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Multi-car accidents: Who’s at fault?

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Multi-car accidents: Who’s at fault?

In most car accidents involving two vehicles, the car behind is often held liable on the basis of not keeping a safe braking distance. However, when it comes to accidents involving multiple cars, things can get complicated. Here are 3 common scenarios:

Scenario A:

Scenario A:

In this case, Car B, C, and D all failed to keep a safe braking distance and were unable to stop in time.
They are all liable for the cars they rear-ended each. Only Car A is not at fault.

Scenario B:

Scenario B:

In this case, Car D would be liable for all damages caused in the chain collision due to his failure to keep a safe braking distance.

Scenario C:

Scenario C:

While this case closely resembles Scenario A, it has additional complications. In the majority of cases, the car(s) at the back are liable for the accident due to a failure in keeping a safe braking distance. Without camera evidence of Driver A’s reckless driving behaviour, he could be able to avoid liability even though he is at fault. That is why installing a front and rear car camera is so important. In cases where there is a lack of evidence, hiring a lawyer and/or having eyewitnesses would be Driver B, C, and D’s best chances of avoiding liability.

What to do during a car accident:
 
  1. Stay calm. Switch on hazard lights immediately and place the hazard sign at a noticeable distance behind your car.
  2. If there are any physical injuries, call the police and ambulance immediately.
  3. Take photos of the accident scene, as well as the damage to surrounding structures and vehicles (including license plates) from different angles.
  4. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it is causing significant congestion to traffic. However, you should only do so if there are no injuries or deaths, and only after you’ve taken photos of the scene.
  5. Collect information from involved parties, such as full name, mobile number, home address, and insurer details. If possible, take down the contact details from any eyewitnesses too.
  6. Contact your insurer. A report should be made regardless of whether you intend to claim from your insurer or the third party.

The role of car insurance:

When it comes to multi-car crashes, it can be very difficult to establish who was at fault. While police investigators can strive to do their best to determine the liability fairly, it may not always be in your favour—especially if your car has no cameras installed and there is no evidence to support your case.

This is where insurance comes in handy. A good car insurance policy can help to reduce your liability and cover the damage done to other vehicles. It is valuable in Scenario B, where the driver has a number of claims stacked against him. It is especially helpful in Scenario C where the drivers are at fault only in the eyes of the unsuspecting law. However, subject to your policy terms, do note that you may still need to pay an excess before your insurer pays out your full liability.


Car accidents are never straightforward, not even if it only involves two vehicles. If you want to find out more about car insurance, click here or reach out to us here.

4 factors you may not know that affect car insurance rates

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4 factors you may not know that affect car insurance rates

Have you ever wondered what determines the rate of your car insurance? Here is a list of contributing factors, as well as some bite-sized tips on how you can save on it.

1. Age of car

When it comes to car insurance, most cars follow a general rule of thumb: the older the vehicle, the higher the premiums. That is because older cars have a higher tendency of getting damaged due to wear and tear. On the other hand, newer cars usually have the latest technology and safety features that lower the chances of accidents.

Tip: If you have an older car, consider adding new safety technology such as blind spot sensors and a forward collision warning system.

2. Occupation

For some insurers, the nature of your job matters. For example, a sales agent may have to drive to different locations on a daily basis, thus increasing the risk of accidents and his insurance premium. On the other hand, a HR executive may only drive during off-peak hours, which makes him less likely to get into accidents. As a result, he may have a lower insurance premium.

Tip: If you drive frequently for work purposes, having a company car insured under your company’s name would be your best option.

3. Vehicle type

Some insurers develop their own vehicle safety rankings by using data from customers’ claims and analysing industry safety reports. Flashy and expensive cars are often deemed more susceptible to damage and theft, leading to higher insurance rates.

Tip: Before purchasing a car, do some background research to find out whether it has strong safety ratings by checking with your insurance agent.

4. Driving history

If you have a history of getting into driving accidents, you will likely have to pay a higher rate of car insurance due to perceived bad driving habits. On the flip side, a clean driving record could be useful for getting a discount.

Tip: Develop safe driving habits such as braking, cornering, and accelerating with care. This would greatly reduce the likelihood of getting into accidents. In addition, it is always good to check in with your agent a year after purchasing your car insurance, especially if your record is unblemished. Chances are, you could be in line for a discount.

Get more out of your insurance by having a better understanding of the coverages and limitations. Read on here to find out more about our motor insurance plans.

Types of travel coverage for different situations

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Types of travel coverage for different situations

People travel for all kinds of reasons. Whether you’re headed for an overseas wedding shoot or bringing your family on vacation this year, here are some travel coverage that you should know about.

1. If you’re going for photoshoots…

Be it the backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower or the Seoul Forest in Korea, it is an emerging trend for budding photographers to travel overseas in search of the perfect picture. The need to bring along your camera equipment would mean that there is a risk of it being damaged or even lost in transit. To reduce any potential repair or replacement costs, look out for travel insurance plans that provide coverage for luggage loss or damage.

2. If you’re going on a food hunt…

Being a foodie at heart, you’re always on the lookout for new and interesting kinds of food on your trip. But as much as you may enjoy trying the local street food in a foreign country, it would be wise to only do so when you have insurance protection at hand. That is because food poisoning cases are not uncommon overseas and can chalk up high medical costs. As such, do look out for travel insurance coverage that includes hospital benefits abroad.

3. If you’re going on an overseas road trip…

When visiting a different country, there are few better ways to sightsee than going on a road trip—just think about driving down that incredibly scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia. Unless you have friends or relatives lending you the keys to their cars, most people would choose the rental option. If you know that you will be renting a car overseas, do some research on the excess (or deductible or similar condition) which makes you liable for the loss or damage to the vehicle from the rental agency. And after your research, make sure that your travel insurance is able to cover at least some part of that excess.

4. If you’re bringing your family on a vacation…

Children can be more susceptible to food poisoning in a different country, as well as knocks and injuries in hotels that may not be child-proof. With this in mind, it is wise to purchase family insurance packages that not only cover for your whole family (including kids and the elderly), but could also be offered at a cheaper rate when compared to individual travel policies.

5. If you’re going on a business trip…

Heading overseas for work instead of leisure? Unlike people on a vacation, it can be very stressful and hectic for you. If you’re headed to a new country, the food and weather can also take some getting used to.

As a result, your immune system may be weakened, making you more prone to falling ill overseas. If you travel for business frequently, an annual travel plan that covers overseas doctor visits could be just the thing for you.


Want to find out more about travel insurance? Click here to read on.

Home insurance mistakes you don’t know you are making

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Home insurance mistakes you don’t know you are making

When it comes to our home insurance, it is important to cover all bases. We rank some of the most common missteps to avoid when purchasing home insurance.

1. Underestimating the impact of floods.

Not all home insurance policies provide coverage for flood damage, but it is fast becoming essential to homeowners. Rising global temperatures have led to extreme weather changes and rising sea levels, which in turn has led to more floods around the world. Some areas that have been recently affected include
Vietnam and Thailand, where countless homes were submerged or damaged as a result of torrential rain in 2017*. As such, it is wise to consider insurance plans that include flood coverage, such as MSIG’s Houseowner Insurance.

2. Adjusting home insurance according to real estate value.

Real estate prices fluctuate in the market all the time. Some people reduce insurance on their home to get more savings when the value of their homes drop—but you should refrain from doing so. That is because the price of rebuilding your home remains the same, no matter your real estate value. In the case of an 
unfortunate disaster, you will likely have to fork out a fortune.

3. Undervaluing your home contents.

Most home insurance plans have limitations for claims regarding your personal possessions found in your home. For example, you may have expensive furniture and home appliances that total up to a large sum—but the coverage you have is limited to much less than that. Before purchasing any home insurance, always make a list of all your important home contents, especially those that cost above $1,000. That way, you can check whether your chosen home insurance plan contains or matches the value of both your home and the contents inside it.

4. Purchasing home insurance based on lower premiums.

While lower premiums can represent savings in the long term, they may not necessarily be the best option. Some insurance policies may have removed certain important aspects such as flood coverage so as to bring down the price of a policy and entice more buyers. Tip: Identify your insurance needs and priorities before
going to any insurer, such as whether you live in an area that is prone to floods. Doing so will help to keep your needs top-of-mind before the price.

The key to avoiding costly mistakes lies in understanding home insurance. Find out more about the different home insurance plans we have available here.

*https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/floods-landslides-in-vietnam-kill-37-people-thousands-evacuated

Ambulance vs. Taxi: Who should you call in an emergency

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Ambulance vs. Taxi: Who should you call in an emergency
Case scenario:

One night, Jane woke up with excruciating pain in her stomach. For the next few hours, she tossed and turned in bed as the pain worsened until she couldn’t take it any longer. Despite the immense pain, Jane decided to call for a taxi instead of an emergency ambulance.

Can you guess why?

If you don’t already know, an ambulance trip can be costly. That is why most people decide on calling a taxi over an ambulance. But why is the cost of an ambulance so expensive?

There are two main factors. Firstly, the severity of the situation counts. In most countries, ambulance trips do not cost a cent if it’s an emergency situation, e.g. a heart attack or a stroke. However, there will be a cost if it is determined to be a non-emergency case—even if you were experiencing intense pain and agony at the point of time.

Secondly, the type of ambulance matters. In some countries, public ambulance services are deemed less efficient. As a result, people turn to private ambulances which are more reliable but are also costlier. While calling a taxi is one way to reduce overall medical expenses, it is not without its limitations. The cost of an ambulance is partly due to the availability of trained professionals and medical equipment on-board that can save your life en-route to the hospital. While not all health insurance packages provide coverage for the cost of ambulances, one should recognise the importance of calling for professional help in times of emergencies so that lives are not risked in order to save on that cost. After all, if you have a health insurance plan in place, you would already be protecting yourself from extensive hospitalisation and medication charges.

Check out what sets an ambulance apart from a taxi below—some of these features could save your life!

Health

 

When it comes to emergencies, calling for the right kind of help and having health insurance in place can lessen the burden of medical costs. Read more about our health insurance plans here.

Fire-related insurance myths extinguished

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Fire-related insurance myths extinguished

Generally, people are more informed about health or motor insurance. In comparison, home insurance—and to a larger extent, fire coverage—suffers from a lack of understanding. Let us clear the air on some of these fire-related insurance myths below.

Does fire coverage only relate to fire?

No. Contrary to what its name suggests, fire coverage usually cover a range of incidents—from explosions to floods to aircraft impact. The type of incidents they cover vary from plan to plan, so make sure you’re signing up for a package that is relevant to your needs. For example, if your area is prone to floods, make sure that it is included within the coverage.

Do all home insurance plans provide similar fire coverage?

Sometimes. Home insurance plans can provide 1) home contents coverage only, 2) structural coverage only, or 3) both home contents and structural coverage. Due to these variations, it is important to be clear on the policy terms and coverage, or speak to an expert to understand what you’re signing up for.

Does fire coverage kick in only if there is a fire in your insured home?

Not really. In most cases, fire coverage can cover expenses incurred by a fire that did not start in your home. If a fire breaks out in your neighbour’s house and spreads over to yours, you can depend on your insurer to cover any damages to home contents if you have a home insurance policy in place.

Does fire coverage have little importance?

Absolutely not. For many families, emergency funds may not be readily available or enough to cover all the costs of an incident. These include repair costs of any damage to house structure, replacement costs of home contents, as well as expenses spent on alternative accommodation during the repair period. Investing in a home insurance plan with fire coverage can prevent any home-related incident from becoming a huge financial burden.


Find out more about fire coverage in our home insurance policies here.

How to plan for the perfect road trip

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How to plan for the perfect road trip

So the holidays are almost upon you and you haven’t got anything planned yet. A road trip with your closest buddies could make your summer truly unforgettable. Here are some tips to get you started!

1. Drop by the car workshop.

To minimise the risks of accidents, pay your workshop a visit one week before your trip. Check the brake fluid and car tyres, and get your oil and oil filters changed if needed. Also ensure that you have all the emergency equipment you need, such as a spare tyre, a first aid kit, and a reflective warning triangle.

2. Invest in a good motor insurance plan.

As anything can happen on the road, it would be wise to choose an insurance plan with an emergency hotline that can assist you for towing, lockout, or batter jumpstart services, such as MSIG’s Motor Vehicle Package Insurance. That way, you know that help is available when you need it.

3. Download an offline map.

Maps can easily be found in the app store or online these days. However, some places may not have Wi-Fi and you may also want to save on data usage. To get around this, download those maps, or better yet, plot your route in advance into your phone so that you can access it even when you’re offline.

4. Pack the right kind of food.

Driving can be tiring and monotonous, especially on long straight roads. As such, stay away from carbohydrates and sugary treats such as white bread and pastries that can make you sleepy. Instead, consider trail mix and nuts to give you a sense of fullness and energy.

5. Have sufficient water at hand.

Dehydration can also lead to drowsiness, so make sure you are constantly hydrated and stay away from carbonated drinks. Most importantly, alcoholic beverages are a huge no-no. Motor insurance provides useful coverage for fortuitous accidents, but not for those under the influence of alcohol

Having a comprehensive motor insurance plan can set your heart at ease for an awesome road trip. Find out more about the various motor insurance plans we have available here.

5 things most people neglect when buying health insurance

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5 things most people neglect when buying health insurance

Ever heard of large insurances claims being denied? Negligence can come at a high price. Here are 5 important things to look out for.

1. Keeping your medical records up-to-date.

“Before meeting your insurance agent, bring along your medical records so that they can point out any red flags.”

Go for medical check-ups at least once a year. In many cases, people were unable to file for claims because existing body ailments were not known and declared. Tip: Before meeting your insurance agent, bring along your updated medical records so that they can point out any red flags.

2. Checking your family medical history.

Knowing your own state of health is the bare minimum, but it doesn’t stop there. If your family has a history of medical conditions such as high blood pressure or asthma, you may be more prone to them. No matter how fit or healthy you are, your gene pool is predetermined. Keep your family medical history in mind when looking out for health insurance policies to ensure they provide coverage for specific conditions.

3. High overseas medical treatment costs.

If you find yourself on flights regularly, you probably would have experienced falling sick overseas due to the change in weather, food, or even stress. Seeking medical treatment in another country can often be expensive due to complications such as the absence of medical records and language barriers. In some severe but exceptional cases, you may even need to be transported back home. An insurance plan that includes transportation and/or local hospitalisation would be a wise choice.

4. Making honest declarations.

“There are harsh penalties if you are found guilty of deception.”

Do you smoke or drink? When you are applying for health insurance, you are usually asked this question. Smoking and drinking usually lead to a higher premium but there are harsh penalties if you are found guilty of deception. Most importantly, you will lose your insurance benefits immediately and will face obstacles when applying for insurance in the future.

5. Reviewing your plans regularly.

Even if you already have insurance, you should still review your coverage yearly. Make sure that you are kept up-to-date with any changes to your insurance plan. For example, every plan covers differing tiers of medication. A medication that you take regularly could be shifted to a higher tier that results in a higher premium, or even be removed entirely. Switching to another plan will make sense in this case.

Always make clarifications if you’re unsure about something. If you’ve got any questions about healthcare insurance, you can reach out to us here or find out more here.

Savvy motor insurance tips shared by drivers around the world

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Savvy motor insurance tips shared by drivers around the world

People who have been involved in real incidents are more apt at giving better advice. Here are some noteworthy advice from drivers around the world on getting the best car insurance and making the most out of it.

1. It pays to be loyal.

Staying with the same car insurance company over a long period has its benefits. A good insurer would offer long-time customers perks such as discounts or no-claim bonuses. If your car insurance is about to expire and another insurer is offering a lower rate for certain packages, check whether there are higher deductibles in place. Switching to another insurer would mean that you have to give up your no-claims record and all the deductible reductions you’ve earned over the years to start over again.

2. Not your fault? Report anyway.

In the event of an accident, make sure that you call your insurance company even if you’re not at fault. A good insurance company will make sure that your repair bills are covered and even get you a rental car in the interim. Leaving the incident unreported could result in complications, especially if the other party spins the story in his own favour.

3. Choose your car wisely.

“Some cars are more expensive to repair and are likelier targets for acts of vandalism and theft.”

The type of car you drive can affect the rate of your car insurance. That is because some cars are more expensive to repair and are likelier targets for acts of vandalism and theft. Sports models usually belong to a more expensive insurance group, while smaller sedans equipped with safety features can be more affordable. Therefore, car insurance should definitely be something that you should consider when purchasing a new car.

4. Research both online and offline.

With so many insurers using online platforms, information is readily available at your fingertips. Hop onto their websites and follow their social channels to get a sense of where the best deals are. But don’t just stop there—take it offline too. Call your insurance agent to get access to exclusive promotions, discounts, and programs that may not be available online, or ring up the insurer directly to clarify any queries you may have.

5. Appreciate the importance of insurance.

There is a reason why it is compulsory for car owners to have Third Party Liability Insurance or other related packages by law. These are put in place to ensure every driver is adequately protected and compensated in the event of an accident. Since injuries and property damage can be very costly, many people could be put in a spot and find themselves unable to pay for it without insurance. That is why having a good insurance package in place is the first layer of protection for yourself and other fellow drivers on the road.

If you require more information about car insurance, you can find out more here.

Good practices your insurance agent should already be doing

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Good practices your insurance agent should already be doing

When it comes to insurance, it is important to find a good agent that understands and proposes the best solutions to meets your needs. Nobody wants an agent that places their self-interests above ours. Here are some things you should know before settling on one.

1. How suitable are their recommendations?

Recommendations are a good way to know whether an agent places your needs, rather than sales, as priority. Take healthcare insurance for example. You may be content with standard class wards, yet some agents may recommend a policy that provides coverage for a higher hospital class. Other agents may advise you against it. One way to identify a good insurance agent is by doing your own research and then considering their recommendations: do they really suit your needs?

2. What is their advice on policy termination?

Be it a loss of income or better offerings on the market, there is often good reason behind any decision to terminate any policy. Policy termination also represents a window of opportunity for agents to sell other packages. However, a good insurance agent would first point out any potential net financial losses that you may incur, the penalties that can result from early termination, as well as the loss or lack of coverage during the period of replacement.

3. Is your income being considered?

“While it differs for every individual, a healthy gauge will be to set aside 10–25% of your income for insurance.”

A good insurance agent will consider your income when it comes to purchasing any package. Any recommended new policies should not impact your lifestyle adversely, such as extreme scrimping and saving. While it differs for every individual, a healthy gauge will be to set aside 10–25% of your income for insurance, especially if you’re covering for multiple family members and assets such as cars and homes.

4. What are their communication practices?

Some good practices of reliable insurance agents include checking in on you at least once every 6 months or leaving you a contact number. This is to make sure that they are always available to provide recommendations at different stages of your life, such as when you have purchased a new car or property, or facing a health emergency.

A good insurance agent will always prioritise your enquiries and concerns above sales. If you have any questions regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to us here or find out more here.