Do Putra Heights Fire Damaged Cars Need Special Perils For A Claim?

The Putra Heights fire saw many vehicles damaged. Here’s how you can claim under insurance.

In the aftermath of the devastating Putra Heights gas pipeline fire, many residents are concerned about their damaged vehicles and the insurance claim process. Contrary to popular belief, Special Perils coverage is not required for fire damage claims in this situation. Here’s what affected vehicle owners need to understand about their insurance coverage and claims process.

Basic Fire Coverage Is Already Included

Almost all standard vehicle insurance policies in Malaysia already include basic fire coverage without requiring additional riders or add-ons. Whether you have a comprehensive policy (commonly referred to as 1st party) or even a 3rd party fire & theft policy, fire damage protection is already built into your coverage.

“The gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights was not an ‘Act of God’ but resulted from human factors,” explains insurance expert Hafizi Norizan on his Facebook page. This distinction is crucial because it means the incident falls under basic fire coverage rather than Special Perils, which typically covers natural disasters like floods, storms, and earthquakes.

Simplified Claims Process for Putra Heights Victims

For those affected by the Putra Heights incident, the claims process has been streamlined. Most insurance companies are waiving the standard police report requirement, recognizing the extraordinary circumstances of this disaster. That being said, a quick call to your insurance provider to confirm if a police report is not required should be done. Here’s the recommended process for vehicle owners:

1. Contact your insurance provider’s free towing service to transport your damaged vehicle to an approved workshop
2. The workshop will coordinate with your insurance company through the “Merimen Online System”
3. An insurance adjuster will inspect the vehicle to assess the damage
4. If repair costs exceed 75% of the vehicle’s insured value, the insurance company will likely declare it a “Total Loss” or “Beyond Economic Repair” (BER)

Important Considerations for Claimants

Vehicle owners should be aware that filing a claim will affect their No-Claim Discount (NCD), as these claims fall under the “Own Damage” category. While this may be disappointing, the financial protection provided by the insurance coverage far outweighs the loss of the discount.

Some victims may consider seeking compensation from parties responsible for the pipeline incident. While this is legally possible, Norizan cautions that legal proceedings can be lengthy and complex, potentially delaying financial recovery.

For Putra Heights residents with damaged vehicles, the priority should be initiating the insurance claim process promptly to ensure timely assessment and compensation. Most major insurance providers have established special response teams to handle claims related to this incident efficiently.

Also, don’t forget to check if you qualify for a free temporary vehicle from Chery Malaysia if your car is being repaired due to fire damage from the Putra Heights incident.