SingaporeCan I claim from my own insurance for hit-and-run damage?
Yes, you can claim from your own insurance for hit-and-run damage in Singapore — but only if your policy includes optional 'hit-and-run' or 'untraced driver' coverage, as standard third-party insurance does not cover your own vehicle damage.
What the Law Says
Singapore law requires all motor vehicle owners to carry third-party insurance, but it does not require insurers to cover damage to your own vehicle — especially in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver is unknown.
The Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act sets the minimum legal insurance requirement: coverage only for death, bodily injury, or property damage caused to *other people* — not your own car. This means if a hit-and-run driver damages your vehicle, the law does not entitle you to compensation from the at-fault party (since they’re untraced), nor does it compel your insurer to pay for your losses unless your policy specifically says so.
Most comprehensive car insurance policies in Singapore offer 'untraced driver' or 'hit-and-run' coverage as an optional add-on — not a legal requirement. You must have purchased this extension separately, and even then, claims are subject to conditions like police report submission within 24 hours and no admission of fault.
Statutory TextEvery person who uses a motor vehicle on a road shall insure and keep insured the vehicle against any liability which may be incurred by him in respect of death or bodily injury to persons 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 against third-party risks
What to Do
Check your insurance policy document for 'untraced driver', 'hit-and-run', or 'own damage' coverage — it must be explicitly listed.
File a police report within 24 hours of the incident (required for all hit-and-run claims).
Take photos of the damage and scene, and note time, location, and any witness details.
Notify your insurer within 24–48 hours and submit the police report, photos, and claim form.
Cooperate with your insurer’s investigation — they may require a statutory declaration confirming you did not cause or contribute to the accident.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.