Car Insurance Terminologies: The Basics (Part 2)

Car Insurance Terminologies: The Basics (Part 2)

It’s always helping to understand and know the basics and most common terminologies of car insurance.

 

When comparing the best car insurance (or motorcycle insurance), it’s crucial for you to review the policies carefully before you sign on one of them. Most of us are not familiar with the legal terms stated in the policies. 

Being ignorant of what they meant or misunderstanding the terms could be problematic should accidents happen. Which makes it all the more reason for you to know the terminologies of car insurance in Malaysia.

 

Just like in Part 1, we’ll break the terminologies down. This time, we’ll go through terminologies starting with D, E, and F:

 

Common car insurance terminologies starting with ‘D’

 

Disability

If an accident causes you disability where you’re no longer able to work, you’ll usually receive compensation from your Personal Accident policy. This applies to grave injuries that leave you incapable of working. In this situation, you will receive a lump-sum compensation.

Meanwhile, for cases where you are absent from work temporarily because of an accident. Compensation in the form of a weekly payment will be paid for up to two years. 

Disability Benefit

This is an added provision for life insurance policies that waives the premium and at certain times a monthly payment income. This applies if you, the insured, become permanently and totally disabled. 

Deductible

Refers to the agreement made between the insurance company and the policyholder. It is where both parties will share the medical treatment costs. For instance, if the total medical bill is RM300 and the excess amount option is RM100, your insurer will pay the RM200 balance.  

Declaration

Refers to the part in an insurance policy that contains personal details and representations of the applicant. For example, past accidents or previous medical conditions.

Date of Issue

It is different from the insurance commencement date. The “Date of Issue” refers to the actual date when an insurance company finally issues the policy’s document.

Damages

Refers to the compensation for property damages or injuries sustained due to another party’s negligence or wrongful acts.

 

Common car insurance terminologies starting with ‘E’

 

Ex Gratia

The insurer pays the insured out of kindness or grace.

Exclusions

Anything excluded or not covered by an insurance policy 

Exceptions 

Also known as Exclusions in some cases. “Exceptions” are meant to limit the risk of an insurer. It can be found in the small print of policies.

Effective Date

The date when an insurance company is legally obligated to start the coverage. However, “Effective Date” is not the same as “Policy Date” and “Issue/Inception Date”.

Endorsements

The insurer or insured makes special plans or changes after the policy has already started.

Endowment

A combination of savings and protection where payment will be disbursed at a particular time if you sustain permanent and total disability or upon your demise.

Common car insurance terminologies starting with ‘F’

Fire and Theft

Comprehensive Car Insurance is usually not required for older cars. Therefore, an individual may extend a Third-Party policy for added premium in order to cover damage or loss caused by theft or fire (as well as attempted theft). However, idle or parked cars are only covered for theft and fire.

Free-Look Period

The period when policyholders can take their time to examine their newly issued insurance policy (normally 15 days). Once the period is over, the policyholder can make an exchange for a full refund of the premium by surrendering the policy without making claims.

Face Amount

In case a particular event that is insured happens, the insurer will make a lump-sum payment to the insured as promised.

Foreign Use (Cars)

In some countries, their car insurance can also be extended to cover the insured when they are driving in neighbouring countries. For example, some Singapore car insurance covers the insured while they are in Malaysia or Southern Thailand. Another example is when Hong Kong residents drive their vehicles in China, where they’re covered by their policies. 

Fleet Policies

For companies that own a few vehicles, all of them can be insured and covered under one policy, typically with a discount given.

 

Always remember to read your policy thoroughly. Check whether every detail is correct, and make sure you truly understand all the terms and conditions mentioned in the contract. Don’t sign the policy until you’re certain that everything’s right and satisfactory. You may also ask for help from someone to review the policy and ask for their second opinion. 

*The content provided is for informational purposes only. FatBerry makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Should you require more information on our products, please refer to fatberry.com or contact us.

Fatberry’s Comprehensive Guide To Buying The Best Car Insurance

Fatberry’s Comprehensive Guide To Buying The Best Car Insurance

Most of us would need a car for practically everything to run our day-to-day activities smoothly. However, your ride is going to be a bumpy one if you’re not protected with car insurance; which is one of the most important things all car owners need to have. Here’s a comprehensive guide for you to follow:

 

Written by: Dayana Sobri

 

Before we dive a little deeper, here’s an outline of the guide for your reading convenience:

 

  • The importance of having car insurance
  • What you should know about road tax in Malaysia
  • Three major types of car insurance coverage
  • What is the sum insured in car insurance coverage?
  • The additional coverage of car insurance
  • What you need to know about No Claim Discount (NCD)
  • Comprehensive coverage of car insurance
  • Other things car owners MUST know when looking for or buying the best car insurance
  • 4 easy and fast ways to buy car insurance at the lowest price
  • Enjoy additional special promos when you renew your car insurance on Fatberry’s platform!

 

 

The importance of having car insurance

 

You may think you are a careful driver and that you can simply get by safely without a hitch. However, accidents lurk in every corner, and no matter how good and safe of a driver you are, it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen. Hence why car insurance is important for your safety, not only physically but also financially.

Trust us when we say that your future self will thank you for it, should something bad happen to you (and we hope not). But it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful. At least with car insurance covering you if something unexpected occurs, rest assured that you and your family won’t be financially burdened as much. Undoubtedly, this is the part where the insurance company comes to your rescue and takes care of things to lessen your burden.

See Also: Best Car Insurance in Malaysia (2022)

 

What you should know about road tax in Malaysia

 

Although we’re talking about car insurance, it’s impossible not to mention the other important thing a car owner must have and be aware of, which is the road tax. 

Road tax is compulsory for all vehicle owners, and if you don’t want any trouble with the authority, make sure you have a valid road tax issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). 

The cost of your road tax may depend on a few factors, such as your car model, cubic capacity, and your location (West Malaysia or East Malaysia). To renew your road tax, you’ll also need to have insurance. Therefore, remember to renew your car insurance and road tax before they expire every year. 

The best time for you to renew your car insurance and road tax is two months before the expiration date. Quickly check your dates and set up a reminder if you haven’t done so already. At Fatberry, we offer RM150 off car insurance!

 

 

Three major types of car insurance coverage

 

In Malaysia, there are three major types of car insurance coverage that you can choose from, depending on your needs and budget. You may go with the basic plan or expand it by choosing a few add-ons (this would make the premium higher the more you add on). Your choices include:

 

1. Comprehensive car insurance

Also known as first-party insurance, comprehensive car insurance provides the most comprehensive protection, as its name suggests. Not only you are going to be covered for road accidents, but also theft and fire. 

In the case where you’re involved in an accident and something happened to your car and the other car involved, the insurer will cover the costs. This policy is best for cars under 10 years old.

 

2. Third-party, fire, and theft car insurance

In the case where your car gets stolen or is on fire, this type of car insurance will provide the necessary coverage. However, if an accident occurs where you’re at fault, you’ll bear the repair cost on your own. Meanwhile, the car that you hit will be covered. At least you won’t be too financially burdened.

 

3. Third-party car insurance

The most basic type of car insurance (and also the cheapest), this type only provides coverage for the third party involved in the car accident. Unfortunately, no protection whatsoever is going to be provided in the event of a fire, theft, or accident.

 

 

What is the sum insured in car insurance coverage?

 

Sum insured refers to the maximum amount a car can be insured based on the current market value. If you’re unsure of your car’s market value, you may find out about it on MyCarInfo. There are at least two factors that will determine the sum insured of car insurance:

Agreed value

Agreed value means the amount which has been agreed upon both by you (the car owner) and your insurance provider according to the car’s year and model. For example, if the amount insured is RM20,000 and an accident happens, the car insurance company will provide full compensation of RM20,000.

Market value

Market value simply means how much your car is worth before the damage occurs. For instance, if the amount insured for the car was RM45,000 but the market value for the car during the accident drops to RM40,000, the car insurance company will pay compensation depending on the market value (in this case, it’s RM40,000).

 

 

The additional coverage of car insurance

 

Remember that we had previously mentioned add-ons that you can choose? If any of your chosen car insurance plans are not satisfactory, there are several common additional coverages offered by many insurance and Takaful providers.  

That said, each car insurance and Takaful provider may have different terms and conditions for each add-on, so read them carefully before you sign anything. These are some of the most common add-ons that you can get: 

  • Towing
  • Personal Accident
  • Passenger Coverage
  • Civil Commotion, Riot, and Strike Coverage
  • Natural Disasters (or Special Perils)
  • All Drivers
  • Named Driver
  • Windscreen

 

 

What you need to know about No Claim Discount (NCD)

 

NCD, short for No Claim Discount, is the discount given to you if no claim has been made under your policy with the current insurance provider during the coverage year. Your NCD rate will also increase if no claim is made in the following year. The NCD rates for cars may vary as follows:

  • 1st year – 0%
  • 2nd year – 25%
  • 3rd year – 30%
  • 4th year – 38.33%
  • 5th year – 45%
  • 6th year and above – 55% (maximum)

If you managed to earn the NCD rate of 55% and then made a claim during the current year, your NCD rate will go back to 0% in the following year.

 

 

Comprehensive coverage of car insurance

 

Most car insurance companies offer a similar policy with different advantages and benefits or advantages. The following are just a few examples of the benefits and advantages offered by several insurance/takaful companies on FatBerry’s platform (please refer to each company’s product disclosure sheet for more information):

 

AmGeneral Insurance Berhad (Kurnia) (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 100km
  • FREE coverage for all drivers
  • FREE key care service up to rm500

 

AmGeneral Insurance Berhad (Kurnia) (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 100km
  • FREE coverage for all drivers
  • FREE key care service up to rm500

 

Etiqa Takaful Berhad (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 200km
  • FREE coverage for all drivers
  • CASHBACK if there are no claims

 

Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Bhd (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 200km
  • FREE up to 3 registered Name Drivers
  • FREE jumpstart service
  • FREE battery change service
  • E-hailing coverage provided

 

Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Bhd (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 200km
  • FREE up to 3 registered Name Drivers
  • FREE jumpstart service
  • FREE battery change service
  • E-hailing coverage provided

 

RHB Insurance Berhad (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 200km
  • FREE 24/7 claim assistant
  • FREE fuel delivery service

 

Syarikat Takaful Malaysia (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 50km
  • FREE coverage for all drivers
  • CASHBACK up to 7.5% if there are no claims
  • Nationwide workshop panel
  • Complimentary PA coverage of RM15000 for each driver and passenger

 

Zurich Takaful Malaysia Bhd (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 200km
  • FREE up to 3 registered Name Drivers
  • CASHBACK if there are no claims
  • E-hailing coverage provided

 

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24/7 towing up to 150km
  • FREE coverage for second drivers
  • FREE battery change service
  • E-hailing coverage provided

 

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24-hour Emergency towing up to RM 300
  • FREE 1 Additional Driver
  • FREE 24-hour roadside assistance program
  • FREE 24-hour claim assistance
  • E-hailing coverage provided

 

Great Eastern General Insurance (Malaysia) Berhad (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24-hour Emergency towing up to RM 300
  • FREE 1 Additional Driver
  • FREE 24-hour roadside assistance program
  • FREE 24-hour claim assistance

 

Tokio Marine Insurance (Malaysia) Berhad (Product Disclosure Sheet)

  • FREE 24-hour Emergency towing up to RM 300
  • FREE 1 Additional Driver
  • FREE 24-hour roadside assistance program
  • FREE 24-hour claim assistance

 

 

Other things car owners MUST know when looking for or buying the best car insurance

 

How do insurance companies calculate car insurance premium rates in Malaysia?

As a car owner, you must know about the Malaysian detariffication of motor insurance (or the removal of tariffs). Before 2017, Bank Negara Malaysia was the one that controls the calculation method for motor insurance premiums.

Hence once the tariff was removed, insurance companies can now implement their ways for premium calculation. Risk-based pricing is often the method used to determine your premium rate. To determine the premium rate of your car insurance, these are the major factors that will be taken into account:

  • The car’s safety features
  • Driver’s Age
  • Driver’s Occupation
  • Driver’s Location
  • Car Usage
  • Driver’s Driving record

 

9 simple steps to submit a car insurance claim

 

Most people think it’s a daunting and tedious process to submit a claim for their car insurance, which is NOT true! For your convenience, we’ve broken down the nine simple steps to submit your car insurance claim:

1. Call your insurance company immediately after you’re involved in an accident.
2. Gather all of the evidence that you can find, and record important information such as: 

  • Time and place of the accident,
  • Photos of the accident scene,
  • Photos that prove damages to your car and other vehicles involved; and
  • Exchange information with the other parties involved.
  • File a police report within 24 hours and NO later than that.

3. Report to the car insurance company within 7 days of the accident and NO later than that.
4. Only send your car to the panel workshop of the insurance company.
5. Fill in the insurance company claim form.
6. Submit all forms required by your insurance provider.
7. Check with your insurance company regarding the repairs done by the panel workshop to avoid any conflict.
8. Sign the insurance company release form once you are satisfied with your car after the repair is done.

 

What if someone else drives my car and is involved in an accident? Can I still submit a claim?

In the event where your car is involved in an accident caused by someone else who drives your car, there will be extra charges on your claim. 

However, if the said driver’s name has been added to your policy OR your car insurance policy covers all drivers who drive your car, you are allowed to submit a claim during your car insurance renewal.

 

Am I allowed to cancel my car insurance policy whenever I want?

Yes, you’re allowed to cancel your car insurance policy whenever you want. However, do take note that there may be penalties imposed if you canceled before the policy’s expiration date.

If my car is older than 15 years, am I allowed to renew my car insurance?

In most cases, the older your car the fewer the benefits and advantages offered. However, you can compare and customize your plan easily before you buy on Fatberry’s platform, so rest assured as there will be something for every driver!

 

What is the difference between comprehensive car insurance and third-party, fire and theft car insurance?

 

Here’s a simple comparison between the two:

Comprehensive Car Insurance
Third-party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance

The comprehensive car insurance covers mainly everything, not only the third party but also your vehicle. 

Whatever vehicle-related loss or damages that you are facing, you will be covered. 

However, this will also depend on your vehicle’s age, which means not every vehicle is eligible to be provided with this coverage.

For third-party, fire, and theft car insurance, you will be covered for any claims made by a third party against you due to a road accident that results in vehicle damage, loss of property, bodily injuries, and death. 

Plus, this coverage plan also covers your car for damages caused by fire or even grand theft auto.

 

 

4 easy and fast ways to buy car insurance at the lowest price:

Not all car insurance plans are made equal, although they may be similar to each other! Here are four tips to get the best car insurance for you at the lowest price possible:

1. Avoid auto-renewals 

First off, some car insurance companies will give you the option to auto-renew your car insurance. It’s advisable to avoid auto-renewals because the car insurance premium charged may not be the lowest rate on the market.

This is because insurance companies will update their car insurance premium from time to time, so you should compare the prices from various car insurance companies before you renew yours.

2. Renew your car insurance at least two months before it expires

Next, when your car insurance expires, some insurance companies will charge a higher premium rate. Therefore, it is best to renew your car insurance before it expires (preferably two months prior) to enjoy the lowest price possible.

3. Compare car insurance quotes as much as you can

When it comes to premium rates, there are different calculation methods that car insurance companies use. Depending on the condition of your car, and also the insurance companies, the rates can vary between 40 to 50 percent.

This is why we encourage you to compare car insurance quotes from a variety of car insurance companies as much as you can to find the best and lowest rate possible. By doing so, you’ll have the chance to save hundreds of Ringgit.

4. Check your car insurance coverage before you buy

Last but not least, you may want to use your car solely to commute for work. Or you need your car so you could drop off your kids at school before running a few errands. Or you want a car that can withstand the muddy roads for a long journey. 

This shows just how each car on the market serves a different purpose, which is why you need to choose the most suitable car insurance plan based on your car and usage.  

Since a few car insurance quotations may include coverage that may not be applicable for certain types of car and usage or have a higher sum insured than the actual market value; you should check the coverage of each of the car insurance plans to make sure you’re only paying for what you need.

 

 

Enjoy additional special promos when you renew your car insurance on FatBerry’s platform!


Renew your car insurance if you haven’t done so already. However, you can only renew your policy within two months before your policy expiry date. So hurry up!

Enjoy our current promo JOMRENEW and get RM150 off for car insurance! On the other hand, if your car insurance has not expired yet, don’t worry! Just click ‘CHOPE’ for your next renewal. In other words, you can reserve the promo first before the deal ends.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in earning some extra cash, refer your friends to our platform and earn RM10 when your friends renew their insurance with Fatberry! Check out our home page for more info!

 

*The content provided is for informational purposes only. FatBerry makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Should you require more information on our products, please refer to fatberry.com or contact us.

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Car Insurance Terminologies: The Basics (Part 1)

Car Insurance Terminologies: The Basics (Part 1)

If you’re new to car insurance, you may be overwhelmed by the legalities of it all. Many of us don’t know some of the term meanings stated in a car insurance policy. We’ll explain a few basic and most common car insurance terminologies to know.

 

It can be tedious to find, compare and buy car insurance, particularly if you’re the fussy kind (which is good because we’re talking about saving yourself and others). In between all of that, you’ll also have to review the policies carefully before you sign on the dotted line.

For most of us, we may not be familiar with the legal terms stated in the policies. Not knowing what they meant or misunderstanding what they meant could cause you some problems in the future, which is why you need to know all there is to know about the terminologies of car insurance in Malaysia.

Since there are so many car insurance terminologies that you must know, we’ll break it down into a few parts. In this Part 1, we’ll list the terms that start with A to C:

 

Common car insurance terminologies starting with ‘A.’

 

Act Of God

This refers to whatever occurrences that happen naturally beyond human control, for example, floods or landslides…

Acceptance

Both parties involved agree to the terms of an insurance contract, where it is binding.

Accident

An unintended or unforeseen occurrence or event.

Accidental Bodily Injury

The insured’s body has injuries due to an accident.

Additional Perils 

Add-ons made for basic insurance policies. They are sometimes known as Special Perils or Fire policies, where they cover perils such as explosion, lightning, and fire; or losses due to flood and storm.

Age Limits

Insurance companies won’t accept policy renewals or applications by those who are under the age limit or over the age limit.

Agents

An individual who sells and provides services related to insurance policies on behalf of insurance providers.

Annual Limit

For a one-year policy, the Annual Limit refers to the maximum amount paid for your claims settlement. Your premium will be higher the higher the annual limit.

Assured

An individual who has been insured against loss.

 

Common car insurance terminologies starting with ‘B.’

 

Benefit Policy

A contract that pays the insured a sum of money in a specific occurrence, whether or not the person insured faces financial loss.

Beneficiary

An individual who receives the payout from the contract made if the insured dies.

Beneficiary, Contingent

When the beneficiary dies before the insured, the death benefit will be designated to individual(s). 

Beneficiary, Irrevocable

A beneficiary that the insured cannot change.

Beneficiary, Primary

An individual or individuals who will receive the benefits.

Betterment

If some wrecked parts need to be replaced with new ones when you send your damaged vehicle for repair, a portion of the costs will be covered by your insurer. The difference needs to be paid by you based on the standard betterment scale, ranging from 0% to 40%.

Bodily Injury Liability

 A legal liability arises when someone faces an injury or dies.

Breach of Contract

The insured fails to comply with his/her insurance policy’s terms and conditions. 

Broker

An individual who represents the insured by servicing and arranging insurance policies on the latter’s behalf. The broker earns commissions from the insurance company.

 

Common car insurance terminologies starting with ‘C.’

 

Claim

An individual makes a claim to an insurance company for a loss that the policy covers.

Conditions

The policy owner (the insured) needs to comply with the policy’s terms before his/her insurers pay for the claim made.

Contract of Indemnity

This type of property insurance restores the insured’s financial condition to how it was before when he/she suffers a loss or misfortune. However, it is not considered a Contract of Indemnity for Personal Accident insurance if the insurer makes a lump sum payment to the insured, which has been pre-agreed.

Contribution

In the case where an individual holds more than two insurance policies (which are contracts of indemnity) that are similar in terms of coverage for the same perils, the law will prevent the insured from recovering his/her loss under the policies so he/she could profit from it. 

Coordination of Benefits

When more than one policy covers an insured, the primary carrier will be determined by a group policy provision. This is to ensure that the insured will not receive overpayments in claims.

 

You must read your policy thoroughly. Check whether every detail is correct, and make sure you truly understand all the terms and conditions mentioned in the contract. Don’t sign the policy until you’re confident that everything’s right and satisfactory. You may also ask for help from someone to review the policy and ask for their second opinion. Stay tuned for the second part of this blog post!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more insurance tips, updates and promos. Like our famous VISA promo here!

*The content provided is for informational purposes only. FatBerry makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Should you require more information on our products, please refer to fatberry.com or contact us.

 

 

Comparing Car Insurance–The Hassle-Free Way!

Comparing Car Insurance–The Hassle-Free Way!

It is time to renew your car insurance if you haven’t done so already. If you’ve got a hectic schedule, fret not! Here’s how you can start comparing car insurance in a mere three minutes.

 

Before the dawn of online insurance comparison platforms, it was quite a hassle for consumers to find and purchase the best car insurance. Back then, comparing car insurance and getting quotes can take a while, not to mention having to visit insurance providers in person, one by one. It was very time-consuming and required a lot of effort.

Thanks to technology, you no longer have to leave your house to get your car insurance. Now, you can compare and customise your car insurance plan before you buy it, all in three minutes or even less! Here’s how it works on FatBerry’s AI-powered platform when you click the ‘Get Started’ button:

 

1. Give us a few relevant details.

We will ask you a few things, like your vehicle location (provide us with your postcode), your vehicle registration number, and your ID number.

2. Ensure that your vehicle information is correct.

In less than five seconds, we will show you the complete details of your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle information is correct, including Vehicle Make, Year, Vehicle Chassis Number, Vehicle Variant, Vehicle Model, Vehicle Engine (CC), and Vehicle Engine Number.

 

3. Choose from a list of car insurance plans.

To proceed further, provide your email address and phone number. In a few seconds, we will present a list of car insurance plans for you to choose from, complete with insurance providers, the sum insured, and the gross premium. 

To get the best premium rate, you will need to provide a few more info, including your years of driving experience, your gender, and your marital status. Your car insurance premium will be calculated based on risk characteristics. The greater the profile risk, the higher the premium. The lower the profile risk, the lower the premium.

Once you have updated your driver information, read the coverage and benefits offered by each provider. Next, after you’ve decided which plan is the best for you, you may proceed with choosing the add-ons that you need.

 

4. Choose your add-ons.

When choosing the add-ons, do bear in mind that the more add-ons you choose, the higher your premium rates will be. So choose carefully and get the add-ons that you truly need. Consider the location of your vehicle if you’re not sure whether you need a particular add-on or not.

For example, if you live in an area that is vulnerable to natural disasters, like landslides or floods, you can get additional coverage for any damages to your vehicle due to natural disasters. Similarly, if you live in an area with a higher rate of vandalism, theft, accidents, civil commotion, riot, or strike, opt for the right coverage.

Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to have a live chat with FatBerry’s support team via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. You may click on the purple button located on the lower right side of the page to start a conversation. 

State what it is that you want to talk about. For example, maybe you’d like to get help with choosing the right add-ons, or you may need more advice on choosing the best plan for you before you buy it. Next, select the chat channel of your choice, and you will instantly be taken to the channel for further conversation.

 

5. Fill in your details.

Fill in your personal details. Make sure everything is correct and complete. Once you’ve reviewed your details and all is good, you may proceed to pay for your car insurance plan.

 

 

Enjoy additional special promos when you renew on FatBerry’s platform

Now that we’ve shown you how easy it is to compare car insurance on our platform, it’s time to renew your car insurance if you haven’t done so already. However, you can only renew your policy within two months before your policy expiry date. So be quick and be on time!

For those with a Visa card, here’s some good news for you: enjoy the ‘RM1 Road Tax with Fatberry’ special promo when you renew your car insurance and pay with your VISA card on FatBerry’s platform! 

That said, if your car insurance has not expired yet, don’t worry. Just click ‘CHOPE’ for your next renewal. This deal is exclusively for Visa cardholders only, where you can claim your RM1 road tax later. In other words, you can reserve the promo first before the deal ends.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in earning some extra cash, refer your friends to our platform and earn RM30 when your friends renew their insurance with FatBerry! Check out our main page for more info!

*The content provided is for informational purposes only. FatBerry makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Should you require more information on our products, please refer to fatberry.com or contact us.

Factors Affecting Premium Rates: What You Must Know

Factors Affecting Premium Rates: What You Must Know

With the detariffication of motor insurance back in 2017, each individual’s premium rate may no longer be the same, as insurance companies are now using the risk-based pricing method to calculate your premium. Find out the factors affecting your motor insurance premium.   Before 2017, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) was the one responsible for controlling the price of motor insurance premium. Insurance companies followed a tariff structure, where the factors affecting one’s premium include the following:

  • The vehicle’s current market value
  • The engine capacity (cc) of the vehicle
  • The vehicle’s age (vehicles older than 10 years old had higher premium rates)
  • Add-ons, for example, Personal Accident

Minor differences in pricing

Due to the same calculation method used across insurance companies, the premium rates were pretty much similar regardless of the company you chose to purchase insurance from. Even if there was a small difference in pricing, it could be because of:

  • Different add-ons (product or service) included in the policy
  • Loading conditions (whether a vehicle carries a higher risk)
  • The sum insured (a vehicle’s value may be viewed differently by different insurance companies)

What are the factors affecting premium? 

Post-detariffication, insurance companies are no longer required to follow the tariff structure set by BNM. Instead, premium rates for motor insurance are now based on several risk factors carried by an individual, which include the following:

  • How you use your car

Are you a suburban housewife who drives her car to run errands and fetch her kids to and from school? Chances are your premium rate may be lower as the risks you carry are fewer than those who commute daily to their office via highways, where the risk of road accidents is high.

  • The type of vehicle you drive

Vehicles equipped with intermediate to high-performing rear-engine models as well as sports-type vehicles have higher premium rates. This is because the repair cost is more expensive than average vehicles if an accident occurs.

  • Your age

The younger you are, the less experience you have in driving. This means your premium rate will be higher as you’re perceived to carry more risks, compared to drivers with years of driving experience.

  • Your gender

Female drivers tend to be more careful on the road, so they get to enjoy lower premium rates compared to their male counterparts.

  • Your driving record

If you have no history of getting speeding tickets, being involved in an accident, being slapped with summons because you didn’t follow the rules, or other traffic offences, chances are your premium rate will be lower.

  • Your claims history

Drivers who have a history of making claims indicate that they carry higher risks, which means they’ll get a more expensive premium rate.

  • The add-ons you choose

The more coverage and benefits you picked, the more expensive your premium rates will be. Typically, insurance policies that cover the driver, as well as the third-party, tend to cost more.

  • Where you live

If you live in a high-risk area where vandalism, theft, or accidents are common occurrences, your premium rates will be higher.

Simple tips to get affordable premium rates

Now that you know what factors are affecting the premium rates of your motor insurance, you can try to get more affordable rates by following these simple tips:

  • Have a budget in mind

Calculate your monthly expenses. See how much money you can set aside to purchase motor insurance and be able to pay every month.

  • Drive with good manners and keep a clean record

Avoid getting into a car accident by driving carefully and controlling your temper and ego (road rages are so common in Malaysia). Don’t drive too fast if you don’t want to get a speeding ticket. Don’t do any traffic violation to avoid being slapped with hefty fines. These are the simple ways you can keep a clean driving record.

  • Know your vehicle well, inside out

As a vehicle owner, you should already know every little thing about your vehicle. But if you’re not into cars and have little knowledge about things such as the model, make, and year of your vehicle, it’s time you pay more attention as this could help you get more affordable premium rates.

  • Upgrade the security of your vehicle

This is especially important if you live in a high-risk area. Make sure things like auto-lock and alarm are functioning properly. If you could afford it, consider installing a dash-cam for added security, or any other security device.

  • Don’t get add-ons that you don’t need

Some insurance agents may sweet-talk you into getting add-ons that you actually don’t need, so think carefully about what you truly need and don’t need.   Contrary to popular belief, detariffication is actually a good thing for vehicle owners in Malaysia. With the new premium calculation method, consumers can now enjoy lower premium rates, various insurance products tailored to their needs and budget, and overall better customer service.

*The content provided is for informational purposes only. FatBerry makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Should you require more information on our products, please refer to fatberry.com or contact us.

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