Motor

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.

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.

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.

How to prepare for your first motorcycle road trip

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The road trip you’ve been looking forward to all summer can easily fall apart without proper preparations. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Check the condition of your vehicle.

"Certain vehicle parts may take longer to fix should there be any fault."

Tyres, brake pads, and brake fluid are some of the vehicle parts that can be most affected during a gruelling road trip. If you haven’t been to the workshop in ages, set aside some time for a visit at least one week before your road trip. Keep in mind that while most check-ups typically don’t last past a day, certain vehicle parts may take longer to fix should there be any severe fault.

2. Plan your rest-stops.

If you’re searching for a rest-stop, look out for parking lots in visible areas or carparks with security cameras. Well-trained individuals can disable security devices in a matter of seconds, so don’t give them added advantage in terms of location. Many vehicle thefts are made easier because owners are careless enough to park them in vulnerable spots where there are few people and it is easy to make a quick getaway.

3. Don’t pack according to weather forecasts.

Before embarking on a road trip, most people check the weather forecast for an idea of what to pack. While it is a good habit to have, don’t be too reliant on weather forecasts because they are not always accurate. Unexpected changes in weather have resulted in countless accidents over the years. Tip: Always be prepared for bad weather—rain jacket, gaiters, and eyewear.

4. Be cautious when renting.

Rental is a good alternative to using your own bike when it comes to road trips—but be wise about the dealings. Unbeknownst to you, some rental shops may offer a motorcycle that comes with faulty parts. If you did not do a prior check beforehand only to discover it later, you will be liable to pay for any repair or replacement costs.

5. Check your insurance coverage.

"Some insurance packages are limited only to specific areas, while other may not provide coverage for unauthorised drivers."

Motorcycle insurance is a great way to protect yourself, and can come in especially handy for long road trips. Make sure you know your plan well to prevent situations where you are unable to submit a claim. Some insurance packages are limited only to specific geographical areas, while others may not provide coverage for unauthorised riders.

All set and ready to go? If you have any questions about motorcycle insurance, feel free to reach out to us here or find out more here.

Motor insurance myths you should ignore

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Motor insurance myths you should ignore

Cars are expensive assets. Purchasing motor insurance is a good decision to ensure they are covered under any unforeseen circumstances—but be wise when choosing them! Here are some myths that you should know about before purchasing any policy.

1. Myth: There is no harm in going for the cheapest policy

“Car insurance policies are not created equal”

As with most types of insurance policies, the coverage you will be able to receive under a car insurance plan usually varies with the cost. Less comprehensive plans, such as Third Party Only insurance, tend to be cheaper purely because they cover the cost of damage to vehicles in a restricted number of scenarios. Comprehensive car insurance, on the other hand, tends to be the most expensive because it covers the most number of scenarios. Most auto loan providers will recommend that you take up this plan for this reason.

Car insurance policies are not created equal, thus if you want to ensure total coverage for your car and its passengers, it is best not to use price as a factor in your decision-making. After all, can you really put a price on protection?

2. Myth: My insurance only covers damage in the event of accidents

Most of you would know that car insurance can cover damage to your vehicle and even a third party vehicle in the event of a road accident, but what happens when damage occurs as a result of other mishaps? You’ll be glad to know that most car insurers are looking out for you in this respect.

Apart from accidents, car insurance also covers losses caused by situations out of your control. This includes natural calamities and Acts of God such as fire, theft, falling trees and flood-related damages.

Some policies even cover malicious damage to your vehicle caused by unknown persons, so even if your shiny new car does get keyed, you’ll be able to restore it to its original condition without forking out an arm and a leg.

3. Myth: I can enjoy coverage even when driving someone else’s car

"a car insurance plan is often tied not just to the policyholder but also to a particular vehicle"

So your friend just got a swanky ride and you’re excited to give it a spin. You can certainly take the wheel, but if you happen to get into a scrape, don’t expect to be able to claim for damages under your car insurance policy.

The protection offered by a car insurance plan is often tied not just to the policyholder but also to a particular vehicle. This means that in order to enjoy full protection, you must be registered as an authorised driver for that particular vehicle under the insurance policy.

Some providers may offer an option to cover unregistered drivers - however, conditions vary according to policy wording, so it’s best to check with your provider for a full range of alternatives.

4. Myth: Car insurance covers items stolen from inside my car

"Items such as laptops and mobile phones typically have to be insured separately"

There’s a good reason why we are constantly reminded not to leave any valuables in an unattended car. Car insurance may cover damage to your vehicle, but it does not enable you to claim for losses arising from personal property stolen from your vehicle. Items such as laptops and mobile phones typically have to be insured separately under a personal property insurance plan in order to be fully covered. It’s thus better to play on the safe side when travelling with special possessions.

5. Myth: It costs more to insure a red car

You may have heard the old wives’ tale about how red cars have a higher likelihood to get into accidents. Contrary to popular belief, there have been no studies that conclusively support this notion. Insuring a red car certainly won’t cost you more than insuring a car of any other colour! When it comes to cars, they are far more interested in the year, make, model, body type, engine size and age of your vehicle as these are factors that will affect the cost of your insurance policy.

For enquiries:

Not knowing the truth behind these myths can be costly. If you have any queries about car insurance, you can click here to reach us or click here to find out more about our motor insurance plans