I was hit by a car while cycling. How do I claim compensation?

What the Law Says

The law in Singapore requires all motor vehicle owners to carry third-party insurance covering injury and property damage caused to others — including cyclists — even if the driver wasn’t at fault.

Under the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act, every motor vehicle used on a road must be covered by a valid insurance policy that provides at least S$25,000 for bodily injury to any one person and S$2,000 for property damage. This applies whether the driver was negligent or not — the injured cyclist is entitled to compensation from the driver’s insurer as a matter of statutory right.

The law ensures that victims like you — a cyclist hit by a car — can claim directly from the driver’s insurer without needing to prove fault in most cases. The insurer cannot refuse payment solely because the driver claims no wrongdoing.

You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if there is injury or damage exceeding S$1,000, or within 30 days if it’s a minor incident with no immediate injury — but prompt reporting strengthens your claim.

Statutory Text

Every person who uses a motor vehicle on a road shall ensure that there is in force in relation to the use of the vehicle a policy of insurance which insures such person against liability for death or bodily injury to any person or damage to property caused by, or arising out of, the use of the vehicle on a road.

— Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act, s. 3 — Requirement of insurance

What to Do

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