Salvage

Salvage is the remaining value of a vehicle once an insurer treats it as a total loss. The wreck still has some worth, typically to a scrapyard or a buyer of usable parts.

In a Malaysian own-damage claim, the insurer commonly deducts the salvage value from the payout if you keep the vehicle. Otherwise it sells the vehicle and pays you the balance. The wider process is in claiming for vehicle damage.

Ask which option applies to your policy. Keeping a written-off vehicle can also affect its registration status.

A written-off car or motorcycle can sometimes be repaired privately once salvage is settled, though its records may be marked. Compare the insurer’s salvage figure with a local scrapyard quote before agreeing.

If the insurer and you disagree on the total loss value, an independent lawyer can act on the vehicle claim.