Motor Insurance

In Singapore it is against the law to drive a motor vehicle on the road without a valid insurance policy. The minimum requirement is that the policy provides cover for personal injury to other parties.

Motor insurance makes good sense. Besides covering you for personal injury to third parties, it could also cover you for costs if you damage someone else’s property or for any other loss or damage you might suffer in a motor accident.

Types of coverage

Third-party Only

covers death or bodily injuries to third-parties and/or passengers; and damage to third-party’s property.

Third-party, Fire & Theft

In addition to the cover granted by Third Party Only policy, this policy covers indemnity to the insured for loss of or damage to the insured’s vehicle due to fire and theft.

Comprehensive

In addition to the cover granted by Third Party, Fire & Theft policy, this policy covers the loss of or damage to the vehicle other than as a result of fire or theft. Other coverage includes medical expenses and personal accident benefits.

How does the insurer set my premium?

Most insurers in Singapore adopt a “risk factor rating system” when setting your premium. This means that the premium is based on factors other than the vehicle’s value or the price you paid for it.

In general, the following risk factors are considered when setting your premium:

• Make and model of vehicle
• Engine capacity
• Age of vehicle
• Age, sex and occupation of drivers
• Driving experience of drivers
• Claims history of drivers
• What vehicle will be used for (private use/corporate use/commercial use/hire etc)
• Type of cover

These risk factors will not necessarily have an equal influence on the size of your premium. Your insurer will give each risk factor a weighting based on a range of statistics and past claims information.

Excess

There are also other factors that may affect the cost of car insurance. These includes the excess amount and the inclusion of young, inexperienced &/or elderly driver as named drivers.

No Claims Discount

The “No Claims Discounts (NCD)” or “No Claims Bonus (NCB)” is an additive discount (up to 50% for private cars and 20% on commercial vehicle) that Singaporean drivers enjoy on their premium should they sustain a claims-free policy year. For foreigners, their existing “No Claims Discount” from the home country can be taken into consideration when making a purchase of motor insurance locally in Singapore. A proof of NCD from the insurance company back home is certainly helpful as it usually means saving a hefty sum of money.

Important Notes : This information is for reference only and is not a contract of insurance. Full details of the policy terms and conditions can be found in the policy contract.

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