Fuel Rebate Can Now Be Claimed Online

Eligible vehicle owners can now apply for the fuel rebate disbursed by Pos Malaysia Berhad through the company's website, www.posonline.com.my. The online option complements the present mode of making claims at all post offices nationwide. All you need to do is sign up for Pos Online Account and follow the steps below:

• Log in with your Username and Password.
• Go to Cash Rebate Online and click on Cash Rebate.
• Key in your Car Registration No and other information required
• Select Mode of Payment either Money Order or Bank Account from the list then click “Next”
• Fill in the necessary information and click ‘Next’.
• Verify the information shown on the next screen, click ‘Confirm’.
• The status and details of your transaction will appear. Print the receipt for your future reference.

The eligible private vehicle owners shall receive their rebates in the form of Money Order (receive within seven (7) working days) or direct transfer to owner bank’s account (paid within three (3) working days).

If you experince trouble, contact their Customer Service Centre at 1 300 300 300 from 8:30 am - 9:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday or e-mel to csc@pos.com.my or visit www.pos.com.my

Towing charges up by 50%

IPOH: Towing charges are up by between 25% and 50%, depending on location, with immediate effect. Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia president Cho Chee Seng, citing rising costs, said the recommended fees within city limits (or for the first 20km) were RM100 for daytime towing and RM150 for night towing. For towing on the highway, charges would be RM150 for the first 20km during the day, and RM200 at night. For every additional kilometre, the charge would be RM1 (day) and RM2 (night). Previously, tow truck drivers charged RM80 for daytime towing and RM110 for night towing within city limits, and RM100 and RM150, respectively, for towing on the highway. “The last time we revised our charges was 10 years ago,” Cho said, noting that the fees did not include toll charges and additional equipment needed to recover vehicles such as cranes. Cho said the federation’s members would also increase their labour charges from today, to RM45 per hour from RM25 before.

Source : The Star, 1 July 2008

NO-FAULT LIABILITY: Low - income earners would feel the pinch

By : KANDIAH CHELLIAH, Klang

THE attorney-general said on Aug 26 last year that his office was undertaking a study to prepare a draft legislation for the no-fault liability (NFL) scheme to be implemented in Malaysia in due course.

The key benefits, the A-G elaborated, were that all victims would get compensation, regardless of who was at fault; payments would be prompt so that victims could get treatment; civil suits would be abolished by law; motor insurance companies would provide funds and only comprehensive insurance coverage would be allowed, with third-party insurance coverage to be abolished.

Under this scheme, both the negligent or reckless driver or rider of motor vehicles and the innocent driver/rider or their families would be compensated for their injuries or death and other loss and damages, such as medical bills, loss of earnings and other costs.

Under existing laws, only the innocent, i.e. not blame-worthy drivers/riders and their passengers/pillion if any, can successfully claim compensation from the negligent driver's /rider's insurers.

At present, the law allows for comprehensive cover and the minimum coverage known as third-party risk cover. The first, with a higher premium, covers one's own vehicle as well as compensation for injuries, death or losses to other road users that one negligently causes.

Third-party cover costs less but only compensates other road users that one negligently injures or cause death or damage to.

The point to note is that third-party insurance coverage for motor vehicles will be abolished. Third-party coverage costs only about 30 per cent of what the comprehensive type costs.

Vehicle owners at present have a choice, but not with the new scheme.This would burden low-income earners, rural residents, students and others who use motorcycles, vans, pick-up lorries or traders using vans for their business.

Between 40 and 45 per cent of road users are motorcyclists, and they pay RM50 to RM80 for third-party cover annually. This category of consumers will be hard-hit by the NFL scheme.

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Need for Travel Insurance

TRAVEL-SAVVY Malaysians today go all over the country to the various resorts as well as to other countries. There is nothing like visiting new places to broaden our minds and have fun at the same time.But no matter how exciting travel may be, there are still certain precautions we should take as we will be stepping into new and unfamiliar places. A good way to protect yourself should you encounter problems that crop up during your travels is to buy travel insurance. Over the next five weeks, we will be giving you tips on travel insurance, from choosing a policy to making insurance claims. We start by telling you why you should purchase travel insurance and how to go about it.

Why Buy?

While travel can be an exciting proposition, there could be situations where things may go wrong and travellers find themselves needing, for example, urgent medical assistance, help with replacing lost luggage or assistance with making an urgent trip home. Travel insurance is designed to protect you and your family against travel-related accidents, losses or interruptions. Always include travel insurance as part of your travel budget and enjoy peace of mind.Insurance is essential. Not ensuring you are safely covered on your vacation is a matter of being penny wise, pound foolish. Do not think “it won’t happen to me” – especially if you are planning an adventure-filled vacation.

Choosing A Policy

First, make sure the policy you intend to buy covers those countries you plan to visit and that it is for the full period of travel. It also helps if the insurance is recognised internationally or at least in the countries you are visiting. Make sure that your insurance company has a good network of foreign affiliates who can provide you with the assistance you may need. Many insurers provide worldwide assistance services. Check whether your insurance company provides you with a hotline number for emergency assistance in multiple languages in travel advice, emergency messages and medical referral. If you are travelling with your family, make sure everyone is included in the policy. Most policies will specify who qualifies as a member of the family under the insurance cover. If you have a medical history, it is important that you tell your insurer. You may invalidate your policy if you fail to disclose what is commonly known as a “pre-existing condition” to your insurer at the time of proposing for travel insurance. Like all purchases, you usually get what you pay for, so do not compare the prices only; take into account the benefits and the exclusions of the cover. If you intend to take part in extreme activities like winter sports, mountaineering, bungee jumping or scuba diving, check the policy as most standard policies will not provide such cover. You may want to discuss with your insurer on the possibility of extending the policy to cover such activities.

Source : NST Online ~ Travel Tips