Cross-Border Insurance Terms SG Drivers Should Know Before
Accepting a Tow | MyMechanic
Core idea: confirm coverage before movement
Tow decisions lock in costs and destinations; a 60‑second call
to confirm coverage and destination saves hours later.
Ask for confirmations by message where possible; screenshots
beat memories when it’s time to claim.
Terms that matter at the roadside
Geographical limit: The region or distance where
the policy applies; some cover only West Malaysia or set caps
from the border—verify reach before long trips.
Repatriation vs local tow: Repatriation returns
the car to Singapore; local tow delivers to a suitable Malaysian
workshop—confirm which applies.
Accident tow vs breakdown tow: Often capped
differently; clarify which event the policy recognises.
Authorised vs any workshop: Some benefits apply
only at authorised lists; off‑list choices may reduce claims.
Excess (deductible): Unapproved moves can affect
how excess and coverage apply.
Per‑event and per‑kilometre limits: Long tows
can cross caps quickly—ask for the limit in plain terms.
Storage and secondary moves: Holding yard fees
and second tows may be separate line items.
Personal effects and add‑ons: Check if personal
items are covered while the car changes custody.
What to ask before accepting a tow
Coverage check: “Does my policy cover a tow
from my current location to [nearest suitable/authorised/repatriation to SG]?”
Limits: “What is the tow limit for this event,
and does it include loading, mileage, and after‑hours?”
Destination: “Which workshops are authorised
near me? Can you confirm name and operating hours?”
Process: “Do you need inspection or photos
before moving? Can you confirm by message that the tow is
approved?”
Next steps: “If the workshop is closed, where
will the car be stored, and who covers storage?”
Four corners with plates visible.
Close‑ups of issues: tyre, leak, impact, warnings, engine bay.
Odometer and fuel level.
Location proof: KM marker or landmark, plus a wide scene shot.
Job card and tow truck plate before the vehicle leaves.
Decision flow at the roadside
Safety first: hazards, triangle, and stand clear.
Contact sequence: insurer for coverage/destination, then assigned
provider; confirm via message.
Approve only after written confirmation of destination, inclusions,
and operator details.
Document handover: keys, job card photo, destination contact, ETA.
When to pause and escalate
Destination unclear or “TBD.”
No confirmation of limits or inclusions by message.
Pressure to load without paperwork or photos.
Recommended workshop closed with no storage plan.
Smart prep before crossing
Save contacts: insurer assistance, MyMechanic,
and a trusted SG workshop.
Keep a “tow decision” note with the five questions ready to paste.
Store policy number and photographed key pages in cloud storage.
