Singapore
Car Insurance in Singapore: What Expats Need to Know
The good news: if you're leasing, insurance is almost certainly already sorted. Here's what to check — and what to do if it isn't.
Insurance is normally bundled in leases
The vast majority of Singapore car leases include comprehensive insurance as part of the monthly fee. Before signing your lease, confirm: (a) that insurance is included, (b) whether it's comprehensive or only third-party, and (c) what the excess is. SGD $1,000–$3,200 is typical for standard policies — but some leases have higher excess for expats without a Singapore driving history.
Ask for the actual policy document, not just verbal confirmation. You want to know the insurer's name, the policy number, and the excess figure before you drive off the forecourt.
No Claims Discount (NCD) — using your overseas history
Singapore insurance operates on a No Claims Discount system: discounts range from 10% (1 year) to 50% (5+ years). If you have a clean claims history from overseas (UK, Australia, US, etc.), many Singapore insurers will honour this. You'll need a letter from your previous insurer on headed paper, confirming your NCD status and the number of claim-free years.
If your lease doesn't include insurance
Major Singapore insurers include DirectAsia, NTUC Income, Tokio Marine, and AXA. Expect to pay roughly SGD $1,500–$3,000/year for comprehensive coverage on an economy car with no SG NCD history. Submit your overseas NCD letter to each insurer for an accurate quote — it can reduce the premium by 30–50%.
Insurers worth getting a quote from
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission if you get a quote via these links — at no extra cost to you. We only list companies we'd recommend to a friend.
Singapore's most popular direct insurer. Quick online quotes, transparent pricing, strong expat take-up.
Cooperative insurer with wide branch network. Good for NCD transfer from overseas. Competitive renewal rates.
Strong reputation for claims handling. Worth comparing if you've had previous incidents — often more flexible on loading.
💡 Tip: If your lease already includes insurance, ask for the policy document — not just confirmation it's included. Check the excess amount before you drive off.
Third-party vs comprehensive: what's the difference?
Third-party only (TPO)
Covers damage you cause to other vehicles and property. Does NOT cover your own car. The minimum legal requirement in Singapore.
Third-party, fire & theft
Adds cover for your car being stolen or damaged by fire. Still doesn't cover accident damage to your own car.
Comprehensive
Covers everything — your car, other vehicles, fire, theft, and usually windscreen. What you almost certainly have in a lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Patrick gets asked most often.