Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. What makes it more confusing is deciding which type of insurance claim you should make.
Should you claim from your own insurance? Will your NCD be affected? Should you wait for the other driver’s insurer? What happens if the accident is not your fault?
If you need help after an accident, Autore provides car accident claim support in Malaysia for drivers who are unsure what to do next.
In Malaysia, most accident-related car insurance claims fall into three main categories:
- Own Damage Claim
- Own Damage Knock-for-Knock Claim, also known as OD-KFK or No-Fault Damage Claim
- Third-Party Claim
This guide explains the differences in simple terms, so you know what to do after an accident and avoid choosing the wrong claim route.
Quick Answer: Which Car Insurance Claim Should You Use?
Situation | Best Claim Type | Who Pays for Repair? | Will NCD Be Affected? |
You caused the accident | Own Damage Claim | Your own insurer | Usually yes |
Another car hit you and you are not at fault | OD-KFK Claim | Your own insurer first | Usually no, if conditions are met |
Another driver is at fault and you want to claim directly from their insurer | Third-Party Claim | Other driver’s insurer | No |
Fault is still unclear | Case-by-case | Depends on police findings and insurer decision | May be affected later |
You only have third-party insurance and your own car is damaged | Usually cannot claim for your own repair | You may need to pay yourself | Not applicable |
If you are not sure whether to use OD, OD-KFK or third-party claim, you can also read Autore’s guide on the different types of car accident insurance claims in Malaysia.
1. Own Damage Claim
An Own Damage Claim, commonly called an OD claim, is when you claim from your own comprehensive car insurance policy to repair your own vehicle.
This usually applies when:
- You caused the accident.
- You hit another vehicle, object, wall, gate, divider, or pillar.
- Your car was damaged and you want your own insurer to cover the repair.
- You have a comprehensive insurance policy.
If you are still unsure about the difference between coverage types, Autore has a separate guide comparing third-party vs comprehensive car insurance in Malaysia.
Example of an Own Damage Claim
You accidentally hit the car in front of you during traffic. Your front bumper, bonnet, headlights, and grille are damaged. Since you are at fault, you claim from your own comprehensive insurance policy to repair your vehicle.
Does an Own Damage Claim Affect NCD?
Yes, in most cases, an Own Damage Claim can affect your No Claim Discount, also known as NCD. This means your insurance premium may be higher during your next renewal because you have made a claim under your own policy.
To understand how this discount works, you can read Autore’s guide to NCD car insurance in Malaysia.
2. OD-KFK Claim, Also Known as No-Fault Damage Claim
An OD-KFK Claim stands for Own Damage Knock-for-Knock Claim. It is also commonly referred to as a No-Fault Damage Claim.
This claim applies when:
- Your vehicle was damaged in an accident.
- Another driver was at fault.
- You have comprehensive insurance.
- You claim through your own insurer instead of waiting for the other party’s insurer.
If your accident was not your fault, Autore also explains what to do in its guide on car insurance claims when the accident is not your fault in Malaysia.
Example of an OD-KFK Claim
You are driving properly in your lane. Another car suddenly changes lane and hits your side door. The police report supports that the other driver caused the accident. Instead of waiting for the other driver’s insurance company, you claim from your own comprehensive insurer under OD-KFK.
Does OD-KFK Affect NCD?
Generally, OD-KFK is designed for not-at-fault situations and should help you retain your NCD if the claim qualifies.
For a clearer breakdown of how NCD percentages work, you can refer to Autore’s NCD rate Malaysia guide.
3. Third-Party Claim
A Third-Party Claim is when you claim against the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident.
This applies when:
- Another driver caused the accident.
- You want their insurer to pay for your vehicle repair.
- You do not want to claim from your own policy.
- You have the required police report and supporting documents.
If you need a deeper explanation of the process, read Autore’s full guide on how to claim third-party insurance in Malaysia.
Example of a Third-Party Claim
Your car is parked legally. Another driver reverses into your vehicle and damages your rear bumper. The other driver is found at fault. You may claim against the other driver’s insurance policy.
Does a Third-Party Claim Affect NCD?
No, a third-party claim should not affect your own NCD because you are not claiming against your own policy.
OD Claim vs OD-KFK vs Third-Party Claim: What Is the Difference?
Claim Type | Best For | Claim Against | NCD Impact | Speed |
Own Damage Claim | Accident caused by you | Your own insurer | Usually affected | Usually faster |
OD-KFK Claim | Accident not caused by you | Your own insurer | Usually not affected if approved | Usually faster |
Third-Party Claim | Accident caused by another driver | Other driver’s insurer | Not affected | Often slower |
The main difference is this:
Own Damage is for when you claim because your own car is damaged, usually when you are at fault. OD-KFK is for not-at-fault drivers who want to claim through their own insurer. Third-party claim is when you claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurer.
For drivers who are comparing their options after an accident, Autore’s car accident insurance claim services can help with claim consultation, document preparation, workshop arrangement and repair monitoring.
What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Malaysia
Choosing the correct claim type is important, but what you do immediately after the accident matters even more.
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Stop your vehicle safely if possible. Check yourself, your passengers, and the other party. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately.
2. Take Clear Photos and Videos
Before vehicles are moved, take photos of:
- All vehicle number plates
- Damage on every involved vehicle
- Road position
- Lane markings
- Traffic lights or signs
- Driver’s licence
- Road tax or insurance details, if available
- Dashcam footage, if you have it
3. Do Not Sign Documents from Unknown Tow Truck Operators
Avoid signing anything from strangers at the accident scene, especially if you do not understand what the document allows them to do.
4. Lodge a Police Report Within 24 Hours
In Malaysia, drivers are commonly required to lodge a police report within 24 hours after an accident.
Bring these items when making your report:
- MyKad
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration details
- Insurance cover note, if available
- Photos or dashcam evidence
- Other driver’s details
5. Contact a Claim Specialist or Your Insurer
Once the police report is done, contact your insurer, panel workshop, or claim specialist.
Autore provides car accident claim assistance in Malaysia including accident guidance, claim preparation, claim submission support, workshop arrangement, repair monitoring and insurance-related liaison.
Documents Needed for a Car Insurance Claim in Malaysia
The exact documents may vary depending on insurer and claim type, but commonly required documents include:
- Police report
- Police investigation result or compound result, if available
- Driver’s MyKad
- Driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration card or VOC
- Insurance policy or cover note
- Photos of accident damage
- Photos of accident scene
- Other party’s vehicle number plate
- Workshop repair estimate
- Claim form from insurer or workshop
- Bank details, if reimbursement is involved
For more common claim-related questions, you can visit Autore’s car accident claim FAQ page.
Which Claim Should You Choose If You Are Not at Fault?
If you are not at fault, you usually have two possible routes:
- OD-KFK Claim
- Third-Party Claim
For many Malaysian drivers with comprehensive insurance, OD-KFK can be more practical because you claim through your own insurer and may retain your NCD if the case qualifies.
Third-party claims can still work, but they may take longer because the process depends on the other driver’s insurer.
A simple way to decide:
- Choose OD-KFK if you have comprehensive insurance and want a faster, smoother process through your own insurer.
- Choose Third-Party Claim if you want to claim directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer and are prepared for a potentially longer process.
- Speak to a claim specialist if fault is unclear or if the accident involves injury, multiple vehicles, uninsured drivers, or disputed liability.
If the accident was clearly not your fault, this guide on what to do when a car accident is not your fault in Malaysia can help you understand your next steps.
Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Affect Your Claim
Avoid these mistakes after a car accident:
1. Not Making a Police Report
Without a police report, your claim may be delayed or rejected.
2. Signing Tow Truck or Workshop Documents Too Quickly
Some documents may authorise a third party to manage your claim or vehicle repair. Always understand what you are signing.
3. Not Taking Photos at the Scene
Photos help support your version of events and make the claim stronger.
4. Choosing the Wrong Claim Type
For example, if you are not at fault but submit the wrong type of claim, your NCD may be affected unnecessarily.
5. Sending Your Car to an Unauthorised Workshop
Your insurer may require repairs to be done at an authorised panel workshop.
6. Waiting Too Long to Start the Claim
Delays can make it harder to collect evidence, confirm details, and process documents.
When Should You Call Autore?
You should contact Autore if:
- You were involved in a car accident in Klang Valley.
- You are unsure whether to use OD, OD-KFK, or third-party claim.
- You do not know which documents are needed.
- You need help with claim submission.
- You need workshop repair coordination.
- You want updates while your car is being repaired.
- You are worried about signing the wrong documents after an accident.
- You need guidance because the other party is disputing fault.
Autore’s car accident claim services help drivers manage the process from accident guidance to claim preparation, workshop arrangement, repair monitoring and insurance-related liaison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance Claims in Malaysia
What are the three main types of car insurance claims in Malaysia?
The three common types are Own Damage Claim, OD-KFK Claim, and Third-Party Claim. Own Damage is usually used when you claim from your own policy. OD-KFK is for not-at-fault drivers who claim through their own insurer. Third-party claim is when you claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer.
You can also refer to Autore’s guide on types of car accident insurance claims in Malaysia for more details.
What is the difference between OD and OD-KFK?
An OD claim is usually made when you claim from your own comprehensive insurance, often when you are at fault. An OD-KFK claim is also made through your own insurer, but it applies when another driver is at fault and your claim qualifies as a no-fault claim.
Will I lose my NCD if I make an Own Damage Claim?
Usually, yes. If you claim under your own policy because you caused the accident, your NCD may be affected.
For more details, read Autore’s guide on how NCD works for car insurance in Malaysia.
Will I lose my NCD if I make an OD-KFK Claim?
Usually, no, if you are confirmed not at fault and the claim qualifies under OD-KFK conditions. However, the final decision depends on insurer approval, policy terms, and the accident documents.
Is OD-KFK faster than a third-party claim?
In many cases, yes. OD-KFK allows you to claim through your own insurer instead of waiting for the other party’s insurer to process the claim. This is one reason not-at-fault drivers often prefer OD-KFK when eligible.
Can I claim if I only have third-party insurance?
If you only have third-party insurance, your own vehicle damage is usually not covered by your own policy. You may still be able to claim against another driver’s insurer if the other driver caused the accident.
For a fuller comparison, read Autore’s guide on third-party vs comprehensive car insurance in Malaysia.
Do I need to make a police report for a car insurance claim?
Yes. A police report is usually required for motor insurance claims in Malaysia, and drivers are commonly advised to lodge the report within 24 hours after the accident.
What should I do if a tow truck operator asks me to sign something?
Do not sign immediately if you do not understand the document. Contact your insurer, panel workshop, or a trusted claim specialist first.
Can Autore help me decide which claim to make?
Yes. Autore provides free claim consultation and guidance on OD, OD-KFK, and third-party insurance claims for drivers who need help after an accident. You can start from Autore’s car accident claim support page.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Claim Before Repairing Your Car
The three main car insurance claim types in Malaysia are Own Damage, OD-KFK, and Third-Party Claim.
The easiest way to remember them is:
- Own Damage Claim: when you claim from your own insurer, usually because you are at fault.
- OD-KFK Claim: when another driver is at fault, but you claim through your own insurer without losing NCD if the claim qualifies.
- Third-Party Claim: when you claim directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
After an accident, do not panic, do not sign documents from unknown parties, take photos, lodge a police report within 24 hours, and get proper claim guidance before choosing your claim route.
If you need help deciding the right claim route, Autore offers car accident insurance claim assistance in Malaysia for drivers who need support with claim consultation, document guidance, workshop coordination and repair monitoring.
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