keep your claim reference number. This helps insurers locate your case quickly and provide accurate updates.

No Claim Discount (NCD) and Its Impact on Claims

A No Claim Discount (NCD) rewards drivers who do not make claims by reducing premiums.

  • Own damage claims may reduce your NCD
  • Third-party claims usually do not affect NCD
  • Some policies offer NCD protection under specific conditions

To retain your NCD:

  • Avoid making small claims if possible
  • Drive safely and responsibly
  • Understand when your NCD is protected

Conclusion: Be Prepared and File Your Claim the Right Way

Filing a motor insurance claim does not have to be stressful. Knowing the steps, preparing the right documents, and acting promptly can make a big difference.

By understanding your policy and following proper procedures, you protect your rights and reduce delays. Being prepared ensures that if an accident happens, you can file your claim the right way and move forward with confidence.

Looking for clear, reliable insurance you can trust? Explore ECICS insurance solutions and protect what matters with confidence.

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