PETALING JAYA: The own damage-knock-for-knock (OD-KFK) scheme offered by insurers to ease accident claims is of little benefit to motorists without conclusive traffic police reports that identify the party at fault.
Several motorists who spoke to The Star said they ended up bearing the repair costs from their own pocket as they were unable to obtain a final report from traffic police, an essential document required to make such claim from insurance companies.
Motorist G. Alfred said the OD-KFK claim is ineffective without a final report on the outcome of investigations by traffic police that absolves the claimant of fault in an accident.
He recounted his bitter experience recently after being involved in an accident with a motorcyclist who crashed into his car.
Alfred said after lodging a police report on the incident, the traffic investigating officer verbally told him that the accident was clearly the biker’s fault.
Hoping he could obtain the final findings of the case and file a third party or OD-KFK claim, Alfred waited patiently for the report to be ready.
“I even have a dash cam recording to prove it was not my fault.
“However, after waiting for four weeks, the investigating officer had still not prepared the final report.
“I just gave up as I needed to use my car.
“I then made a claim for the damage with my own motor insurance company and ended up losing my no-claim discount,” he said.
Contractor Desmond Wong said he was unaware of the OD-KFK being available until it was in the news recently.
He said such a scheme is useful when a motorist is not at fault and the other party does not possess motor insurance.
Wong said several years ago, his car was severely damaged after being hit by a motorcyclist.
“I lodged a police report but the biker did not do so.
“Weeks later, I checked with the traffic police but was told they could not take further action as they were unable to conclude their findings.
“So I had to bear the cost for the repairs.
“I am puzzled as to why the traffic police did not pursue the biker who hit my car,” Wong said.
He added that insurance companies should also inform motorists of the availability of the OD-KDK scheme as many are not aware of it.
