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Kuala Lumpur, 11 Jan 2021 – Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM), the General Insurance Association of Malaysia wishes to assure flood victims, who have purchased a flood cover as part of their general insurance policy that its members are ready to quicken the claims process and pay out claims against losses caused by the current flood situation. PIAM member companies will process all flood claims so long as flood is an insured peril, regardless of whether a state of emergency is declared or not.

Member companies are committed to expedite flood claims settlement by reaching out to claimants and prepared to waive claim forms and supporting documents for shorter turnaround times.   Insurance companies are also prepared to offer special waivers for proof of reinstatement policies, allow application of average on policies that are underinsured and grant waivers on excess applicable on personal line policies.  However, we would advise policyholders to check with your insurance company what relief measures or waivers they have in place as it varies from one insurer to another.

While standard motor and fire policies exclude coverage against losses caused by natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, cover for flood-related loss or damage is optional and can be purchased as an extension to these standard policies.  All policyholders, both businesses and individuals, located at the flood-stricken areas are therefore advised to check their fire and motor policies to determine whether they are covered for loss or damage resulting from the floods.

PIAM has also recommended the following preparatory measures during the wet season, if you are located in a flood prone or low lying area:-

  • Prepare waterproof containers for valuables and important documents
  • Be ready to evacuate to higher ground if you are staying at low lying areas
  • When evacuating secure your furniture and empty the refrigerator and cupboards, and leave the doors ajar
  • Electrical appliances which can be moved should be relocated to higher ground
  • Disconnect electrical appliances which cannot be moved
  • Take care of personal hygiene by ensuring drinking water is boiled
  • Stay away from fallen power lines or buildings which are flooded

After experiencing a flooding incident, contact your insurance agent or insurance company to file a claim. Please follow this checklist for easy processing of your claims:-

Step 1: Check your insurance policy or certificate whether the loss or damage is covered.

Step 2: Notify your insurance company with full details of the incident.

Step 3: Provide complete and correct information relevant to the insured items. Describe the time, date, extent and cause of the loss or damage.

Step 4: Complete the claims form (if required) with full details and return it together with the relevant documents such as bills, reports, etc.

Step 5: If the loss is minor, you must provide photographs showing the cause and extent of the loss or damage.

Step 6: Adjusters will be appointed by the insurer for large losses. Always request full identification of the adjusters or investigators before allowing them to assess your property.

Step 7: You should check the time frame for claim notification as stipulated in your policy.

PIAM would also like to remind consumers to remain vigilant and mindful of their personal hygiene and health as we continue to ride the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flood coverage provided under the two major categories of insurance namely fire and motor are as follows:-

COVERAGE UNDER MALAYSIAN POLICIES

FIRE:

  1. The basic Fire Policy provides coverage for the building only and covers loss or damage by fire, lightning or explosion.  Flood coverage can be extended with additional premiums.
  2. The Houseowner/Householder policy will provide you with additional cover such as damage due to flood, burst pipes, etc.

MOTOR:

  1. The standard comprehensive private car, commercial vehicle and motor cycle insurance policy does not cover loss or damage caused by or arising from flood, landslide and landslip.
  2. However, the policy may be extended to cover the above-mentioned risks for an additional premium.

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