Claims are stressful, and small mistakes can slow repairs or reduce payouts. Clear communication and good records can help drivers and riders avoid most issues. This list focuses on practical steps that keep motorcycle insurance and car insurance claims moving, from the first call to settlement and recovery. It also reflects typical requirements in Singapore, where prompt reporting, approved workshops, and proper documentation make a measurable difference to outcomes.
1. Waiting Too Long to Report an Incident
Call the hotline as soon as it is safe. Delays may influence liability judgements, and many plans have stringent first notice timeframes. Provide the time, place, weather, and everyone’s contact information. Note injuries, even if minor. Fast reporting creates a reliable timeline and helps assessors book inspections earlier. When unsure, log the event to protect your position.
2. Leaving the Scene Without the Right Evidence
Photograph the positions of vehicles, road markings, and damage before moving. Capture close-up images of plates and any dash cam screenshots. Collect names, mobile numbers, and insurer details for third parties and witnesses. For riders, add images of gear damage. Clear evidence supports both motorcycle insurance and car insurance claims and reduces disputes later. If the police attend, note the report number and officer name so the insurer can request records without delay.
3. Accepting On-the-Spot Cash Settlements
A quick payment can seem convenient, but hidden damage appears after inspection. Most policies require you to inform the insurer before accepting any settlement. If someone pressures you, note their plate and call the hotline. Protect your position by letting the assessment process run. Proper repair quotes usually save money and time. If the other party insists on a private deal, ask for written acknowledgement that they will pay full costs after repair, then pass the note to your insurer for guidance.
4. Using Non-Approved Repairers Without Checking
Authorised workshops handle parts, paint codes, and calibration. Non-approved shops can delay claims or void certain benefits. Confirm whether your policy offers any workshop choice or a partner list, then book through the correct channel. For cars with advanced driver assistance systems, ask about calibration. For bikes, ask about frame alignment and fairings. Keep all job sheets and parts invoices because some policies reimburse only when documents match the estimator’s notes.
5. Forgetting Excess, Depreciation, and Betterment
Know the numbers before authorising repairs. Ask the advisor to explain excess, age-related depreciation, and betterment where new parts improve the vehicle. Clarify how these items affect what you pay. With car insurance and motorcycle insurance alike, understanding these terms prevents surprise balances at collection. Where two parties share fault, ask how apportionment works and whether your excess changes when liability is split by percentage.
6. Not Disclosing Modifications and Accessories
Undeclared changes can complicate assessment. List aftermarket exhausts, lighting, luggage racks, in-car electronics, and cameras when you buy or renew. Keep receipts and photographs. If accessories are damaged, the insurer needs proof of ownership and value. Proper disclosure keeps cover consistent and speeds replacement decisions. For new electric accessories such as dash cams or mobile chargers, add the items to your schedule so the claim handler can see them without extra queries.
7. Ignoring Medical Follow-Up and Documentation
If anyone is injured, seek medical care and keep records. Insurers use medical notes to assess reasonable expenses and recovery timelines. Submit receipts for treatment, scans, and medication. When safety was jeopardised, advise riders to replace their equipment. Accurate health records support fair compensation and close claims faster. Keep a diary of symptoms and time off work, since that information helps adjusters evaluate loss of income or rehabilitation needs.
Conclusion
Smooth claims rely on speed, evidence, and correct channels. Report early, gather thorough proof, and use approved workshops that understand your vehicle. Confirm costs and policy terms before repairs begin, and keep medical paperwork organised if people are hurt. With these habits, motorcycle insurance and car insurance work as intended, and you return to the road sooner. After settlement, review your cover and update declared accessories so the policy reflects the value of your bike or car.
For clear cover and responsive claims support, contact Income Insurance to review policies for both riders and drivers today.
