PIAM members to assist flood victims in the northern states

KUALA LUMPUR: Flood victims in the northern states will be relieved to know that some insurance companies are allowing delayed premium payments.

General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) the delay is for those affected by last weekend’s floods and is premiums other than motor insurance.

“Premiums that are due for payment in the next 30 days will be given an extension of 30 days. In addition, insurers will accord

flexibility in the submission of relevant documents to simplify the overall claims process as documents may go missing or have been damaged by the floods.”

PIAM said insurers had also embraced social media to fast-track the claims experience for flood victims.

“For example, claims via a 24-hour WhatsApp number are accepted without any documents with instant approval on-site for amounts less than RM20,000”, it said adding that some insurers have offered interim claims payments whilst a claim is being processed to lessen the burden of the insured.

PIAM said as the circumstances of each case/claim are different policyholders are advised to contact their respective insurance companies as soon as possible.

The association members also had reached out to the victims of the floods in Penang, Kedah and Perak by collaborating with Malaysia International Search and Rescue (MISAR), a unit under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) of the Prime Minister’s Department.

“With this joint effort, PIAM has started an industry-wide initiative to raise funds to help the flood victims in this time of need. Several general insurance companies have also come forward to provide meals at relief centers, prepare basic provisions, arrange for clean-up teams and funding to purchase necessities.”