What Happens If the Other Driver Doesn’t Report a Traffic Accident in Singapore — or Their Insurer Repudiates Liability?

Mark Cheng
Dec 29, 2025
4 min read

After a road traffic accident in Singapore, you expect the process to be straightforward: assess damages, file a report, and make an insurance claim.

But what if the other driver fails to report the accident, or worse — their insurer later repudiates liability?

Many victims are left feeling helpless, frustrated, and financially exposed. Unfortunately, not all cases are black and white. Here’s what you need to know about your rights — and your options — when you’re in this difficult situation.

What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Report the Accident?

In Singapore, all drivers are required to report an accident to their insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day, regardless of whether they intend to file a claim.

However, some drivers don’t comply — especially if they’re clearly at fault, driving under the influence, or trying to avoid insurance consequences.

What happens if the at-fault driver fails to report?

Their insurer may repudiate liability, arguing that the policy conditions were breached.
The insurer may decline to cover your claim under their policy.
You may be left chasing compensation directly from the driver, which can be difficult if they are uninsured, uncooperative, or untraceable.

In cases like this, you may still have recourse, but the process is not automatic.

What Does “Repudiation of Liability” Mean?

When an insurer repudiates liability, it means they refuse to accept responsibility for the claim — usually because the insured driver breached policy terms, such as:

Failing to report the accident promptly
Driving under the influence
Driving without a valid licence
Allowing an unauthorised driver to use the car
Misrepresenting material facts during the claim

Even if the insurer repudiates, the driver is still personally liable for the damage — but you may not be able to recover your losses easily without further legal action.

Can the Victim Still Be Compensated?

Yes — but it depends on the circumstances.

If You Have Your Own Comprehensive Insurance

If you’re comprehensively insured, your insurer may:

Pay for your repairs upfront
Recover costs later via subrogation (claiming from the at-fault party’s insurer or driver)
Help you handle the paperwork

However, you may:

Still lose your No-Claims Discount (NCD)
Have to pay an excess
Be denied full coverage if your own policy has limitations

The Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 also provides that an insurer must still pay the judgment sum, if the victim obtains a court judgment against the driver at fault, in respect of the victim's personal injury or death, if certain circumstances are fulfilled.

If You Have Only Third-Party Insurance

If you’re only covered by third-party insurance, you can’t claim from your own insurer. Your only recourse is to:

Claim directly against the other driver
Pursue a civil lawsuit for damages
Consider a claim under the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) in limited cases

What Is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and Can You Claim?

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Singapore (MIB) is a non-profit body that compensates victims of traffic accidents involving:

Uninsured motorists
Untraced motorists (e.g. hit-and-run cases)

However, MIB claims are limited, and strict conditions apply, including:

You must have exercised reasonable efforts to identify the driver
The claim must be filed within 3 years of the accident
You may be required to obtain a judgment against the uninsured motorist

MIB claims are not automatic. Legal advice is often necessary to evaluate whether this route is viable for your case.

What Should You Do After a Traffic Accident?

Call the police immediately — especially if there’s injury, dispute, or damage to public property
Take down all details:
- NRIC and contact of the driver
- Vehicle plate number
- Insurer details
- Witness information (if any)
Photograph the scene, damage, and injuries
File a GIA report and notify your insurer promptly
Visit a doctor even if injuries seem minor

If the other driver does not report or disappears, you will need documentation to support your case.

Do You Need a Lawyer in These Situations?

You should speak to a lawyer if:

The at-fault driver or their insurer refuses to pay
You receive a letter of repudiation
You are only third-party insured and have no coverage
You’re unsure whether to pursue a civil claim or MIB claim
The other driver disputes liability or makes a counterclaim

A lawyer can help you:

Send a letter of demand to the driver
Negotiate with insurers
File a claim in court
Advise on MIB applications
Protect your legal and financial interests

Common Scenarios We Help Clients With:

Victim of an accident but the other party refuses to cooperate
Received a repudiation letter from the at-fault insurer
Not sure whether you’re covered or how to claim damages
Hit-and-run case and unsure how to proceed
Want to pursue compensation but don’t want to go to court

Don’t Be Left Uncompensated — Know Your Options

Getting into an accident is stressful enough. But dealing with non-reporting drivers or insurers refusing to pay can make the situation worse.

We assist victims of traffic accidents to recover compensation and explore all available legal options.