As we face another monsoon season, it is important to take proper precautions to protect ourselves and our livelihood. A vital part of #BantuanBanjir is to ensure that our driver-partners & delivery-partners are well-prepared for the heavy rain and floods to come.
We’ve spoken to vehicle specialists and compiled useful information to share with all our Grab partners, so that you would have a better understanding of all flood-related concerns.
We hope that you take some time to have a look through our tips, as it could be useful to you and those around you.
- Be prepared. Be aware of flood risks in your area and the area that you often find yourself taking bookings/orders. You can check daily heavy rain/flash flood warnings from METMalaysia here or Public InfoBanjir here.
- Identify evacuation routes. Just in case you need to leave your location quickly, be mindful of roads that could be submerged during a flood and avoid them. If you need to leave your home/current location, identify the safest route to nearby elevated areas.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Include fresh water, first aid, a change of clothes, a flashlight, non-perishable food, and a car charger for your phone. Keep some cash or ensure there is sufficient balance in your e-wallet.
- Ensure that your vehicle has flood insurance. Talk to your insurance provider for further assistance.
- Do not drive through a flooded area or an area with heavily flowing water. Your car could stall, rendering you helpless and trapped, or you, your passengers, and your car could be swept away in heavy floodwaters.
- If your car becomes flooded, get out as soon as possible, either using the doors or from the windows. If you are unable to safely walk to an elevated location, climb onto the roof of your car until help arrives or the floods go down.
- Swimming through floodwater is not recommended as the water may be dangerous and contain harmful objects such as broken glass, branches or sewage.
- If the danger is immediate (e.g, accidents, fire, assault/violence), contact MERS 999 and report status.
- Be aware of emergency alerts and weather updates. Listen for updates on the radio or online. You can check daily heavy rain/flash flood warnings from METMalaysia here or Public InfoBanjir here.
- When you and the passenger (if you have any) are safe, report the incident to Grab and your insurer for further assistance. The faster you are able to do so, the better for claims and documentation.
- Do not return to the previously flooded location until cleared by authorities.
- Avoid walking or wading in floodwater as it can be dangerous. Downed power lines, live wires, sewage and debris are all potentially harmful.
- If you are able to, offer assistance to those around you who need it.
No, flood insurance is not included in your regular auto insurance coverage. Flood insurance is offered as an add-on to your policy.
Most auto insurance providers will also offer a flood insurance add-on. Ask your insurance provider about it now.
Flood insurance is a one-off amount, often not more than RM100, that provides a safety net for you if your vehicle were to be damaged during floods. Flood insurance is a worthwhile investment in comparison to the possibility of paying full costs to fix a damaged vehicle, an amount that could go into the tens of thousands.
If you own a motorcycle, you can also apply for the flood insurance add-on when you renew your vehicle insurance.
GDI & Annual e-hailing do not cover flood damages. Flood cover comes from the flood add-on when a driver renews his/her annual motor insurance.
Yes, the flood cover works regardless of whether they are using the vehicle for personal use or otherwise.
Some insurers will pay the full loss amount, and for some the Condition of Cover will be as follows:
- If your car is insured based on market value, the insurer will pay you up to 25% of the market value to be determined at the time of loss.
- If your car is insured on an agreed value basis, the insurer will pay you up to 25% of the sum insured stated in your policy.
- If your car is not insured on a market value or agreed-value basis, the insurers will pay you up to 25% of the sum insured as stated in the schedule or up to 25% of the market value to be determined at the time of loss, whichever is lower.
Do check with your insurance provider to confirm what is covered.
If you need to file a claim, keep these steps in mind:
- File your claims as soon as possible.
- Provide all the necessary documentation (please check with your insurance provider what is needed).
- Document your losses clearly. Take photos or videos (wherever possible) of the damages before cleaning up or having the vehicle fixed.
- Keep records. Whether emails between yourself and your insurance agent or receipts related to vehicle damage, keep a record of these things
Many insurers have expedited the claims process in view of the severity of Malaysian floods. For example, Etiqa and AXA Affin allows customers to begin the claims process via their WhatsApp helplines for flood claims.
No, you will not be able to purchase the flood insurance add-on from a different insurance provider. Flood insurance is purchased as an add-on while renewing your annual car insurance, although some insurers do allow the add-on to be done after your annual insurance renewal but with a higher premium.
Firstly, if you encounter a possible flood situation while in your vehicle, it is important to remain calm. Find the highest point of elevation and try to make your way towards that direction. If possible, avoid driving through high water levels if you don’t immediately need to, as it may damage your vehicle and possibly compromise your safety.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to drive through a flooded area, keep your vehicle constantly moving, but at a slow pace. Either stopping your vehicle or driving too fast may cause the water to enter essential components, such as your engine.
When the water level is at about the height of your front brake disc rotor is the maximum level before potentially damaging your car.
If the water levels continue to rise and you are not able to drive your car to a safer position, remove the battery terminals to avoid damage to the electrical components of your car. Be sure you are able to get to a safer destination if you are forced to leave your vehicle because your safety is the main priority.
Try to ensure that your phone has adequate battery life before getting into your vehicle, especially if you will be driving for a long period of time. Keeping basic tools and supplies (dry foods and water that should be replaced regularly) in your vehicle could also be essential for emergency situations.
The main concern when riding your motorbike during a flood is ensuring your safety. If the water level is concerning, it is best to find a secure area to take shelter and wait for the water to subside.
Inspect your surroundings to make sure that the road beneath you is safe to ride on. Ride slowly and don’t stop while you are in deep waters, as it could cause water damage to your motorbike and also cause you to lose balance. Also, ride in a straight line, as it will be difficult to steer while battling the current.
Water level up to 15 cm is safe to ride through without damaging the engine.
Do not start your motorbike immediately after if you fear that it has been through water damage. This may cause more floodwater to enter your engine. It is also advisable to disconnect your battery to prevent electrical issues.
Dry sensitive components of your bike, such as wiring and electronic components to prevent rust.
Always have a raincoat ready before riding, as you’ll never know when you’ll be caught in heavy rain. Have tools handy and ensure that your phone has adequate battery life before riding your bike for a long distance.
We’re in this together!
We understand that our driver-partners & delivery-partners across many states are affected negatively by the floods nearly every year, especially during the monsoon season.
To help lighten the burden, we will be providing the following assistance to driver-partners & delivery-partners (that meet certain requirements) during these periods of flooding in the affected areas.
Application for claims is currently: OPEN
Get your damaged vehicle repaired OR cleaned and claim up to RM200.
Requirements:
- Active Platinum or Ultimate driver-partners.
- Affected by the flood and your vehicle is damaged / dirtied.
- Submit your claim within 14 days.
How to claim:
- Make a police report (should clearly detail NRIC, vehicle plate number and date of incident).
- Take photos of your damaged / dirty vehicle.
- Head over to any workshop or car wash near you.
- Get the receipt (should clearly detail the date and cost of vehicle repair / cleaning) and take photos of your vehicle after your vehicle is repaired / cleaned.
- Submit the receipt and photos here: https://grb.to/flood_reimbursement.
You can claim either vehicle repair OR cleaning services up to a maximum of RM200 for each period. Each assistance claim will be assessed individually. Should your claim be successful, we’ll reimburse you via your cash wallet within 10 working days.
If your delivery bag is damaged or missing due to floods, we will replace it for free.
Requirements:
- Active bike delivery-partners who have completed at least 1 order 2 weeks prior to the date of incident.
- Affected by the flood and your delivery bag is damaged / missing.
- Request bag replacement within 14 days of the incident.
How to replace bag:
- Make a police report (should clearly detail NRIC number, vehicle plate number and date of incident).
- Visit Grab Driver Centre in your city (note: you are not required to make an appointment).
- Present your police report for verification.
- Get your new delivery bag.
1. Who is eligible for this assistance?
For now, we’ll be providing assistance to selected driver-partners & delivery-partners. Kindly refer to the requirements stated above.
2. For delivery bag replacement, do I need to make an appointment to visit GDC?
No, selected delivery-partners don’t need to make an appointment to visit GDC for bag replacement.
3. I’m affected by the floods but did not get prompted for the vehicle repair or cleaning reimbursement/bag replacement. Why is that so?
We will only be providing assistance to those who fulfill the requirements listed above.
4. What are the operating hours of Grab Driver Centres?
You can find out the operating hours of GDCs here.