Car Insurance Quotes Singapore

Introduction: Why getting multiple car insurance quotes matters

Finding the right car insurance in Singapore is not just about getting the cheapest price. It’s about matching the level of protection to the value of your car, your driving history, and your comfort with risk. A comprehensive policy that costs S$1,800 a year might look expensive next to a TPFT (Third Party, Fire & Theft) policy at S$700, but for a S$120,000 sedan, the extra protection can be priceless. Shopping around for quotes helps you identify value, avoid unnecessary add-ons, and understand how insurers weigh factors like vehicle age, driver profile, and usage.

How car insurance works in Singapore

Car insurance in Singapore must at minimum provide third-party coverage, which pays for damage or injury caused to other people and their property. Most drivers opt for higher levels: Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) adds cover for your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire, while Comprehensive cover protects your vehicle in nearly all circumstances, subject to policy terms and excesses. Insurers calculate premiums based on a combination of measurable factors—vehicle model, age of car, engine capacity, driver age, driving record, and postcode—as well as market and regulatory conditions.

Types of car insurance and what they cover

Comprehensive insurance offers the widest protection and typically includes third-party legal liability, loss or damage to your vehicle from accidents, theft, fire, and often additional benefits such as windscreen cover and personal accident compensation. TPFT is often chosen for older cars where the cost of full comprehensive cover may approach the car’s resale value. Third-Party Only is the minimum legal requirement and is the most affordable but leaves you exposed financially if your own car is damaged.

Optional add-ons such as NCD (No Claim Discount) protection, agency repair, agreed value cover, and roadside assistance can add between S$50 and S$800 annually depending on the cover level and the insured vehicle. For example, NCD protection typically adds between S$80 and S$300 to a policy, depending on the insurer and the level of NCD cover.

How insurers calculate premiums: the main drivers

Insurers use several inputs when calculating a premium. Your driver profile plays a major role; a 25-year-old with two minor accidents in three years will pay significantly more than a 45-year-old with a clean record. Vehicle-related factors also matter: a two-year-old luxury car with a S$120,000 market value will attract higher premiums than a five-year-old compact hatchback worth S$20,000. Claims frequency in your area, the vehicle’s engine capacity, and usage (private vs. commercial) further shift the numbers.

To illustrate how premiums can differ, the following table shows realistic sample quotes for three common vehicle profiles. These are indicative figures based on market averages as of 2025 and should be used as a comparative guide rather than a definitive quote.

No Claim Discount (NCD) and Safe Driver benefits

No Claim Discount (NCD) is one of the most impactful levers to reduce your premium over time. In Singapore, NCD rewards drivers who avoid making claims, and discounts typically range up to 50% for drivers who have been claim-free for five continuous years. Losing your NCD after a claim can significantly increase future premiums; a 50% NCD on a S$1,800 premium halves the annual cost to S$900, so protecting it can be vital.

Many insurers offer optional NCD protection. NCD protection usually costs an additional S$80 to S$350 per year depending on vehicle value and your current NCD level. When you buy NCD protection, you can make a limited number of claims without losing your full discount, but this benefit typically does not apply if you are at fault in major incidents or if the claim amount exceeds set limits.

Optional add-ons: what people often overlook

Optional covers can close big gaps in standard policies. Agreed value cover guarantees a settled amount for older classics or heavily modified cars and can cost S$150–S$500 extra annually depending on agreed value. Windscreen cover reduces out-of-pocket cost for glass repairs or replacement and often costs S$30–S$120 per year. Agency repair cover, which ensures your car is repaired at a branded dealer instead of an independent workshop, is popular with newer vehicle owners and can add S$200–S$600 to the premium.

Another commonly overlooked add-on is the “loss of use” or “courtesy car” feature, which provides a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired. That benefit can be particularly valuable in Singapore where car availability and convenience matter; it typically costs between S$80 and S$250 per year depending on the replacement car’s class and the rental duration permitted under the policy.

Expert insights on getting the best quotes

To provide practical perspective, we asked several industry experts for their tips on finding and evaluating car insurance quotes.

“Start by identifying your must-haves, not just the price. If you regularly commute with family, consider higher personal accident cover and reliable agency repairs. Price matters, but the value of a policy is what it pays out when you need it,” said Mei Ling Tan, Senior Insurance Broker at ClearRoad Insurance. Her advice focuses on aligning cover to lifestyle and vehicle value rather than chasing lowest premiums alone.

“Claims experience varies by insurer. If you prefer smooth claims handling and low disputes, check customer satisfaction scores and ask for sample claim timelines. You might pay S$200–S$400 more upfront for a quicker, better-managed claim that saves you days and frustration,” noted Dr. Aaron Lim, Motor Claims Adjuster at ShieldClaims. He emphasizes evaluating service quality alongside the premium.

“Protecting your No Claim Discount should be a strategic decision. If you’re at 40–50% NCD and you own a car worth over S$50,000, paying an extra S$150–S$300 a year for NCD protection can be financially sensible because a single at-fault claim could raise your premium by several hundred dollars for multiple years,” explained Priya Natarajan, Certified Financial Planner at MoneySense Advisory.

“Use online comparison tools as a starting point, but always verify inclusions. Many platforms show a headline premium, but details about excess, police report requirements, or depreciation clauses can change the true cost,” added Samuel Ong, Head of Product at AutoCover SG. He recommends contacting insurers directly to validate quotes and exclusions.

How to compare quotes effectively

Comparing quotes requires more than looking at the premium. You should compare the excess levels, exclusions, claim handling reputation, pegged repair workshops, and coverage limits for personal accident and third-party liabilities. A cheaper policy with a S$2,000 excess may be less attractive than a S$1,400 policy with S$600 excess when you consider potential out-of-pocket costs after an accident.

Look specifically at components such as windscreen cover limits, whether towing and storage are included, and whether the policy includes legal assistance for disputes. If the insurer uses a panel repairer network, check whether that network includes brand dealers if you prefer agency repair. Also verify whether coverage is for “market value” or an “agreed value,” particularly for older or modified vehicles.

Real-world scenarios: quote comparisons with numbers

To make things tangible, here are two detailed scenarios showing how quotes can differ for real drivers. These examples include realistic figures for Singapore to help you see the trade-offs.

Case 1: A 35-year-old driver with five years’ NCD and one at-fault claim three years ago, driving a five-year-old Toyota Corolla valued at S$30,000. Company A offers comprehensive coverage at S$1,450 a year with a S$600 excess and NCD protection available for S$120. Company B offers the same core cover at S$1,320 with a S$1,000 voluntary excess and no courtesy car but includes a roadside assistance package. If the driver wants minimal out-of-pocket costs after a minor accident, Company A with lower excess plus NCD protection is likely better despite a S$150 higher headline premium.

Case 2: A 28-year-old driver with no prior NCD, driving a two-year-old Honda Civic worth S$60,000. Company C quotes S$2,250 for comprehensive cover including agency repairs, S$800 excess, and S$200 for personal accident coverage (S$100,000). Company D quotes S$1,850 for comprehensive but excludes agency repairs, has a S$1,500 excess, and no personal accident top-up. Here, if the car owner values dealer repairs and faster turnaround after an accident, Company C’s higher premium can be justified.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

A common mistake is ignoring the voluntary excess. Many people see a lower premium and assume the policy is cheaper overall, not noticing that a claim requires a larger outlay. Another trap is failing to read exclusion clauses—some policies exclude losses if the car is used for ride-hailing or hire-and-reward without declaring it. Underinsuring your car by understating its value or neglecting to add high-value accessories like a premium stereo or bespoke rims can lead to shortfalls during claims settlements.

To avoid these pitfalls, always request the product summary and policy wording and read the sections on excess, exclusions, and claim procedures. Make sure modifications are declared; unlisted modifications can lead to claim rejection. And if your vehicle is financed or leased, check whether the financier’s requirements alter the insurance needs, such as mandatory comprehensive cover or higher insured values.

How to obtain accurate online quotes

Online platforms speed up the quote process, but the accuracy of the quote depends on the data you provide. Provide accurate vehicle details (VIN/chassis number if possible), exact usage (private vs. transport-for-hire), and honest driving history. Small errors, like misstating the vehicle’s year of registration, can produce inaccurate quotes that change when verified by the insurer.

When filling in forms, prepare accurate documents like your vehicle log card (or COE and registration certificates) and previous policy documents to validate your NCD. Photos of the car may be requested if you’re insuring a used or modified vehicle. Finally, ask about broker fees and whether the quoted price is inclusive of all fees and GST (Government Tax), which in Singapore is currently applied at 9% as of 2025, so always confirm whether premiums include GST.

Negotiation and discount opportunities

Insurers sometimes provide discounts for multi-policy customers, such as bundling home and motor insurance. Loyalty discounts for long-term customers are also not uncommon. If you have a clean driving record and multiple years of NCD, ask the insurer if they can provide a better rate than the standard online quote. Brokers often have access to special rates or promotional discounts that are not public on insurer websites. For fleet owners or multiple-car households, insurers may offer tiered discounts based on scale.

Another negotiable item is the excess. You can often choose a higher voluntary excess to reduce your annual premium. This is a conscious trade-off: higher excess lowers premium but raises your out-of-pocket cost in the event of a claim. Consider your ability to pay the excess if an accident occurs and choose a level that balances immediate savings with financial readiness for possible repairs.

Special considerations for ride-hailing and business use

If you use your car for ride-hailing or commercial activities, you must inform your insurer and obtain the appropriate commercial policy. Using a private policy while earning income from the vehicle can lead to claim rejection. Commercial coverage is generally more expensive: premiums for ride-hailing can be 20% to 100% higher depending on hours of usage and driver profile. For instance, a private comprehensive premium of S$1,800 may increase to S$2,500–S$3,600 for a ride-hailing policy for the same vehicle and driver.

For businesses with multiple vehicles, fleet policies offer administrative simplicity and often better rates per vehicle, but the underwriting is stricter. Fleet owners need to manage driver records carefully; a single high-risk driver can increase premiums for the whole fleet. Telematics or usage-based insurance programs are increasingly common for commercial fleets and can reduce costs for companies that monitor and promote safe driving.

Claims process and expected timelines

Understanding the claims process can influence your insurer choice. Typical steps include reporting the incident to the police (when required), lodging an insurer claim within the stipulated period (usually 24–72 hours depending on policy terms), submitting relevant documents, and arranging vehicle assessment. Minor claims such as windscreen damage can be approved and settled within 48–72 hours, while major accident claims involving fault disputes and repair approvals can take several weeks.

For total loss or theft claims, insurers will usually request the original vehicle log card, police reports, and inspections. Expect a longer processing time for total loss claims as insurers verify ownership and market value. If a dispute arises, there may be a need for independent valuation, which can extend the timeline. Insurers with a better claims network and higher automation can frequently resolve claims quicker; some advertise same-day assessments for minor incidents.

Practical checklist before you buy

Before accepting a quote, ensure you confirm these key items. Verify whether the quoted premium includes GST and all applicable fees. Check the voluntary and compulsory excesses and confirm how they apply in at-fault and non-fault incidents. Confirm whether the policy includes windscreen cover, towing, and courtesy car where relevant. Validate the insurer’s panel repairer network and whether agency repairs are covered if you prefer a dealer service. Finally, confirm the NCD transfer process if you recently bought or sold a car, and check any cooling-off period or return/refund policy.

Choosing between price and service: a balanced approach

For most drivers in Singapore, a balanced approach serves best. Extremely low premiums may save money in the short term but can lead to poor service and high out-of-pocket expenses when claims arise. Conversely, paying a premium for top-tier service and faster claims handling can be worth the extra cost if you value convenience and minimal disruption. For older cars where the replacement cost is low, TPFT or Third-Party Only may be economically rational. For newer, financed, or high-value cars, comprehensive cover with sensible add-ons is often the wiser choice.

Final thoughts and next steps

Getting the right car insurance quote in Singapore is a combination of research, honest information, and knowing which trade-offs you are prepared to accept. Use multiple quotes as a starting point, check policy wordings for exclusions and excesses, and consider service reputation alongside price. Protecting your NCD can be financially beneficial for long-term drivers, while add-ons like agency repair and windscreen cover deliver peace of mind for those who value convenience.

Start your next search with accurate vehicle and driver information, compare at least three quotes, and reach out to insurers or brokers to confirm the small-print details. With informed decisions, drivers in Singapore can secure protection that suits their budget without sacrificing the coverage they need when it matters most.

About the experts quoted

Mei Ling Tan is a senior broker with over 12 years of experience in motor insurance and specialises in bespoke cover solutions for family vehicles. Dr. Aaron Lim has worked in motor claims assessment for a decade and focuses on operational improvements in claims handling. Priya Natarajan is a certified financial planner who advises families on insurance and risk management. Samuel Ong leads product for a motor insurance tech company and works on digital distribution and customer experience.

Additional resources

For further reading, consult insurer product summary sheets, seek advice from licensed brokers, and review impartial consumer guides published by local financial regulators. Armed with the right information and a careful comparison, finding an insurance policy that matches your needs and budget is straightforward.