As a Malaysian car owner, you know the importance of having insurance coverage. However, before filing claims left and right, learning what NOT to claim on your car insurance is essential. We assure you that it will save you a lot of headaches (and money) over time. Keeping that in mind, let’s dive into the top seven things you shouldn’t claim on your car insurance in Malaysia.
Things You Should Not Claim On Your Car Insurance
In Malaysia, you should not claim the following items on your car insurance:
Regular Maintenance
You don’t want to be that guy. Your car doesn’t qualify for a claim because it needs new tires or an oil change. There is nothing special about regular maintenance. Your insurance policy does not cover the expense, so don’t claim it as an accident-related expense. Don’t be that guy who claims a new set of tires because they were “worn out by accident.” It’s not going to fly
Wear And Tear
You shouldn’t expect a new car. In the same way as regular maintenance, your auto insurance does not cover wear and tear. For instance, faded paint, dented bumpers, or worn-out transmissions fall under this category. Having a car comes with all these responsibilities and is a normal part of ownership. Therefore, don’t expect your insurance to pay for them.
Modifications
Don’t go overboard. Your car insurance doesn’t cover modifications you’ve made to your vehicle, such as installing a new sound system or adding a spoiler. Therefore, you will be responsible for the costs of these modifications if you are in an accident and they are damaged. Remember that your insurance won’t cover the cost if something happens to your ride if you make some changes.
Driving Under The Influence
Don’t drink and drive. There’s not much to say here. Getting caught driving under the influence is risky for yourself, your insurance policy, and those around you. When you go under the influence of alcohol, your insurance will not cover the damage, so stay sober and stay safe on the road at all times.
Racing Or Reckless Driving
Leave the Fast and Furious stuff to the movies. Your insurance does not cover the damages suffered in an accident caused by reckless driving or racing. Excessive speeding, drag racing, and street racing fall under this category. In other words, if you’re a speed demon, know that your insurance won’t save you in an emergency.
Fraud
Don’t lie. An insurance fraud conviction could result in a denied claim and you being charged with a crime, for example, exaggerating the extent of the damage or claiming for injuries that did not occur. Be honest with your insurance company, don’t risk it.
Natural Disasters
Mother Nature is not covered. Occasionally, Mother Nature can be a real jerk, and Malaysia’s weather can be unpredictable. Nevertheless, just because a natural disaster damages your car, such as a flood or landslide, does not mean your insurance will cover it. Car insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by natural disasters, so check your policy carefully before filing a claim.
Final Thoughts
Car insurance can be a real lifesaver in an accident, but you need to understand what you can and cannot claim for. You don’t want to be that guy who tries to sneak in a claim for regular maintenance, you don’t want to expect your insurance to cover wear and tear, you don’t want to get too fancy with modifications, you shouldn’t drink and drive, you shouldn’t be speeding, and you shouldn’t lie.
Check with your insurer if you need help determining what your insurance policy covers. However, the most important thing is always to drive safely, avoid drinking and driving, obey traffic laws, maintain your vehicle regularly, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. The long-term savings will be tremendous.
