(1) What if I have a dispute with my insurer?
If you feel you have been treated unfairly by your insurer, you should lodge a complaint directly with the insurer, and provide the insurer with your details (name, contact numbers, etc.), the specific nature of your complaint and supporting documents.
The insurer should acknowledge your complaint within 7 business days, and if necessary, request additional information from you within 7 business days of the date of your complaint.
Depending on the nature of your complaint, the insurer may need more time to attend to it. If so, the insurer should contact you and update you on the progress within 15 business days of your last communication, before proceeding to resolve the problem.
If you have taken these steps and still feel the response is not satisfactory, or if there is no response within the timeframes stated above, you should then appeal to the Chief Executive of the insurer in writing. You can expect a response to this within 15 business days.
Finally, if you are still unsatisfied after going through these channels, you can contact the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC). You must do so within 6 months of your insurers' final reply to you. FIDReC is an independent institution, which aims to provide consumers with a one-stop avenue for resolving disputes in the banking, insurance and capital market sectors. FIDReC does so by offering mediation and adjudication services.
Filing a complaint is simple and free of charge. You may lodge your complaint online at www.fidrec.com.sg. If you have any queries or difficulties in lodging the complaint, you may submit an enquiry at www.fidrec.com.sg or contact FIDReC at 6327 8878. Once your complaint is lodged, FIDReC's Case Manager will verify if the dispute falls within FIDReC's jurisdiction and will reach out to you should any further information be required.
FIDReC Contact Centre
36 Robinson Centre
#15-01, City House
Singapore 068877
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 9am to 6pm
(not including public holidays)
(2) If I have a dispute with the third party insurer on the question of liability and quantum of settlement amount, who can help me to resolve the dispute?
You can approach FIDReC. In addition to handling insurance disputes involving claims between insureds and their insurers, FIDReC also handles motor third-party property damage claims of up to S$100,000 (for claims filed before 1 July 2024) or S$150,000 (for claims filed on or after 1 July 2024).
For more information on the jurisdiction of FIDReC, please visit www.fidrec.com.sg.