A calm, step-by-step guide for every Malaysian driver — because accidents don't come with a manual.
Your heart is racing. Your hands are shaking. The car in front just stopped and so did you — right into it. Breathe. Car accidents are stressful, but knowing exactly what to do next can save you from bigger headaches down the road. Whether it's a small fender-bender or something more serious, here's your no-panic, step-by-step guide.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence under the Road Transport Act 1987. Always stop your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, and stay calm. Your safety comes first — if the car is movable and causing a road hazard, move it to the roadside.
Before anything else, check if anyone is hurt — yourself, your passengers, and those in the other vehicle. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately for an ambulance. Don't move an injured person unless there's immediate danger (like fire).
Tip: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain. Get checked later.For accidents involving injuries, significant damage, or disputes, call 999 (PDRM) or your nearest police station. A police report is required for your insurance claim in most cases. Even for minor accidents, it's a smart habit to lodge a report within 24 hours.
Take photos and videos of: the position of both vehicles, all visible damage (yours and theirs), the road conditions, traffic signs, tyre marks, and any debris. The more evidence you have, the smoother your claim process will be.
Tip: Turn on location on your photos so they're auto-timestamped.Politely exchange the following information:
Full name & IC number · Phone number · Vehicle registration number · Insurance company & policy number
Tip: Don't admit fault, even casually. Just gather info.Contact your insurer or visit a panel workshop as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Most policies require prompt reporting. Delayed notification can complicate or even void your claim. If you bought your policy through CoverBox, your insurer's hotline is right there in your account.
CoverBox customers: For accident emergencies, call our 24/7 SOC at 03-5888 0054 — we're always on.Head to the nearest police station to file your report. Bring your IC, driving licence, vehicle registration card (Kad Pendaftaran Kenderaan), and photos of the accident. You'll need the report number for your insurance claim — keep it safe!
Tip: You have 24 hours to lodge the report. Don't delay.Under Malaysia's No-Fault Liability (NFL) scheme, you can claim up to RM10,000 for personal injury regardless of who caused the accident — this is handled through the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Malaysia (MIBM). Make sure your insurer knows about any injuries right away.
Contact your insurer with your police report number, photos, and the other driver's details.
A loss adjuster or panel workshop will inspect the damage and prepare a repair estimate.
Your car gets repaired at a panel workshop. Your insurer settles directly — minimal hassle for you.
Had an accident? Our SOC team is on standby around the clock — day, night, weekends, and public holidays.
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