More than half of Malaysian motorists not covered for flood damage - Survey

KUALA LUMPUR: Slightly more than half of Malaysian motorists still do not have adequate protection against flood damage, according to a survey by Zurich Malaysia.

The insurer's Impact of Pandemic on Protection survey, conducted nationwide last month, found that 59 per cent of them are not sufficiently covered for flood damage.

"Drivers may be caught unaware if they are not prepared and think they are not affected.

"This is a cause for concern as Malaysia regularly experiences monsoon seasons, such as the current Northeast Monsoon season from November until March next year," it said in a statement today.

Zurich Malaysia said in addition to flooding, landslides and falling trees are potential perils that Malaysian motorists are not prepared for.

"Only one in three active motorists (34 per cent) reported having coverage for storms including falling trees, and only 29 per cent are covered for landslides," it said.

The survey also found that Malaysians still engage agents to renew their motor vehicle insurance and takaful, as 38 per cent out of 990 respondents who own a motor vehicle chose to go through an agent despite the availability of online portals.

"However, online portals were the most preferred method with 43 per cent of the motorists utilising them," it said.

Meanwhile, Zurich Malaysia said, 16 per cent of Malaysians opted to visit a physical kiosk or post office themselves to renew their insurance personally.

On motor insurance and takaful coverage, it said a noteworthy trend is that most Malaysians (36 per cent) prefer plans that cover all drivers instead of just named drivers in the policy (34 per cent).

"Some Malaysians may only sign up for protection solely to have a valid motor insurance or takaful as mandated to be able to renew their road tax and drive.

"This is evidenced by 47 per cent of vehicle owner respondents reporting they are unsure of their coverage content," it added.

The survey engaged 1,201 Malaysians from all states, of whom 990 are vehicle owners.

-- BERNAMA