Introduction: Why OD-KFK Matters to Malaysian Drivers
After a car accident, most drivers worry about two things:
- How fast can I get my car repaired?
- Will I lose my No Claim Discount (NCD)?
In Malaysia, there’s a claims mechanism called Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) that can help you repair your car faster and, if you qualify, keep your NCD even when the other driver is at fault.
This guide explains in simple terms:
- what OD-KFK means,
- when you can use it,
- when you can’t, and
- how to submit an OD-KFK claim step-by-step.
⚠️ Note: This article is for general education. Always check your own policy wording and talk to your insurer, agent, or a qualified professional for advice on your specific case.
What Is Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK)?
Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) is a claim arrangement used in Malaysia where:
- You claim from your own comprehensive motor insurance to repair your car,
- Even though the other driver is at fault, and
- If the case qualifies, your NCD is preserved.
Behind the scenes, Malaysian insurers and takaful operators have a “knock-for-knock” agreement. Under this agreement, each insurer pays for its own customer’s damage first, then settles recovery with the other insurer later.
For you as the policyholder, this means:
- Less hassle dealing with the other party’s insurer
- Faster repair process
- Potential protection of your No Claim Discount (if your case qualifies)
Basic Requirements: When Can You Use OD-KFK?
OD-KFK is not available in all situations. In general, you may be able to use OD-KFK if the following conditions are met:
1. You Have a Comprehensive Private Car Policy
- OD-KFK is usually only available for comprehensive private car insurance.
- It typically does not apply to:
- Third party policies
- Third party, fire & theft policies
2. You Are Clearly Not at Fault
- The police report and (if needed) police investigation must show that the other driver caused the accident.
- If liability is shared, unclear, or disputed, insurers may not allow OD-KFK.
3. The Other Vehicle Is a Private Car Insured in Malaysia
- OD-KFK is designed for accidents involving two private cars insured in Malaysia.
- It generally does not apply to:
- Foreign-registered vehicles
- Commercial or public vehicles (e.g. taxis, buses, lorries, ride-hailing fleets)
4. No Third-Party Bodily Injury Claim
- OD-KFK is typically restricted to property damage to your car.
- If there is a bodily injury claim, the case may fall outside OD-KFK and use different claim procedures.
5. You Report and Claim Within the Required Timeframe
- You must normally:
- Lodge a police report within 24 hours of the accident (or as required by law), and
- Submit your claim and documents to your insurer within their specified time, often around 7 working days.
If your insurer reviews your case and confirms that it qualifies as OD-KFK, they will:
- Pay for your car repairs under your own policy, and
Preserve your NCD even though a claim is made.
When OD-KFK Does Not Apply
It’s just as important to know when OD-KFK will not be available. Common situations where OD-KFK usually does not apply include:
1. Involvement of Commercial or Public Vehicles
Buses, taxis, limousines, lorries, rental cars, etc.
2. Foreign-Registered or Foreign-Insured Vehicles
For example, vehicles registered in Singapore or Thailand.
3. Uninsured Third Party
If the other vehicle has no valid insurance, the knock-for-knock arrangement cannot function as intended.
4. Accidents with Bodily Injury Claims
If someone is injured and there is a bodily injury claim, the case may fall outside OD-KFK.
5. Fault Is Unclear or Disputed
If the police report does not clearly show that the other party is at fault, or both parties blame each other, the insurer may decline OD-KFK.
In these cases, you may still:
- Claim against the third party’s insurer, or
- Make a normal Own Damage (OD) claim (which can affect your NCD),
but the special OD-KFK benefits may not be available.
Why OD-KFK Is Helpful: Key Benefits to Drivers
From a consumer’s point of view, OD-KFK offers three main benefits:
1. Faster Repairs
You deal with your own insurer and their panel workshop, which is usually more straightforward than chasing the other driver’s insurer. This often means:
- Quicker approval
- Shorter waiting time for repair
- Less back-and-forth between different parties
2. Protection of Your No Claim Discount (NCD)
If the insurer confirms:
- You were not at fault, and
- Your claim qualifies under OD-KFK,
then your NCD is preserved even though your insurer is paying for your car repairs. This helps keep your future premiums lower at renewal.
3. Less Stress and Administrative Hassle
You don’t need to:
- Negotiate with the other driver
- Communicate with multiple insurers
- Manage complex paperwork on your own
Your insurer and the panel workshop handle the process and deal with the other insurer directly.
Step-by-Step: How to Make an OD-KFK Claim in Malaysia
🔎 Note: Processes can vary slightly between insurers. Always check your insurer’s instructions.
Step 1: At the Accident Scene
1. Ensure Safety First
Move to a safe place if possible, switch on your hazard lights, and check for injuries.
2. Do Not Admit Fault
Never apologise or admit blame on the spot. Just exchange details and let the authorities and insurers determine liability.
3. Collect Evidence
- Take clear photos of:
- Vehicle damage (both cars)
- Number plates
- Road layout, traffic lights, junctions, skid marks
- Record the date, time, weather, and location.
- If there are witnesses, note their names and phone numbers.
4. Get Third-Party Details
- Full name
- Phone number
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurer and policy number (if available)
If you have a dashcam, keep the footage safe — it can be crucial in proving that you were not at fault.
Step 2: Lodge a Police Report (Usually Within 24 Hours)
In Malaysia, you must lodge a police report after a road accident, typically within 24 hours.
When making the report:
- Describe the accident clearly and factually
- Avoid guessing or adding emotional statements
- Check the report content before signing
The police report and the final investigation result will be used by insurers to determine who is at fault and whether OD-KFK applies.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurer and Ask About OD-KFK
As soon as possible, contact:
- Your insurer’s hotline, or
- Your agent
Tell them:
- You were involved in an accident
- You believe the other driver is at fault, and
- You want to explore a “No-Fault Own Damage” / OD-KFK claim
They will guide you on:
- Whether your policy is eligible (comprehensive vs others)
- Whether OD-KFK might apply based on the initial facts
Which panel workshop to send your car to
Step 4: Send Your Car to a Panel Workshop
Your insurer will usually require you to use an authorised panel workshop for OD-KFK claims.
At the workshop:
- The car will be inspected
- A repair estimate will be prepared
- An adjuster may be appointed to review the damage
- The workshop usually helps prepare and send documents to your insurer
Step 5: Prepare and Submit the Required Documents
Documents commonly requested for an OD-KFK claim include:
From You (Policyholder/Driver):
- Completed motor insurance/takaful claim form
- Your police report
- The third party’s police report (if available)
- Police sketch plan and investigation result (when ready)
- Copies of NRIC and driving licence (yours and the driver’s, if different)
- Copy of Vehicle Registration Card / VOC
- Photos of the accident and vehicle damage
- Repair estimate from the panel workshop
Third Party Information (Insurer may help obtain):
- Third party vehicle registration and insurance details
- Third party police report
- JPJ insurance search results (to confirm their insurer)
Your insurer will review all documents to decide if your case meets the OD-KFK criteria.
Step 6: Claim Approval, Repairs, and NCD Status
After assessment, your insurer will:
- Approve or decline OD-KFK, and
- Inform the workshop to proceed with repairs if approved
During and after repairs:
- Check if there is any excess or deductible payable under your policy
- Inspect your car when you collect it to ensure repairs are satisfactory
If the case is confirmed as OD-KFK and you’re not at fault:
- Your repairs are paid under your own policy, and
- Your NCD should remain intact at renewal
Simple Example: OD-KFK in Action
Imagine this scenario:
- You are driving and stop at a red traffic light.
- Another car fails to brake and hits you from behind.
- The police report clearly states that the other driver is at fault.
- Both cars are:
- Private vehicles
- Insured comprehensively in Malaysia
Instead of going after the other driver’s insurer:
- You claim under OD-KFK with your own insurer.
- Your car is sent to a panel workshop and repaired.
- Your insurer later recovers the cost from the other driver’s insurer.
- Your NCD is preserved because you are not at fault and the claim qualifies as OD-KFK.
Result: Faster repairs, less stress, and your NCD is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About OD-KFK
Will my NCD definitely be protected if I submit an OD-KFK claim?
Your NCD is protected only if:
- Your case meets all OD-KFK conditions, and
- The insurer confirms that you were not at fault
If later evidence shows that you are partially or fully at fault, or OD-KFK criteria are not met, the claim may be treated as a normal Own Damage claim, and your NCD may be affected.
Will an OD-KFK claim increase my future premium?
OD-KFK is designed to preserve your NCD, which helps keep your premium lower.
However, insurers can consider other risk factors when pricing policies. For a clear answer in your situation, it’s best to speak directly with your insurer or agent.
What if my insurer says my case doesn’t qualify for OD-KFK?
You may still have options, such as:
- Making a Third-Party Property Damage (TPPD) claim against the other driver’s insurer, or
- Making a standard Own Damage claim under your policy (which may affect your NCD)
If there is injury or significant loss, you may also consider getting advice from a lawyer experienced in motor insurance claims.
Can I still sue the other driver if I use OD-KFK?
OD-KFK mainly decides how insurers settle repair costs between themselves. It doesn’t automatically remove your legal rights.
If you want to claim additional losses (e.g. loss of income, pain and suffering), you should consult a qualified legal professional to understand your options under Malaysian law.
Practical Tips to Protect Yourself and Your NCD
To get the most from OD-KFK:
- Choose a comprehensive policy if you want access to OD-KFK.
- Install a dashcam to capture clear evidence of how accidents happen.
- Lodge police reports promptly and stick to the facts.
- Keep all documents, photos, and receipts organised.
- When reporting a claim, mention OD-KFK or “No-Fault Own Damage” by name so your insurer knows what you’re asking about.
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