Car Insurance in Singapore
Compare car insurance rates →Car insurance is mandatory for all registered vehicles in Singapore — you must have at minimum third-party cover to drive legally. In practice, most car owners and all finance companies require comprehensive cover. Here's how to understand what you're buying and how to compare effectively.
Types of cover
Comprehensive
Covers damage to your own vehicle (accident, fire, theft, flood) plus third-party liability. The most complete — and most common — option for newer or financed cars.
Best for: cars under 10 years old, financed vehicles
Third-party, Fire & Theft
Covers damage to third parties plus fire and theft of your own vehicle. No cover for accident damage to your own car.
Best for: older paid-off cars with lower market value
Third-party Only
The legal minimum — covers damage or injury you cause to others only. No cover for your own vehicle under any circumstances.
Best for: very old cars where repair costs exceed value
No-Claim Bonus (NCB)
NCB is a discount on your premium for every claim-free year. It accumulates up to 50% and is one of the most valuable aspects of your policy — protect it. If you make a claim, you typically lose some or all of it depending on the insurer.
| Claim-free period | Discount |
|---|---|
| 1 year claim-free | 10% |
| 2 years claim-free | 20% |
| 3 years claim-free | 30% |
| 4 years claim-free | 40% |
| 5+ years claim-free | 50% |
Authorised vs free-choice workshops
Authorised workshops
You must send your car to the insurer's approved panel for repairs. Premiums are typically 10–20% lower. Most major insurers have large workshop networks.
Free-choice workshops
You choose where to repair. Premiums are higher but you can use your preferred workshop or authorised dealer. Often preferred for newer or luxury cars.
What affects your premium
- —Vehicle age, make, and market value
- —Your age and years of driving experience
- —NCB percentage
- —Named vs unnamed additional drivers
- —Annual mileage
- —Excess amount chosen
- —Workshop clause (authorised or free-choice)
Before you buy — checklist
- ✓Compare at least 3 quotes — premiums vary significantly for identical cover
- ✓Check the workshop clause: authorised workshops vs free choice affects premiums and convenience
- ✓Confirm your NCB percentage and whether it's protected
- ✓Read the excess carefully — a low premium with a high excess may cost more after a claim
- ✓Check if the policy covers named or unnamed drivers, and the age restrictions
- ✓Confirm flood cover if you park in a low-lying area or basement
Ready to compare?
See comprehensive plans and indicative starting premiums from all major Singapore insurers.