Be Prepared
Here is a quick refresher on what to do if
you are involved in a traffic accident
If you are in an accident, take photographs of the
accident scene, accident vehicles and the damage
sustained.
By Ng You Liang
A TRAFFIC accident can be an emotionally distressing affair.
Struck with the double whammy of an injurious and potentially
costly affair, a driver can easily panic and forget what to do.
The Motor Claims Framework (MCF), implemented in
2008, sought to redress that by providing clear and common
procedures to follow in such an event.
Says Mr Peh Chee Keong, vice-president of Motor
Insurance, NTUC Income: "Today's car owners are more aware of what
to do in an accident, including having to report at approved
reporting centres or approved workshops under the Motor Claims
Framework."
Here are the steps to take if you are involved in
an accident.
Check for injuries
If someone has been injured, stay calm and call for an ambulance
and the police immediately. No vehicles or people should be moved,
but you should use vehicle breakdown signs or reflectors to warn
other road users of the accident.
Important details
Exchange particulars with the other party involved.Take down the
registration numbers and names of insurance companies of all
vehicles involved. Don't forget the names, identity card numbers,
addresses and telephone numbers of the drivers, passengers, injured
pedestrians and witnesses.
Also, remember to take photographs of the accident
scene and the accident vehicles as well, including the damage
sustained. This will also help you to resolve the accident claim.
Once done, the accident vehicles can be moved to the side of the
road so as not to obstruct other road users.
Make a report
You must make a police report as soon as possible or within 24
hours if the accident involves death or injury to a pedestrian or
cyclist, or damage to a foreign vehicle, a government vehicle or
property. Never allow unknown parties or touts to take your
accident vehicle.
According to the Automobile Association of
Singapore, sending your vehicle to an unauthorised workshop may
result in inflated claims as your insurer has no control over the
repair cost and quality. This may result in higher premiums during
the next renewal.
Call your insurer's 24-hour hotline for a tow truck
or for further advice. Some insurers such as NTUC Income, known as
Orange Force, and Tenet Sompo have an emergency response service
that will arrive at the accident scene within 20 minutes to provide
onsite advice.
You should also report and take your accident
vehicle to your insurer's appointed approved reporting centre or
authorised workshop within 24 hours or by the next working day.
This is regardless of whether your vehicle is damaged and
irrespective of whether you are claimiDg from any insurers or third
parties.
If you fail to report to your insurer with your
accident vehicle, your insurer may reject your claim, or even claim
from you sums paid by it for a third-party claim made against you.
Your No Claims Discount (NCD) will be affected.
Filing a claim
If you decide to file a claim under your own policy, you should
send your car to one of the insurer's approved workshops for
repairs where an independent adjuster will assess the damage to
your vehicle and negotiate the repair costs. Once the costs are
agreed, your insurer will authorise the repairs. If there is any
excess, you will he required to bear it.
However, if the damage is minor and the repair
costs are low, you can opt to settle privately with the other
party, maintain a clean record and enjoy your current NCD and
premium on your policy renewal. But do make sure that the private
settlement form is duly filled up and signed by both parties. If
payment is involved in the settlement, the recipient must
acknowledge receipt of the amount as well.
Special, My Lifestyle Drive, The Sunday Times, November 9 2014,
Pg 34