Reporting timeline: police and insurer
You are not sure whether to tell the police or the insurer first.
After a Malaysian road accident there are two separate clocks: the police report and notifying your insurer. The police report has a strict window. The insurer’s timing is set by your own policy.
The police report deadline
A driver involved in an accident causing injury, death or damage must report it to the police, generally within 24 hours.[1] This lets police record the scene while details are fresh.
Hospitalisation, shock or not realising how serious an injury is are common reasons the window is missed. Statutory declaration for a late report covers the usual way to deal with it.
The insurer notification timeline
Most motor policies expect you to notify the insurer promptly, often within a short window stated in the policy. This is a contract term, not a legal deadline, so the number of days varies. Check your own policy document.
Why the two run side by side
Completing one does not satisfy the other. Do both promptly so the rest of the claim process is not held up.
If you are already behind
A late police report is an offence on its own but does not by itself destroy an otherwise valid claim.[2] A late insurer notice depends on your policy terms, so check before assuming the worst. In both cases, act now.
What to do first
If you have not made a police report, do that first, since everything else refers back to it. Notify your insurer soon after. Documents you need lists what to have ready.
If you are unsure where you stand
If you cannot tell whether you are still within either window, do you need a lawyer is a place to start. An independent lawyer can also take on the claim and handle the paperwork for you. Send the accident date, where it happened, whether anyone was injured (yes/no) and the police report status.
Need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
Common questions
What is the actual deadline to report to the police?
Generally within 24 hours of the accident, as soon as reasonably practicable.[1] Hospitalisation or shock can delay this, and a late report can be explained.
Is there also a deadline to tell my insurer?
Insurers ask to be told promptly, often within a short window in your policy. This is a contract term, not a legal deadline, so check your policy wording.
Which should I do first, the police report or notifying the insurer?
The police report generally comes first, since it creates the official record. Notify your insurer soon after.
What happens if I am already past the police reporting window?
A late report is an offence on its own but does not automatically end your claim.[2] [Statutory declaration for a late report](/statutory-declaration-late-report/) explains how to address this properly.
Sources
- Road Transport Act 1987, s.52 (Ministry of Transport) (accessed 2026-09-22)
- AskLegal.my, on Road Transport Act 1987 s.52 (accessed 2026-09-22)
Need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.