What to Do After a Car Accident in Malaysia
Step-by-step guide — from the first 5 minutes at the scene to making your insurance claim.
Immediate Steps (First 10 Minutes)
Check for injuries
Check yourself, your passengers, and the other party. If anyone is injured, call 999. Do not leave an injured person.
Move to safety
If vehicles are driveable and the accident is minor, move to the road shoulder or a safe area. Turn on hazard lights. Set up triangle reflectors if you have them.
Stay calm — don't admit fault
Do not say 'it's my fault' or 'I'm sorry' at the scene. This can be used against you in insurance disputes. Let the investigation determine fault.
Exchange information
Get: full name, IC number, phone number, plate number, insurance company and policy number. Photograph the other driver's IC and vehicle registration card (puspakom/grant).
Document everything
Take photos of: all vehicle damage, vehicle positions on road, skid marks, traffic signals/signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. More photos = better protection.
Get witness contacts
If there are bystanders who saw the accident, get their name and phone number. Witness statements can be crucial for disputed claims.
Police Report — When and How
Under Section 52 of the Road Transport Act 1987, you must report any accident to the police within 24 hours. This applies even to minor accidents.
Call 999 immediately if:
- • Anyone is injured or killed
- • A vehicle is blocking traffic dangerously
- • There is a hit-and-run situation
- • The other driver is aggressive or uncooperative
Go to station within 24 hrs for:
- • Minor accidents with no injuries
- • Both drivers exchanged info and agree on facts
- • Property damage only (no bodily injury)
Your insurer will almost always require the police report number before processing your claim.
Notifying Your Insurer
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident — ideally within 24 hours. Most insurers have 24-hour emergency hotlines:
| Insurer | Claims / Emergency Hotline |
|---|---|
| Allianz (Road Rangers) | 1-800-22-5542 |
| Etiqa | 1-300-13-1300 |
| AXA Affin | 1-800-88-1033 |
| Tokio Marine | 1-800-82-3737 |
| Zurich (Z-Assist) | 1-800-88-6222 |
| MSIG / Pacific | 1-800-88-6674 |
Workshop — Panel vs Non-Panel
Always use your insurer's approved panel workshop for accident repairs. Here's why:
How Claiming Affects Your NCD
| Claim Type | NCD Impact |
|---|---|
| You claim against your own policy (own damage) | NCD drops to 0% at renewal |
| You claim against the other driver's third-party policy | Your NCD is NOT affected |
| Third party claims against you | Your NCD is NOT directly affected (but affects future loading) |
| NCD Protector add-on (if purchased) | One claim allowed without NCD loss |
For minor repairs under RM2,000–3,000, consider paying out-of-pocket to protect your NCD — the NCD savings over 5 years often exceed the repair cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Admitting fault or saying 'sorry' at the scene — even informally
Leaving the scene without exchanging information
Not taking photos (impossible to reconstruct later)
Sending car to a non-panel workshop without insurer approval
Waiting more than 24 hours to notify police and insurer
Accepting cash settlement from the other driver without insurer knowledge — this may void your claim if damage is later found to be worse
Signing any documents at the scene without fully understanding them
FAQs
Do I need to call police for a minor accident?
You must file a police report within 24 hours for any accident. For minor accidents with no injuries, you can go to the nearest police station yourself rather than calling 999. Your insurer will require the police report number.
What information do I need from the other driver?
Name, IC number, phone number, plate number, insurance company name and policy number. Photograph their IC and vehicle registration card.
Will claiming affect my NCD?
Yes, if you claim under your own policy. Your NCD resets to 0% at the next renewal. If the other driver was at fault and you claim against their policy only, your NCD is not affected.
Can I go to any workshop?
Use your insurer's panel workshop. Going to a non-panel workshop without prior written approval from your insurer can result in your claim being rejected.