Alex Tan, Author at Insurance Agency Singapore | Commercial Insurance and Personal Insurance

Five Things You Might Not Know about Car Insurance

14 October 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user Rahul Ramakrishnan

1. Your credit impacts your insurance rates

Insurance providers have found that certain credit characteristics for an individual are useful to predict of how likely it is that the individual will have insurance claim. It is not the same ones that a bank uses to measure lending risk but rather, insurers may use credit-based insurance scores to assess the likelihood of claims submitted. These variables may include the age, driving record, claims history, place of residence, type of car and the average miles driven.

2. Brand loyalty can cost you

If your mind-set about automobile insurance is “set it and forget it,” you might want to reconsider. Today, that list of factors when calculating the premiums has grown to a confusing criteria causing insurance rates to differ dramatically from provider to provider. Instead of allowing your policy to automatically renew, you may want to compare with other insurance agencies once a year to ensure you’re getting the best auto insurance rates.

Some companies provide policies direct to consumers, while others sell policies through agents or brokers. An easy place to start is by getting auto insurance quotes online, which could save you money. If you’re worried that lower rates mean less coverage or poor service, don’t be. Today, there are plenty of insurance companies that offer affordable premiums, well-rounded coverage and excellent customer service.

3. Stopping payment? You will pay in the long run

If you are thinking that switching car insurance companies is as easy as just stopping payment, please think again. Your policy will be cancel, but your existing insurance company could report you to the credit bureaus for non-payment, which will cause damage to your credit score in the process. Furthermore, your insurance history will reflect a cancellation, which may cause a new provider to decline your application or charge you higher premiums in the future. Thus, it is important to complete the necessary paperwork with your existing provider, such as a policy cancellation form, and start your new policy at the right time on the date your old policy ends.

4. Your car insurance company can cancel or non-renew at any time

Your insurance company have the rights to cancel your policy at any time if you violate one or more of its guidelines during your policy period, same goes for non-renewal. Things such as failing to pay your premium on time, losing your driving license due to suspension or revocation, submitting too many at faults claims or misrepresenting your driving history or past insurance claims could all be the reasons for cancellation or non-renewal.

However, when it comes to cancellation, your insurance company is requires by law to state the reason, not so with non-renewal. If you want a reason, but aren’t provided with one, you must send your insurer a written request. In any ways if you believe you have been unfairly treated, you may have legal recourse through your state’s department of insurance.

The binding period, the time when your insurance company is especially conscious of your risk level, usually occurs within 60 days following your auto insurance application. If your insurer finds a discrepancy on your application, driving record or with your credit, it can cancel your policy.

5. You could save money by paying your car insurance premium in full

You might be surprised to learn most car insurance companies charge an administrative fee to break up your premium payments into instalments, such as paying every six months, every three months or every month.

The more you divvy up your payments in instalments, the more these convenience fees add up, and your once-cheap car insurance can now cost substantially more. There may also be charges for the method of instalment payment you choose, such as automatic bill pay or pay-by-phone.

Be sure to ask your provider what its administrative fees are. If it makes financial sense and you can swing it, pay your premium up front and in full. Not only will you avoid the added expense, you won’t have to worry about missing a payment, or being late on payments, both of which could be grounds for cancellation. Other factors, such as the type of car you drive, can cost or save you money on car insurance as well.

See Full Story at Kelley Blue Book

What to do in a car accident (Real life scenario)

5 October 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

There comes a time when we ask ourselves, what should we do in regards to insurance claims when our vehicle is involved in an accident? While we hope we will never have to go through that experience, we are always curious to find out and be prepared for such an incident. And unfortunately, I am involved this time. So let me share my experience with you guys.

On 5th Oct 2015, I visited my client in Tuas and arrive at his premises at around 950am. I park along the side of the road just opposite my client’s factory. I went in to look for my client and upon returning, I was stun (like a vegetable) to see a big dent and damage on the driver side door. The damage was bad enough that I could not open the door from the outside. Here’s how the damaged look like:

So the only action that came to my mind is to use my phone and snap a picture for evidence, and of course not forgetting uploading it to social media to vent my frustration. Then it came to my mind, what’s next? The car who hit mine was not there, and there isn’t anyone that I can talk to. I took out my Certificate of Insurance (yes please put one copy in your car) to see if there are any instructions. However, I only saw a list of authorised workshop and their telephone numbers. So next thing that I know is to search for the insurer’s website (in this case China Taiping Insurance) to look for further advice. Thankfully I saw a set of instructions that I can follow (you can see it here). So as my situation is sort of a ‘Parked and found damage’ or to make it sound more serious ‘Hit and Run’ case, I have to make a police report. And at that point in time, I took out my phone and dial 999.

The TPs (2 of them) came within like 15 mins and they started to assess the situation while I gave them my particulars. I must say they are quite good at what they are doing as one of them managed to investigate around the premises and found one of the company’s cctv in that area that captures the scene of the accident. So it was verified in the cctv video that this particular lorry that allegedly came out from my client’s neighbour unit, hit my car while trying to reverse and drove off subsequently. The TPs then contacted that company’s boss and requested for the driver to come back to assist in investigation. At this point, one of the TPs informed me to head to the nearest police post to lodge a report, unless I choose to negotiate with the alleged culprit for private settlement, which its unlikely that they will admit.

So I left the scene and head over to the nearest NPCC and once done, I check the list of authorised workshops that is near my area and decided to send in my car for repair and to claim insurance (please check if your policy is purchased under authorised workshop scheme or any workshop scheme, if its the latter you can go to any workshop you prefer. For mine it will be under authorised workshop scheme as I am entitled to a discount for my car insurance). While at the workshop, I submited all documents to make a claim and here comes dilemma. I was told that as the other party sort of did not admit to the accident, nor did they make a accident report, I am not allowed to claim under that party’s insurance. So either I wait for the police to finish their investigation to determine the outcome or I can choose to claim under my own insurance first, and should the police find that the other party is at fault then I can ask my insurance to claim all damages from them.

AND ANOTHER DILEMMA, if I choose to proceed o claim under my own insurance first, the excess will kick in, which means I have to pay $500 (excess different from each policy) upon the repair is completed. AND YET ANOTHER DILEMMA, because the ownership of the car that I drove is under my mum’s name, and also because I didn’t add my name as one of the named drivers, I have to pay an additional excess of $500, which adds up t $1070 after GST. So in the worst case scenario, if the police fail to conclude that other party is at fault, I will have to absorb this excess cost. Should the case be favourable to me, then this excess will be refunded back to me by my insurer( since all damages will be claimed from the other party’s insurance).

Well seems I cant really wait that long, I choose to claim my own first so as to start the repairs asap. So if you are reading this post, I hope you have learned something through my bad experience, and please remember to add in your name if you are driving a car that is not under your ownership! ALSO, please INSTALL CAMERAS IN YOUR CAR (sigh)

10 Ways to avoid car accidents during rainy season

1 October 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user Jack Shainsky

There has been an increase number of cars on the street in recent years. Unfortunately, the number of motorist accidents and deaths also increase over the years.

It’s really high time that motorists start behaving courteously toward one another. Traffic jams are primarily caused by unabashed violations of simple rules by many motorists who don’t know how to respect others who are using the road. These little acts of discourtesy could lead to verbal confrontations and even road rage.

Eventually, it’s always the driver’s behaviour. The truth is you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road. However, becoming a defensive and safer driver can help you avoid the dangers caused by other people’s bad driving.

Here are 10 helpful tips on how avoid car accidents during this rainy season:

Rule 1: Wear your seat belt at all times.

Before you start your car, make sure to wear your seat belt. Almost 90-percent of Filipino’s don’t use seat belts. In a crash, you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t wear one.

Rule 2: Always remember the checklist points.

Before you hit the road, always check your tire pressure, brake fluid, engine oil, engine coolant, washers, wipers and fuel gauge. You also need to secure or remove any loose objects, set the correct driving position and adjust your mirrors.

Rule 3: Keep a safe distance.

Always keep a 3-second gap rule between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will allow you to avoid hitting it in case you need to brake suddenly.

Rule 4: Don’t drink and drive.

This is probably the most common reason for road accidents. Don’t drive if you’ve had alcohol. Any amount of alcohol will affect your driving ability.

Rule 5: Don’t drive tired.

Sleepy drivers are eight times more likely to crash. Take a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving.

Rule 6: Avoid distractions.

Using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, so don’t even think about it. In the Philippines, mobile texting while driving has become the number one distraction for many motorists, frequently resulting in death or serious injury.

Rule 7: Plan your trip.

Always check the weather, traffic and road conditions. Don’t panic if you miss an exit on a highway; get off at the next one. The life you save could be your own.

Rule 8: Don’t use hazard lights during a heavy downpour.

When your hazards lights are on, the drivers following you will not know if you intend to switch lanes or stop. The reason why it is called a “Hazard” light is because you are in a state of emergency. Flashing those headlights might distract motorists especially in a heavy downpour.

Rule 9: Be observant on the road.

Be sure to use your signal lights properly when changing lanes or overtaking. Always stay alert and watch for road signs that indicate danger. Do not steer sharply on tight bends; your vehicle may lose balance and rollover. A good driver is one who looks ahead to spot any changes in the road surface.

Rule 10: Pray.

Being a defensive driver means that you are preventing accident before it occurs. Aside from the right attitude, awareness and driving skills, it’s also important to understand that every motorist shares his own battle on the road. So before you take the wheel, a quick prayer could save the lives of many people.

By Kris Lim

See Full Story at Carmudi

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

23 September 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user Rahul Ramakrishnan

No Claim Discount

No claims discount is basically a discount that you receive on your car insurance premium as a reward for not having made a claim against your policy. If no claim has been made under your policy for a year or more, you are entitled to a No-Claim Discount (NCD). This NCD reduces the premium for the following year and it is your insurer’s way of recognising you for having been a careful driver.

The following table shows how the NCD is set for both private car and commercial vehicle and motorcycle policies:

PRIVATE CAR POLICIES	COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE POLICIES
PERIOD OF INSURANCE WITH NO CLAIM	DISCOUNT ON RENEWAL	PERIOD OF INSURANCE WITH NO CLAIM	DISCOUNT ON RENEWAL
1 YEAR	10%	1 YEAR	10%
2 YEARS	20%	2 YEARS	15%
3 YEARS	30%	3 YEARS OR LONGER	20%
4 YEARS	40%
5 YEARS OR LONGER	50%

Will I receive NCD if I have been driving as a Named driver on somebody else policy

No. You will not be able to receive NCD if you have been driving as a Named driver on someone else policy.

Will I receive NCD if I am driving a company car

If you have been driving a company car and then buy a personal car afterwards, you may be allowed to transfer the NCD. However, it is provided you can prove it with a letter from the HR department of your employer.

If I make a claim, will I automatically lose my NCD?

Not really. There is a guide called the Barometer of Liability Agreement (BOLA), which all the insurers in Singapore will use to determine how much each party is liable in an accident. It is designed to speed up claims processing. It does not diminish your right to contest liability under the law. Under the BOLA, your NCD will not be affected if your liability is 20% or less in an accident involving an identified vehicle. However, in all other cases, your NCD may be affected.

Will NCD be reduced in the event of an accident? How much will it be?

Yes. When an accident is partly or entirely your fault, a reduction in your No Claim Discount will apply if you have not selected “No Claim Discount Protector” cover.

If there is a claim made under the policy, your NCD will be reduced as follows:

PRIVATE CAR POLICIES	COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE POLICIES
Current NCD	NCD after 1 claim	Current NCD	NCD after 1 claim
50%	20%	20%	0%
40%	10%	15%	0%
30% and below	0%	10%	0%

Does my NCD apply to me, or to my vehicle?

In principle, your NCD applies to you and not to your vehicle. For example, if you sell your vehicle and buy another one, you will retain your NCD. However, if you own more than one vehicle, you might have a different NCD for each vehicle.

You should check the details with your insurer, but generally:

Your NCD can be transferred to another vehicle owned by you however it cannot be applied to more than one vehicle at any point in time.

For example, if you have accumulated a 30% NCD while using one vehicle, it does not follow that the same NCD applies to any other vehicle that you own or decide to buy. In other words, you will have to earn the NCD for each vehicle separately.

Your NCD CANNOT be transferred to another person, but occasionally, the insurer may allow you to transfer between spouses for once only.

Can I insure against the loss of my NCD?

If you have accumulated a 50% NCD (five years without a claim), some insurers may allow you to buy protection against the loss of the discount. Certain insurer allows NCD protector with 30% NCD.

By paying a small amount of extra premium, you can make one claim during the year, and still have the discount fully protected. Please check with your insurer whether NCD protection cover is available.

The 50% NCD is protected as follows:

CLAIMS DURING THE PERIOD OF INSURANCE	PRIVATE CAR POLICIES
1	50%
2	20%
3 or more	Nil

Will I lose my NCD if there is a break in ownership of my vehicle?

Most insurers in Singapore will allow you to keep your NCD should there be a break in ownership for up to 24 months. Some insurers set the timeframe at 12 months. You will need to contact your insurer for details.

What to consider before making any claims?

Before making any claims, If the total repair costs incurred is likely to be lower than the current discounts/rebates on your premium (also known as No Claim Discount), it is advisable not to claim the repair cost from your insurance. You are better off paying for the repairs yourself in the long run.

If I settle the claim privately, do I have to report the accident to my insurance company?

Under the new Motor Claims Framework effective from 1st June 2008, If you do not report an accident to your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day and/or do not provide your car for inspection in accordance with the terms, the insurer may reduce your No Claim Discount upon renewal of your policy.

By Ivan Guan

See Full Story at SGMONEYMATTERS

No mobile device while driving

10 September 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user JustaMonster

In February 2015, there are important changes made to the law governing usage of mobile devices while driving a vehicle in motion. It is an offence to hold and use your mobile devices while you are driving. First offenders will be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed for up to six months. Repeat offenders face up to $2000 in fines and/or jailed up to 12 months.

Using of mobile device includes making voice or video calls, reading, sending, composing and retrieving text messages regardless of any platform on social media. The offence is committed when you hold the device in one or more hands while the vehicle is moving. Anyone caught holding any mobile device while driving can be found guilty of committing an offence. To be specific, mobile devices are any hand-held equipment which are designed or capable of being used for telecommunications. This means mobiles phones as well as tablets.

Even though the amended law does not specially mention wearable technology such as Samsung Gear and Apple iWatch etc, the use of such devices could be classified as inconsiderate driving, which is an offence that carries up to $1000 fine and a six month jail term.

Besides, please be prepared to have your mobile devices taken away by the police for investigation. It was mentioned that all road traffic cases involving injury or otherwise serious collisions such as multi-vehicle chain collisions or where public property such as traffic lights, lamps or road dividers are damaged, in order to ascertain whether there was a mobile device usage at the point of time of accident, the Traffic Police might have to confiscate for purpose of investigations the mobiles devices of every driver involved in the accident for forensic analysis by the Technological Forensics Investigation Branch of the CID.

This means that following a serious accident, regardless of whether you are the cause of the victim, your mobile device and the SIM card might be taken away from you for possibly months. If criminal proceedings that arise from the accident, the mobile device and SIM card would be retained as evidence until the eventual resolution of the case in court.

Tips which you may wish to take note: to avoid hassle in case your phone is being confiscated by the police for investigation. You may back up all your essential data and contacts on cloud services and for people who use mobile phones as a business tool, you may also consider multi-SIM plans offered by your service provider.

By Foo Cheow Ming

See Full Story at International Investigators Pte Ltd

Importance of having a Travel Insurance

24 August 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

While travelling in overseas country is an enjoyable experience, many travellers tend to neglect the importance of having a travel insurance especially the younger people, thinking that nothing could go wrong and everything is going to be fine. However, risks are always present and there will be times when these risks are beyond our control.

Below is the list of common risks that might occur to you during our travel experience:

1. Cancellation/Postpone of flight/Travel Misconnection

There may be times, due to unforeseen circumstances, that results to cancelling or postponing our trips. Such example could be a recent death of your family member at home, or cases like the bombing incident in Bangkok, where it might not be a good time to travel. It will be a loss if you are not able to get the refund. However, travel insurance allows for such trip cancellation or postponement Hence, it will not only save your worries but also save your money. Besides that, there is also compensation for travel misconnection, if the flight is delayed exceeding 6 hours.

2. Medical coverage

Despite having different climates in different countries, some people have a hard time of adapting the change of weather and may fall sick when they arrive at their destination. Travel insurance has medical coverage for medical expenses incurred overseas. The recent MERs case in Korea could be an example of an unforeseen risk that if struck upon, may need to seek medical attention immediately and it will definitely be costly.

3. Stolen/damage items/loss of travel documentations

Do you know that there are many professional pickpockets around you, they are fast and could steal your stuffs before you even know it. Imagine your valuables or even worst, passport is being stolen during your holiday trips. It will be difficult to deal these kind of situation. Rather than just enjoying your holiday, you end up spending more money to replace the items you have lost.

4. Baggage loss/Delay

Misplaced or delay of baggage happens all the time with most airlines and it is certainly not a happy situation to be in. In the worst case scenario, some of our baggage may get damaged.

5. Accidental damage/injury

Travelling is fun, however there is a risk that we may tend to get ourselves injured due to incidents like traffic accident. Traffic in overseas countries may not be as friendly as those in our own country and risk of accidents are always there and unavoidable. While trying to be careful is one way of reducing your risk, some accidents may just be unavoidable / unpredictable.

Work Injury Claims Procedures

19 August 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user Slip Fall Lawyers

In my previous entry, I have mentioned about the changes in Workplace Injury Compensation Act (WICA), starting from 1 Jan next year. Today, I would like to focus on the procedures that employers should do during a work injury claim.

When an accident occurs, employers are required to report the accident to MOM (Ministry of Manpower) and their respective insurer. Employers will need to pay the injured all their medical leave wages and expenses that is relating to the work accident.

Some of the important keys to take note during a claim:

– If your worker is holding a Work Permit, you will need to take care of them during their stay in Singapore, including providing adequate food and accommodation. Otherwise, employer’s security bond may be forfeited.

– Employers cannot send a Work Permit Holder home against their wishes if they have an outstanding claim under the Work Injury Compensation ACT (WICA)

– Employees can still claim the compensation within 1 year of accident, even if they are no longer on a work pass.

– Even when employers are still waiting for payment from the insurance company, they must still pay the employee’s medical leave wages and medical expenses first, and get reimbursed later.

Below are the following procedures:

1. Report the accident to MOM (Ministry of Manpower) and insurer.

(At this point, employers will have to continue to pay the medical leave wages and medical expenses while MOM will send you a medical report form shortly.)

2. Send the Medical report form to the hospital or clinic

3. Receive the notice of assessment (NOA)

Employers are required to report a work-related accident to MOM if it results in death of an employee; the employee has taken more than 3 days of MC (whether consecutive or not); the employee was hospitalised for at least 24 hours.

For cases with 3 or less days of MC, employers should report the accident to MOM if employee wish to claim permanent incapacity compensation.

Employers should submit the incident report via iReport within 10 days of the accident or from your employee’s 4^th day of MC or diagnosis of an occupational disease.

If employee submit more MCs, employers will also need to update the incident report.

At any point of time, employers can dispute employee’s claim whether the accident involved is work-related. Should there be a dispute, employers will have to write or send an email to the case officers with reasons and supporting evidence.

Notice of assessment (NOA) will be issued to inform employer, insurer, and the employee of the compensation payable. If no one objects, employer/insurer must pay the employee within 21 days from the date of service on the NOA. (Failure to pay compensation is an offence, punishable by a fine up to $10,000 or jail of up to 12 months, or both.)

See more information on mom.gov.sg

10th Year Anniversary NDP parade 2005

10 August 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Singapore’s SG50 Jubilee holiday has ended. Singaporeans have just celebrated our 50th birthday and I believe all of us have enjoyed watching the NDP 2015 parade and performances, whether live at the Padang or on TV. As for me, I was away on a holiday in Bintan but still managed to watch the parade on TV.

Seeing the parade square , as well as the set up of stages for Padang, memories of my involvement in NDP came flowing back to me. While reminiscing the times when I was involved, I came to realise it has exactly been 10 years! And it actually felt like it happened not too long ago. As the parade started, I can’t help but kept thinking about the events that happened back then.

So what was it like to be involved in such a prestigious event? well i can’t really describe but I have managed to dig out photos in 2005. So here they are:

The Pipes and drums group that will march in together with the RSM

My bunk mates. Whatever it is, we are definitely not promoting this drink.

Not advertising, just killing time while waiting for my turn to rehearse

The drums that I played while marching in. Can’t remember what its called.

Influenced by our rocker buddy, Joel, everyone became a rocker. oh yes, milo was our favourite drink back then.

We simply just like to take photos every now and then.

So some of you must be wondering which part of the parade did we appear? Thanks to technology, I managed to find a YouTube video and thus able share with you our march in with the RSM (see 43:38 of the video):

Yes. That is me, the last guy, on TV. Famous for 5 seconds.

Why is hiring domestic helper so popular in Singapore?

8 August 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user Sally Ann Jacobson

Singapore is a busy bustling city where most people are leading a hectic lifestyle with long working hours. Due to the high standard of living in Singapore, both husband and wife will need to work and strive hard for their career in order to keep up.

This is why there are so many people hiring domestic helper to help out with their household chores or take care of their kids and elderlies. There is not much time for us to keep the house clean or even have the energy to prepare a proper meal for the family after a long and tiring day at work.

However, some of us may have mixed feelings hiring a domestic helper. Some common problems that we might know of are that domestic helper may steal the employer’s valuables, show sign of violent treatment towards the toddlers, or even being disrespectful to the elderlies.

Although these signs could happen, not all the domestic helpers are the same. In fact, most domestic helpers are really caring and helpful towards their employers with some of them will even go extra mile for toddlers and elderlies. Besides that, having a domestic helper could ease your burdens; you will not have to worry about rushing home to prepare dinner or having to clear your dirty laundry, and can use the time to spend more with your kids.

Below are some of the tips and advices that could help you build good relationships with them (This is especially important when you have to live with her for minimum two years under the same rooftop!):

1. Always remember thatyou are the employer, not a friend, but show empathy for the helper’s situation too. They leave their homeland and family, travelled long distance to a country where they have to settle down and fit into a stranger’s house to do all the house chores etc. for at least 2 years.

2. You might not want to overreact, and frightened them. Be kind and patience to guide them on your house rules.

3. Every one of us is just a human being. They can’t be perfect at cooking, childcare and cleaning. Learn to overlook some things, and concentrate on what they are good at. You will realise actually, sometimes employers are too demanding and expect things to be done at limited time.

Tips that you might want to take note:

1. Don’t flaunt material things. Keep bank accounts out of the way if possible. There’s a huge financial disparity, so be sensitive about it.

2. Do not display your valuables, do keep it in a safety box if possible.

3. Be conscious that your domestic helper is after all still a helper, who is still quite foreign with you. (There is a saying that goes, “Thieves within a household are difficult to guard against”)

Tips on questions that you might want to enquire during an interview with your domestic helper:

1. Try to communicate with her and see if she can understand your words. Basic communication is important especially living together under the same rooftop.

2. Ask for references, and make sure you can speak to her previous employer to understand her better despite her work experience.

3. If she’s transferring from one family in Singapore to another, ask why. If she has transferred from a series of employers, without good reason (for example, the family was leaving Singapore) and without finishing her contracts, thoroughly investigate why.

4. Is she married, and does she have children? Her personal situation will have some bearing on her skill set.

5. Find out why she is doing this job. Is she working to support her family back home? Does she have plans to go back at a certain point? Is she building up to starting a business when she does go home? Finding out about her future plans means that if you do employ her you can help support her, and both of you can work out an exit plan.

6. Asking typical questions like “Do you like children?” or about cleaning and ironing are pretty pointless. Instead, ask her what she feels her strengths are; what is she best at? Does she work to a cleaning schedule, and if so can she give you a quick rundown of it?

7. Set ground rules and make it clear what would be a deal breaker – for example, stealing from you, or asking for money advances.

8. How would she discipline a child?

See more information on expatliving.sg

12 Useful tips if you are travelling during this long weekend

7 August 2015 By Alex Tan Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr user James Martin

SG50 is just around the corner! As Singapore marks 50 years of independence this year, it is declared that 7 August 2015 (Friday) will be an additional Public Holiday for all of us.

Making use of the long weekend, there will be some people who will take this opportunity to enjoy a short getaway. Well if you do so, don’t forget to try and catch the NDP 2015 live on the internet, so make sure you have access to the internet.

Here, I would like to share some travelling tips when you’re overseas:

1. Do not leave your wallet at the back pocket of your jeans. It is very important to keep your wallet in your front pocket, especially a pocket that is secured with zip.

2. Scan all your travel documents and email them to yourself.

3. Photocopy your passport identification page, and airline tickets just in case you lost it.

4. Do not leave your stuffs unattended. Most of us have the habit of leaving their bags at their feet while using our phones or leave it on the chairs when we are at cafés or restaurants.

5. Keep your money rolled in a lip balm, just in case you’re being robbed and you still have some money to use.

6. Get a travel insurance! For a reasonable fee they will not only cover medical and dental emergencies, but also reimburse you for lost baggage, trip cancellations, or delays, rental car damage, and more.

7. Always bring some medications just in case you fall sick during your travel.

Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.

Avoid travelling alone at night.

Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. Just remember that strangers in a foreign country has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Avoid scam artists by being wary of strangers who approach you and offer to be your guide or sell you something at bargain prices. If you watch Scam City on tv, you will know what kind of tricks these people can play.

If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of what happened.

Rule 1: Wear your seat belt at all times.

Rule 2: Always remember the checklist points.

Rule 3: Keep a safe distance.

Rule 4: Don’t drink and drive.

Rule 5: Don’t drive tired.

Rule 6: Avoid distractions.

Rule 7: Plan your trip.

Rule 8: Don’t use hazard lights during a heavy downpour.

Rule 9: Be observant on the road.

Rule 10: Pray.

Image via Flickr user Rahul Ramakrishnan

No Claim Discount

PRIVATE CAR POLICIES

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE POLICIES

PERIOD OF INSURANCE WITH NO CLAIM

DISCOUNT ON RENEWAL

PERIOD OF INSURANCE WITH NO CLAIM

DISCOUNT ON RENEWAL

1 YEAR

10%

1 YEAR

10%

2 YEARS

20%

2 YEARS

15%

3 YEARS

30%

3 YEARS OR LONGER

20%

4 YEARS

40%

5 YEARS OR LONGER

50%

Will I receive NCD if I have been driving as a Named driver on somebody else policy

Will I receive NCD if I am driving a company car

If I make a claim, will I automatically lose my NCD?

Will NCD be reduced in the event of an accident? How much will it be?

Does my NCD apply to me, or to my vehicle?

Can I insure against the loss of my NCD?

Will I lose my NCD if there is a break in ownership of my vehicle?

What to consider before making any claims?

If I settle the claim privately, do I have to report the accident to my insurance company?

Image via Flickr user JustaMonster

Even though the amended law does not specially mention wearable technology such as Samsung Gear and Apple iWatch etc, the use of such devices could be classified as inconsiderate driving, which is an offence that carries up to $1000 fine and a six month jail term.

By Foo Cheow Ming

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