Motor Claims and Vehicle Repairs After an Accident in Singapore: What If the Third-Party Insurer Delays Inspection?

After a traffic accident, most vehicle owners just want one thing: to get their car repaired and back on the road.

But for many, the process isn’t so straightforward — especially if you're not at fault and intend to claim against the third-party insurer. One of the most common frustrations we see? Having to wait for the third-party insurer to inspect your vehicle before you can start repairs.

If you repair your car too soon, your claim may be affected. But if you wait too long, you're left without transport — sometimes for weeks — while the insurer disputes repair costs.

This guide breaks down what you need to know under the Motor Claims Framework (MCF), and what to consider before deciding whether to wait for inspection or proceed with repairs.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Property Damage Accident

1. Report the Accident Within 24 Hours

Under the Motor Claims Framework in Singapore, you're required to report any motor accident — whether or not you intend to claim — within 24 hours or by the next working day.

Even if you're not at fault, failing to report the accident to your own insurer can affect your coverage.

You should also:

• Take clear photos of the damage, road conditions, and all involved vehicles

• Exchange contact and vehicle details with the other party

• File a police report if required (e.g. injuries, government property damage, hit-and-run)

  
  

2. Send Your Vehicle to an Approved Reporting Centre or Workshop

Your insurer may require you to bring your car to an authorised reporting centre for damage assessment.

If your vehicle is still drivable, don’t delay. Get a copy of the accident report and have the damage documented early.

Does the Third-Party Insurer Have the Right to Inspect Your Vehicle?

If you plan to claim against the other driver’s insurer, you're usually advised to wait for their appointed surveyor to conduct a pre-repair survey before repairs begin.

However, this is where problems can arise:

• Workshops and insurers may take days or even weeks to arrange an inspection

• You may be left without a vehicle, especially if you're not entitled to a rental car

• If your car is older and near the end of its COE lifespan, the cost of repair may exceed its market value

• You may be unsure whether it’s even worth repairing the vehicle, or better to scrap it

  
  

The longer you wait, the more you lose in time, convenience, and possibly scrap value.

What Happens If You Repair the Vehicle Before Inspection?

If you go ahead with repairs without giving the third-party insurer a reasonable chance to inspect the vehicle:

• The insurer may contest your claim, or

• Offer only partial compensation, on the basis that they were denied the opportunity to verify the damage

  
  

To protect your claim, you should formally notify the third-party insurer of the accident, to facilitate a joint survey of the damage prior to the commencement of repairs.

If they fail to respond within 2 working days, you may be justified in proceeding with repairs — but it's best to document everything and consult a lawyer before taking action.

When the Vehicle’s Value Is Less Than the Repair Costs

This is a common situation, especially when:

• The vehicle has less than 1–2 years left on its COE

• Repair estimates are high due to accident severity

• The scrap or deregistration value may exceed the value of repairing the car

  
  

In such cases, you may wish to:

• Obtain a repair estimate from a reputable workshop

• Compare it to the vehicle’s scrap value or market value

• Consider scrapping or exporting the car instead of repairing

  
  

If you’re not at fault, you may still be entitled to claim the pre-accident market value (less scrap value retained) from the third-party insurer — but this can be disputed, and is best handled with legal support.

Summary: Repair Now or Wait?

Situation	Recommendation
Third-party insurer is responsive and schedules prompt inspection	Wait for inspection
No response after reasonable notice	May proceed with repairs, but document all steps
Vehicle is old and repairs exceed market value	Consider scrapping and claiming total loss instead
Insurer disputes fault or damage	Seek legal advice early

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you're dealing with:

• Delays from the third-party insurer

• Disputes over repair costs or liability

• A repair-vs-scrap dilemma

• Need help sending formal letters to protect your rights

  
  

Engaging a lawyer early can save you time, stress, and financial loss.

We regularly assist drivers in Singapore with property damage claims after road accidents, especially in cases where third-party insurers deny responsibility. We can:

• Handle communications with the other party’s insurer

• Send formal notice letters to trigger inspection timelines

• Advise on the best financial outcome for your situation

• Pursue a fair settlement or court claim if necessary

  
  

Get Legal Advice Before Repairing or Scrapping Your Vehicle

If you’re unsure whether to proceed with repairs, hold off for inspection, or scrap your vehicle — get in touch. We offer practical legal advice tailored to your specific case.

Contact us today for a consultation on your accident claim.

Schedule a confidential consultation or email us at mc@markchenglaw.com to get started.

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