<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>Caught in a bind after collision with Malaysian motorcyclist
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I WAS involved in a collision between my car and a Malaysian motorcyclist recently. I was travelling along Loyang Lane making a right turn towards Loyang Way in a lane where one can go straight, turn left or turn right. As I was turning, a Malaysian motorcyclist who was going straight collided with my car, damaging my front fender and wing mirror. I had checked my blind spot before turning and he was not beside my car.
I alerted the authorities, and after making sure everything was in accordance with the law, I sought compensation from the motorcyclist. He claimed that it was my fault and I should compensate him. He claimed he was on the white line between two lanes and had the right to go straight and he was in front of me. My efforts to seek compensation were futile and I asked my car's insurer and its approved workshop for advice.
I was given three options:
- Claim under my own policy and subject to my insurer's investigation;
- Claim against the motorcyclist, but the process would be lengthy. In addition, I had to repair my car at my own cost and pay all legal fees to claim against the motorcyclist; or
- Bear the repair costs myself and blame it on my bad luck.
To makes things worse, whatever option I chose, my insurer would hold 30 per cent of my 50 per cent no-claims discount, subject to any claims made against me by the motorcyclist.
I spoke to a few associates who had similar experiences, and they all advised me not to claim against the motorcyclist, as the money was as good as gone.
As a Singapore citizen, I wonder how well-protected we are on our own roads against foreigners driving foreign-registered vehicles?
Quite a number of foreign motorists enter Singapore regularly via the Causeway or the Second Link, most on Singapore work permits. I have a few suggestions to protect the interests of Singaporeans.
If work permit holders want to drive their foreign-registered vehicles in Singapore, they must:
- Possess valid motor insurance, which must be bought in Singapore. Then we would fight on fair ground against these errant motorists.
- Pass their basic theory test and/or a driving refresher course before they can drive in Singapore on a long-term basis.
Their employers should be made liable if they fail to adhere to these points.
I urge the Traffic Police and the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) to look into this. The GIA should consider our motoring rights and protect our well-being.
Edmund Tan
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I WAS involved in a collision between my car and a Malaysian motorcyclist recently. I was travelling along Loyang Lane making a right turn towards Loyang Way in a lane where one can go straight, turn left or turn right. As I was turning, a Malaysian motorcyclist who was going straight collided with my car, damaging my front fender and wing mirror. I had checked my blind spot before turning and he was not beside my car.
I alerted the authorities, and after making sure everything was in accordance with the law, I sought compensation from the motorcyclist. He claimed that it was my fault and I should compensate him. He claimed he was on the white line between two lanes and had the right to go straight and he was in front of me. My efforts to seek compensation were futile and I asked my car's insurer and its approved workshop for advice.
I was given three options:
- Claim under my own policy and subject to my insurer's investigation;
- Claim against the motorcyclist, but the process would be lengthy. In addition, I had to repair my car at my own cost and pay all legal fees to claim against the motorcyclist; or
- Bear the repair costs myself and blame it on my bad luck.
To makes things worse, whatever option I chose, my insurer would hold 30 per cent of my 50 per cent no-claims discount, subject to any claims made against me by the motorcyclist.
I spoke to a few associates who had similar experiences, and they all advised me not to claim against the motorcyclist, as the money was as good as gone.
As a Singapore citizen, I wonder how well-protected we are on our own roads against foreigners driving foreign-registered vehicles?
Quite a number of foreign motorists enter Singapore regularly via the Causeway or the Second Link, most on Singapore work permits. I have a few suggestions to protect the interests of Singaporeans.
If work permit holders want to drive their foreign-registered vehicles in Singapore, they must:
- Possess valid motor insurance, which must be bought in Singapore. Then we would fight on fair ground against these errant motorists.
- Pass their basic theory test and/or a driving refresher course before they can drive in Singapore on a long-term basis.
Their employers should be made liable if they fail to adhere to these points.
I urge the Traffic Police and the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) to look into this. The GIA should consider our motoring rights and protect our well-being.
Edmund Tan
