🚗Understanding Claims: GIA & NCD Rules
Navigating the aftermath of a car crash is stressful, but knowing which type of claim to file is crucial for your financial health. A wrong move can spike your premiums for years.
Before you call the workshop, understand the difference between claiming against your own policy versus the other party’s. This decision directly impacts your NCD status and upfront cash outlay.
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Claiming Against Other Party
If the accident was clearly not your fault (e.g., you were rear-ended), you should file a Third-Party claim.
- NCD Impact: Your No Claim Discount remains safe. It will not be deducted.
- Excess: You do not need to pay the “Excess” amount (the first portion of the loss).
- Process: Your workshop will assist you in claiming directly from the other driver’s insurer. They may also arrange a replacement car for you.
- Warning: You need clear evidence (dashcam footage) to prove 100% liability on the other side.
Own Damage Claim (OD)
If you were at fault, or if it was a solo accident (e.g., hitting a pillar), you must claim under your own comprehensive policy.
- NCD Impact: Your NCD will typically drop by 30% upon renewal. (e.g., 50% becomes 20%).
- Excess: You must pay the Excess stated in your policy (usually S$600 – S$1,000) before repairs start.
- Tip: If you have “NCD Protector”, your NCD might be preserved for the first claim, but check your policy wording carefully.
Private Settlement
For very minor scratches where damages are less than your Excess or the potential NCD loss, parties may agree to settle privately without involving insurers.
- Form: You strictly must use the Verified Private Settlement Form. Both parties sign to agree not to claim later.
- Reporting: Even with a private settlement, you MUST still file an accident report to your insurer “for record purposes only” within 24 hours.
- Benefit: Keeps your claims history clean and preserves NCD.
📋Required Documents & Eligibility Check
Before you head to the authorised reporting centre, ensure you have gathered all necessary evidence at the scene. Missing documents can lead to a repudiated (rejected) claim.
Photographic Evidence
This is the most critical component. You must take photos of:
1. The scene (wide angle showing lanes).
2. License plates of ALL involved vehicles.
3. Close-up of damage.
4. Road tax disc (if visible).
Particulars Exchange
Exchange NRIC/FIN numbers, full names, contact numbers, and insurer details with the other driver. Do not let them leave without this.
Dashcam Footage
Secure your SD card immediately. Do not let it overwrite. This is the definitive proof for liability in Singapore courts.
Hidden Benefits & Pro Tips
👇 Click the floating icons below to reveal “Expert Claims” secrets.
Don’t Accept Touts
Never engage tow-truck operators who appear out of nowhere. Only use your insurer’s Verified hotline. Unauthorized towing complicates claims.
NCD Protector
If you have this add-on, you can make one claim without losing your NCD status. It resets to the original level only upon renewal.
The 24h Deadline
Even if you settle privately, you MUST report. Insurers can cancel your policy if they find out about an unreported accident later.
🛠️How to File a Claim: The 4-Step Process
Follow this “MCF Protocol” strictly. Deviating from these steps (e.g., going to an unauthorized workshop) gives insurers grounds to reject your repair claims.
Step 1: Safety & Evidence
At the Scene
Secure the Scene
Move vehicle to shoulder if possible. Take photos of the 4 angles of vehicles. Exchange particulars. If there are injuries, call 995 and Police immediately.
Step 2: Call Hotline
Insurer Assistance
Call Insurer
Call your insurer’s emergency hotline. Ask for their Authorized Workshop list or mobile reporting team. Do NOT let random tow trucks hook your car.
Step 3: GIA Report
Within 24 Hours
File Verified Report
Bring your car (and accident vehicle if possible) to the Approved Reporting Centre/Workshop. They will file the GIA Report electronically. You need your driving license and NRIC.
Step 4: Repair
Assessment & Fix
Repair Assessment
The surveyor will assess damages. Once approved, repairs begin. If it’s a 3rd party claim, the workshop may claim ‘Loss of Use’ (cash) for the days your car is in the shop.
⚠️Critical Warnings: Avoid These Mistakes
Singapore’s insurance framework is strict. The most common reason for claim rejection is not the accident itself, but the failure to follow procedural rules.
The “Late Reporting” Penalty
The Rule: You strictly must report within 24 hours or the next working day.
- Consequence 1: Your NCD can be docked an additional 10% on top of the claim deduction.
- Consequence 2: Your insurer may repudiate liability, meaning you personally have to pay for the other party’s damages.
🧮NCD Drop Estimator (2026)
Estimate your new No Claim Discount after making an “At-Fault” claim.
*Standard industry practice. Policies may vary.
📌Key Takeaways & Quick Summary
In the heat of the moment, it is easy to forget the rules. Here is your cheat sheet to keep your claim valid and your NCD intact.
Accident Protocol Summary
- Golden Rule: Report to your insurer within 24 Hours no matter what.
- Evidence: Take photos of License Plates, NRICs, and the Scene before moving vehicles.
- Towing: NEVER accept help from unauthorized tow trucks. Call your insurer’s hotline only.
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❓Common Questions on Car Claims
We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions from Singaporean drivers about claims and workshops.
Only if you bought a “Any Workshop” plan (usually more expensive). For standard plans, you MUST go to the insurer’s Authorized Workshop. Going elsewhere may void your claim.
Take a photo of their car license plate immediately. Call the police non-emergency line if they are aggressive. The license plate is enough for your insurer to trace them via LTA.
Generally, yes. If your Excess is $600, claiming for $500 makes no sense as you pay it all anyway, plus you lose NCD. Settle privately but sign the Verified form.
No. Windscreen claims are usually separate and do not affect your NCD, although you may have to pay a separate windscreen excess (e.g., $100).
Insurers take this very seriously. You risk having your claim rejected and your policy cancelled. If you have a valid reason (e.g., hospitalized), you must provide medical proof.