Flood is one of the most common natural disasters in Malaysia with its equatorial climate and presence of two monsoon seasons. It is made worse in recent years due to the fallout from global climate change, as evident in the unprecedented flood disaster that has hit both urban and rural areas early this year.
With the coming monsoon season and rainfall, flood risk is imminent. It will also continue to pose a huge concern once again as many Malaysians are still uninsured against flood. Citing a staggering statistic from the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), only 4% of Malaysians nationwide have purchased flood insurance coverage.
AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) added that during one of the floods that has hit our country last year, more than 80% of vehicles that AXA towed did not have flood cover.
Despite a slight increase of take-up rate following the flood incident (3.9% of AXA motor insurance policyholders have added on flood cover this year*), many Malaysians are still grossly under-insured and have low awareness towards the importance of flood insurance.
Emmanuel Nivet, Chief Executive Officer of AXA said, “In truth, people only realise the importance of insurance protection after a significant incident, when they have no compensation or means of replacing their damage and losses. Such mindset should change as insurance is not about prediction or investment, but a precautionary measure to protect against unforeseeable risks and ensure greater financial protection and peace of mind.”
Flood insurance is a necessity, and it is important to adequately insure vehicles, homes, and belongings to minimise the financial impact of such a peril should it arise. As flood is an optional cover under most comprehensive motor policies, Malaysians are advised to purchase or add on their insurance plan to include Flood or Special Perils cover (which insures against not only flood, but also storm, landslide, or other convulsions of nature).
AXA Flood cover for vehicle and home can be purchased directly from AXA, its agents, partners, or online insurance marketplaces. In the event of flood, AXA is committed to render assistance to all policyholders by offering expedited and easy claims process, complimentary towing assistance, dedicated 24-hour hotline service and more.
Meanwhile, to foster greater awareness and adoption on flood insurance, AXA has launched #BeFloodSmart campaign on its social media platforms to share educational tips and information about flood and insurance protection. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/MYAXAAffin
