September 2019

A comprehensive guide

Be it a minor suface dent or a multi-car collision, getting involved in an accident may be a traumatising experience. Read on to find out how knowing beforehand what to do in an accident can help you maintain your cool. 

SUMMARY

1. Document all information, should circumstance permits
   • 🚘 Exchange parties’ particulars: Name, NRIC, license plate number, driving license, contact details, insurance details 
   • 📷 Take photographs of the accident site and save any camera dashboard/ rear video footage
   • 📝 Take note of time, date, exact location, weather and road condition, any injuries and particulars of witnesss, passengers or pedestrians
2. Get medical attention if there are injuries by dialling 995
3. Move to a safe area if the vehicle can still be driven
4. Make a police report, if necessary
5. Call us immediately ☎ 6784 0663 and we will arrange for towing, assist to file insurance claim(s), repairing & spray painting of your vehicle, as necessary.

GOOD TO KNOW/ HAVE

1. It’s always handy to have a copy of your Insurance Certificate whether it’s a hardcopy or a picture of it saved in your mobile phone.

2. Check that your preferred automotive repair workshop is an authorised workshop for your insurance. Take note of its address and phone number.

AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT

Assess the situation, and should circumstances permit, you should quickly document all evidence before shifting your vehicles. This is to minimise any dispute of liabilities later on.

1. Document all information

A pertinent step and perhaps one of the most important step is to gather all relevant details at the accident site. This encompass the components of exchanging information with any other person(s) involved; taking note of the circumstances in which the accident occurred and; photographing of the accident site. These are essential should there be a need to determinine liability later on.

Crucial particulars to exchange:

1. Name;
2. NRIC;
3. License plate numbers;
4. Address;
5. Driver’s licenses;
6. Contact details; and
7. Insurer details.

Take note of the following details:

1. Time;
2. Date;
3. Exact location; 
4. Area(s) injured (if any);
5. Weather; 
6. Road condition;
7. Particulars and contact details of witnesses, passengers and pedestrians (if any).

The best method to keep track of the circumstances of the accident will be to photograph the accident scene including the position of the vehicle where the accident occurred, its surrounding areas (eg. presence of any skid marks) and close up of the vehicular structure that may have been damaged. It will also be very useful to have a copy of any relevant camera footage on your dashboard/ rear camera installed in your vehicle.

Do not allow any other person(s) involved in the accident to leave without obtaining the above information. In the event that the other driver attempts to escape, try to take down the license plate of the motor vehicle. 

FUNFACT!

The duty to provide (the driver’s) particulars upon reasonable request at the accident site, as applicable, is prescribed under s 84 of the Road Traffic Act.

Further, it is advisable to be conscious of what you say, keep your recount within its factual perimeters, and avoid discussion of liability even if you think that you may also be contributory negligent. This is not to suggest that you should evade responsibility, this is just to prevent the situation where your words may be manipulated and used against you thereafter.

2. Getting medical attention, if required

Call 995 for an ambulance, provide your exact location and briefly explain what happened. Avoid moving any persons who appears seriously injured to prevent further injuries. 

If you are injured in the accident, do remember to keep your medical records, medical certificates, medical bills and transportion bills properly should there be a need for a personal injury claim.

3. Move your vehicle to a safe area, if possible

If your vehicle can still be driven, move it to the side of the road or a safe area to avoid traffic congestions. If that is not possible, ask any unscathed passengers to proceed to a safe place. 

4. Make a Police Report, where necessary

It is only mandatory to make a police report in the following scenerios where the accident involves:

1. Fatality or serious injury (at least 3 days of MC/ hospitalisation);
2. Hit and run;
3. Pedestrians or cyclists; and
4. Foreign registered vehicles or government vehicle.

Should it be urgent, you may dial for the police at their 999 hotline. Know the name of the police officer(s) who took your statement and ensure that he/she heard your version of the event. Again, confine your recount to its factual perimeters. 

If it is not urgent, you can go down to your nearest Neighbourhood Police Station or Police Post as soon as possible or within 24 hours of the accident.  You can also make a police report online on their Traffic Accident Reporting e-services platform for Singapore Citizens with Singpass and valid email address.

5. Towing of vehicle (if required) to an authorised workshop – Call us ☎ 6784 0663

Do not be persuaded by any unauthorised tow truck operators and any personnels who approached you at the accident site claiming to be from any other repair workshops as this may potentially complicate your insurance claim.

Stick with an authorised workshop. You can call our 24 Hours Accident Helpdesk & Towing Services ☎ 6784 0663. Our workshop is authorised for the following insurance companies:

• MSIG Insurance (Singapore);
• India International Insurance;
• Ergo;
• eTiQa;
• Chubbs;
• HL Assurance;
• Great American Insurance Co.

We are also Reporting Centre for Tokio Marine Insurance.

Allow us to be your preferred authorised automotive repair workshop. We provide a one-stop solution for accident claims. Trust us to handle all the subsequent steps (Towing, Accident Reporting, Repairing & Spray Painting, Third-Party/ Own-damage claims recovery inclusive of all paperworks) and make it hassle-free. You don’t need to be more anxious than you already are in the unfortunate event of an accident!

6. Reporting to insurance companies

Notify your insurance company within 24 working hours or by the next working day. The consequences of not doing so includes the risks of getting your claim rejected and not keeping your No Claim Discount intact at your next policy renewal.

Own-Damage Claim: If the damage is caused by yourself, you will be claiming against your own insurance for any repairs. This will usually entail payment of an excess.

Third-Party Claim: If the damage is caused by any other person, you will be claiming against his/her insurance. Likewise, the other party may file a claim against your insurance if you caused the accident. 

Need assistance with the insurance reporting/ claim procedures? With our 30 years of experience, skilled technicians and trained staffs, we are able to provide you useful recommendations. 

We also provide replacement/ courtesy vehicles and loss of use benefits subject to certain insurance policies holders. Do check with our friendly staffs for eligibility.

7. Assessing of vehicle damage & repair

Once your vehicle is at the car workshop, an estimate of the fees to restoring the areas damaged will be prepared. After the workshop has submitted your claim, your vehicle will be surveyed by a surveyor from your insurer (for OD claims)/ third party insurer (for TP claims) to confirm the areas of damage arising from the accident that require repairs. Once approval has been obtained, the mechanic then starts work.

At NPH Auto Service, we house a dedicated team of in-house mechanics skilled in panel beating, spray painting, computerised equipments and a stringent supervisor to oversee the entire procedure to ensure that your beloved ride regain its vigour before the accident. We are also an advocate for quality, therefore we also only source replacement parts & accessories from reputable brand names. Save our number, our friendly staff will be there for you to ease your fluster.

---

☎ 6784 0663