Insurance Guide

Cars are sensitive machines that rely on many interconnected parts to function properly. Damage or complete destruction to any of these parts can be detrimental to your vehicle, as well as send repair bills into the stratosphere. No matter how “bullet proof” you think your car is, or how conscientious of a driver you are, there are a number of culprits that can send even the mightiest of vehicles into an early grave. Here, we look at the 7 most common causes of car damage in Hong Kong, and some of the things you can do to avoid them.

Shopping for motor insurance can be a tedious, borderline annoying process. Between finding a trustworthy insurance provider, identifying the best possible plan they sell, filling out paperwork, and handling payment, by the time you get insured, you’re happy to be done with it all. Honestly, we’d likely all prefer to just get our insurance and be done with it. Sure, we know there will be more tedium down the road should we need to make use of our insurance, but outside of that, we’d like to push the thought of car insurance right out of our minds. Time, on the other hand, has other plans. This is because, while it may seem that our car insurance policies go on and on, in reality they are renewed on a yearly basis. It’s even possible that it’s being renewed without you realizing it. So, what should you know about your car insurance renewal? Here, Kwiksure provides 5 tips to remember when renewing your car insurance in Hong Kong.

Earlier this week, our General Manager, Ken Chung, attended a memehk.com live show as a guest speaker and authority on all things car insurance related. Viewed by a live online audience of nearly 10,000 people, the Facebook broadcast centered around some of the most commonly-asked questions about car insurance in Hong Kong; all of which were answered in easy-to-understand, layman’s terms. In case you missed it, be sure to watch the recorded version of the show (in Cantonese only) here , or read on to learn about the key car insurance tips and insights shared by Ken.

Hong Kong is a city where space is at a premium. As such, it has one of the best public transportation systems that the world has ever seen. A concerted effort has been undertaken as the population of the city has ballooned over the years to reduce the number of cars on the road and get as many people into the city’s trains and busses as possible. This is for a number of reasons, but perhaps the biggest and most pragmatic one of all is simply that space needs to be saved as much as possible in such a densely populated urban area. By keeping the overall number of vehicles in Hong Kong low, and keeping the roadways as clear as possible, we keep traffic moving and reduce the amount of pollution the city sees. Of course, not everyone is able to only utilize public transportation for all of their needs. In particular, businesses need to have vehicles on Hong Kong’s roads delivering their wares and bringing shipments to their locations. The economy of Hong Kong depends on businesses having their vehicles able to move about the city freely. As such, the economy of Hong Kong also relies on commercial vehicles in the city being legally insured, per local motor insurance laws. Here, Kwiksure looks at what it actually takes to obtain insurance with some commercial auto insurance tips.

A private motor insurance policy is designed to cover your vehicle for general use, depending upon the type of policy and level of coverage. In contrast, motor trade insurance is a special type of car insurance that is used mainly by people operating car-related businesses - from second hand vehicle dealers to garages/repair shops - for protection against mishaps incurred as a result of driving their customers’, or even their own vehicles. As with any type of insurance, it’s always essential to do some research in advance so that you get the best out of your motor trade insurance policy. To that end, our experts have shared the following items anyone considering this type of policy should be aware of.

This month, Kwiksure has been inundated with new quote requests from Tesla owners. The recent Hong Kong budget has announced a new tax break of up to HKD 250,000, available immediately, if buyers trade in a car older than six years, and purchase an electric vehicle. This has been in response to a previous HKD 97,500 cap on tax breaks introduced last year - and one that all but stifled the market locally. These new owners, however, are about to find out that premiums are becoming more expensive - and that’s because of the cost of Tesla repairs.

There’s no denying that life can be unpredictable, but what we can do is plan for all eventualities. While preparing for an uncertain future can be a daunting experience, buying life insurance now will help ensure that your loved ones are protected from financial burden - before it’s too late. In this week’s article, Kwiksure highlights the most important things people should know about life protection policies.

One of the greatest joys you will ever see in life is the smiling face of a dog with its head poking out a car window. It’s really something hilarious to watch - watch this cute pup do it for the first time. When you’re driving with your dog, or any pet for that matter, you need to understand that the risks you face behind the wheel also apply to your furry friends. Pets are not immune to accidents or crashes on the roads. With Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dog approaching, Kwiksure discusses whether car insurance covers dogs in cars, and what alternative coverage might be needed to secure their wellbeing.

Change is constant, and a change in your car ownership situation can happen without regard for the neat time periods set by your car insurance policy. As your circumstances change, you may find yourself wondering if you should let your insurance provider know so you can update your car insurance benefits. This week, we’re discussing what changes you may need to inform your insurance company of, what effect it may have, and what happens if you want to change to a new insurer mid-policy.

Key to keeping a business running is having the right insurance to cover you when the unexpected happens. If vehicles are an integral part of your business, then having commercial vehicle insurance is a must. Commercial accidents can leave your company liable for thousands, if not potentially millions, in private property damage; often pushing many unprepared businesses to the brink of liquidation. This week, Kwiksure discusses who might be liable for what in the event of a commercial accident.

No one likes sitting in traffic. Hong Kong, like many major cities, can often come to a complete standstill during peak hours - whether it’s on the road or on the MTR. For some of us, public transport might not be as convenient as owning our own vehicle, but what can be done about getting stuck in traffic? For many, a motorcycle can be a great alternative to owning a private car. They’re small and compact, they’re zippy, and they’re often small enough to slip through the gaps drivers of bigger vehicles wish they could. This week, Kwiksure discusses what you should know about motorcycle insurance if you want to ride in Hong Kong.

From independence to saving money, there are many reasons why hiring a car might be the best option when going on holiday. The experiences you’ve had in foreign taxis, buses, trains, and short haul air travel may ignite your desire for freedom and solitude, and also the feeling of something familiar: a car ride. Cars are available for hire in almost every country in the world, so what do you need to know about protecting yourself when driving a rental car overseas? To help, today’s KS blog post answers two questions people often ask about overseas car rentals: “Do I need travel insurance for driving in a foreign country?”, and, “Will my HK car insurance cover overseas vehicle rentals?”.