g&m’s complimentary Accident Assistance means no more navigating industrial areas like Sin Ming, no more calling your insurance agent for authorized workshop lists, no more taking a day off to do reporting; giving you the freedom to get back on track anytime anywhere.

First off, save this number:

63332222

It’ll save you lots of hassle.

Let us explain:

The last thing you want to happen is getting into car accident on your way to the work appointment. For most cases, it will take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour to conduct the necessary on-site procedures of getting to safety, exchanging personal information with the other driver, maybe calling for a tow truck.

Lurking in the background, however, is the part where you have to report the accident, to the police and to your insurer. The accident already ruined your day, and the process of reporting it to your insurer will truly ruin your week.

Don’t forget; regulation demands that you report an accident to your insurer within 24-hours of the incident.

Established motor insurers will have appointed authorized dealers as an Accident Reporting Centre. Other insurers may maintain their own list of Accident Reporting Centres; most likely workshops in Sin Ming or Ubi.

So, if you bought your luxury sedan from an authorized dealer and got your car insured by one of said workshop-accident reporting insurers, you would first have to go to an appointed workshop in the Sin Ming industrial area to do your reporting, and then bring your vehicle back to your authorised dealer to do your repairs. Just having to go to one of these locations alone would already take you the better half of a day. That’s two tiers of effort!

This bureaucratic system wasn’t intentionally designed to wear you down, but it does. At the end of it all, you’re none the wiser on where you should repair your vehicle, or how to make an insurance claim.

g&m has solved this problem for all our clients.

What our clients get with Accident Assist

We can proudly boast that we’re the first to design a new motor accident reporting process around your lifestyle; to minimizing the disruption to your routine. In collaboration with AJAX MARS, we have launched Accident Assistance so that you can enjoy these features:

• Access to a 24-hour hotline
• Ability to do Insurance accident reporting anywhere
• AJAX MARS commits a 30-minute turn-around time on site activation for accidents
• Appointment system for post-accident reporting at location of your choice (your home, for example)
• Advising on claims procedures
• Helping to arrange for tow of vehicle after an accident to your designated workshop

Instead of the tedium of possibly driving to multiple locations, our process takes you collectively less than an hour – and no driving deviation required away from your routine.

Don’t settle for a mediocre standard and don’t let that compromise yours; g&m is pushing a new paradigm.

All existing g&m Motor insurance customers* can call the 24-hour hotline at 63332222 and provide a copy of your Certificate of Insurance for authentication for this service.

*Offer not extended to NTUC and China Taiping motor policies

g&m gets featured in Skillsfuture SG and Workforce Singapore newsletter

g&m was recently featured in a Skillsfuture and Workforce Singapore newsletter highlighting office culture, as part of their SME Go Digital initiative.

We’re proud to say we’ve worked hard and come a long way from our one-man cubicles 35 years ago. To be recognised by Skillsfuture and Workforce is no small feat, and we are humbled by it.
Here’s to another 35 years of hard work and keeping employee growth a priority!

Check out the newsletter portion below!

Despite Being Separate, Road Tax Renewal Requires A Sufficiently Long Enough Insurance Coverage
– Especially If You’re The Second Owner Of The Vehicle.

You might be asking yourself: Why can’t I renew my road tax?

You are definitely asking yourself this if you see this error text:

The most likely reason is a misalignment between the road tax period and vehicle insurance policy coverage.

Misalignment

First, a few absolutes:

• Road tax is only purchasable in six-month or 12-month periods.
• New insurance policies are purchasable in 12-month (or more) periods.
• Online Road tax can be renewed online after you have a digitally confirmed insurance policy.
• You need both road tax and vehicle insurance to legally drive your vehicle in Singapore. It is illegal to drive without adequate insurance.

This issue arises most commonly if you have purchased a pre-owned vehicle. This vehicle will most likely come with some period of road tax remaining (which the former owner purchased). Unlike road tax, insurance policies do not transfer along with the vehicle; and you will have to purchase a new insurance policy for yourself. Thus, this new policy and the old road tax will very likely not expire on the same day of the year – this is the misalignment, or policy “shortfall”.

However, this won’t be an issue until the period where you need to renew your road tax.

Realignment of insurance and road tax

• The graphic above shows road tax and insurance might suffer from a term disconnect. Owner 2 (you) purchases a second-hand car from Owner 1 in April, with a new insurance policy for the vehicle. Road tax for the vehicle, which Owner 1 purchased, still has eight-months left before expiry the subsequent January.
• Sometime later, Owner 2 tries to renew the road tax but is informed of insufficient insurance coverage, as there is not enough to coincide with six-months’ worth of road tax. There is a three-month shortfall between insurance and road tax.
• Thus, Owner 2 must extend his insurance policy by two months, in order to create a collective six-month insurance period to cover a new six-month road tax purchase. This policy extension will cover the shortfall.
• The LTA system will automatically update and recognise Owner 2’s insurance policy extension. Owner 2 can then purchase six-month’s of road tax, which will re-align his policy and road tax.

In a nutshell, g&m will help to extend your vehicle insurance policy to create sufficient runway for Owner 2 to buy the minimum six-months of road tax (alternatively, you could also buy one-year).

Give us a call or a send us an email, and we will extend your policy for the time required (the cost of which will be pro-rated to your current premium). Give us three working days, after which you can go back to the LTA portal and renew your vehicle insurance.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: Latest updates you need to know

Singapore has worked with several countries to open up its borders for visitors and residents to travel. As part of Singapore’s plan to ease travel restrictions amidst the pandemic, the government has implemented Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) to facilitate travel while safeguarding public health.

Here is what you need to know about the latest updates on travelling and how to stay safe.

Vaccinated travelers can travel to participating countries under the SafeTravel¹ VTL scheme. From September 8, VTLs to Brunei and Germany will be opened.

On October 9, Transport Minister S Iswaran announced additional plans to extend VTLs to more countries³. From October 19, travelling would be allowed to these countries: Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and United States. From November 15, trips to Korea will also be allowed².

Travelers who wish to enter Singapore or depart Singapore have to be fully vaccinated using vaccines approved by their respective countries. You would need to present proof of vaccination to visiting countries and upon arrival into Singapore⁴.

Depending on the country you are travelling to, find out more about their different entry requirements below*:

*The list of countries with VTLs are updated as of 27 October 2021

If you are entering Singapore, you would need to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP). Travelers are only allowed to travel on a designated VTL flight ⁴.

While travelling via VTLs, it is important to ensure the safety of you and your companions. Here are some tips to follow for better prevention and protection against COVID-19.

Pre-Departure

Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling. Also, regardless of the country you are visiting, you are encouraged to take a PCR or ART test to prove that you are tested negative for COVID-19. You should also stock up on disinfecting wipes (at least 70% alcohol), hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) and masks, as well as bring along a thermometer to conduct regular temperature checks.

Air Travel

When you enter the plane, consider wiping down the seating area with disinfecting wipes. During the flight, masks should also be worn at all times unless you are eating or drinking. You should also limit your interactions with one another to minimize contact with others.

On Arrival

Even if not required by the country, you should voluntarily take a PCR or ART test upon arrival. If you are doing a PCR test, it is encouraged to isolate yourself for at least 12 hours upon arrival while waiting for the test results. (For specific requirements of each country, refer to the links above)

During Travel

Ensure that masks are worn at all times. If you are able to access a toilet, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Maintain a distance of 1m or adhere to the safe distancing guidelines of the country you are visiting. Do your best to avoid large crowds as well.

If you are on a business trip, avoid handshakes as much as possible and ensure safe distancing in business meeting locations at all times.

As an insurance broker, we work with various insurers to find the best quotes suitable for your needs. We source for the right coverage for you so that you don’t have to.

Coverage for Travel Insurance can currently include:

• Overseas Medical Expenses due to COVID-19
• Emergency evacuation due to COVID-19
• Trip cancellation due to COVID-19

Source(s):
1. https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/
2. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/vaccinated-travel-lanes-singapore-south-korea-europe-united-states-canada-faq-2238401
3. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-sets-up-vaccinated-travel-lanes-with-9-more-countries-covid-19-situation-there
4. https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-process

Step-by-Step Guide For Submitting Your Motor Claims:

Motor insurance claims can be complex, with painstaking investigations and paperwork to be done. Being acquainted with your insurance policy helps clarify the amount and extent of cover, depending on the insurer and policy type. This article seeks to unravel your concerns by outlining what to do in such situations.

1: Exchange Particulars with Parties Involved and Document the Accident Scene:

• Name & NRIC
• Contact Number
• Vehicle Registration Number
• Contact Details of Witnesses (if any)
• Take photographs of your accident vehicle and of any damages caused in the area (government property, trees, etc.).

2: Contact Your Insurer:

Dial your insurer’s hotline for tow truck assistance or for further advice on the next steps.

3: Report The Accident Within 24 Hours:

File your insurance report at approved reporting centers or authorized workshops within 24 hours. Reports should include all evidence including relevant contact details of parties involved and photographs to assist with investigations.

4: Avoid All Unauthorized Tow-Truck Operators or Workshops:

Check with your insurer to ensure you are approaching an authorized Tow-Truck Operator or Workshop, so as not to complicate the process or incur additional costs.

Accidents must be reported to avoid repudiated liability, forfeiture of *No-Claims Discount and potentially higher costs. Reporting the accident within the stipulated time also allows for a hassle-free claims process and quality-certified repair services.

*No-Claims Discount (NCD): Discounts on motor premiums for the following year, when no claims were made under your policy for a year or more. You will be entitled to the discount if you are not liable for the accident.

Scenario 1: When You’re at Fault

If you rear-ended the front vehicle, collided with property, or other circumstances where you’re responsible, you should make an Own Damage (OD) claim against your own insurer. Do note that this may affect your NCD and renewal premiums for the next year.

Scenario 2: When The Other Party Is at Fault

If you’re not liable for an accident, submit a Third-Party (TP) claim against the other driver’s insurer. Indicate your claim intentions as Third-Party on your accident report, and duly provide an accident account with photo evidence. Most likely, there will be no effect on your policy excess amount and NCD.

Scenario 3: Ambiguous Liability Situations

Situations involving side-impact collisions, or other accidents with ambiguous liabilities, are often more complicated for resolution. Repairs can halt until party liability is confirmed. As such, g&m recommends you to indicate the claim intention under Own Damage to expedite repairs. Should you be found not liable for the accident after investigations, neither your NCD nor renewal premium will not be impacted for the following year.

Let g&m Be Your Partner:

With decades of experience in the industry, g&m can provide professional advice related to your motor insurance.

We also specialize in tailoring motor insurance policies to your needs according to:

• Frequency of vehicle usage
• Potential drivers of the vehicle
• Adequacy of existing coverage for medical costs and personal accidents

Get in touch with us below for professional and unbiased motor insurance advice.

Why Employee Well-Being Matters More in the Post-Pandemic Future

Since the onset of the pandemic, dimensions of work and life have been upended. This unprecedented chapter impairs employees’ holistic wellbeing with increased social isolation and physical limitations. To navigate through the post-pandemic future, organizational practices must focus on nurturing employee wellbeing.

HRD¹, a human resources trade journal, conducted a survey to uncover employees’ satisfaction on existing mental and physical benefits. A disconnect was observed as 60% of employees view that companies should invest more on their holistic wellbeing, while only 30% of employers believe in offering more support.

The findings validate a shift in employees’ needs, and that benefit strategies should be redesigned to center around greater care and flexibility.

Boundaries dividing work and personal life are fragmented. The erosion of work-life balance triggers employee burnout and prevalence of mental health disorders. McKinsey ² revealed that 70% of employers intend on sustaining and expanding investments on mental health resources, to further promote employee productivity, satisfaction and talent retention.

Next, employees’ social wellbeing is diminishing. Workplace isolation derived from limited social interactions and support from colleagues, may lead to employees feeling disconnected professionally.

As homes now converge as offices, poor workstation setups could result in chronic musculoskeletal pain and eye strains. Furthermore, extended periods in prolonged sitting positions, fixated working postures and repetitive work without much mobility, can affect employees’ physical wellbeing

Organisation of Escape Room Game and Distribution of  Care Packs by g&m HR Team

A concerted effort to boost employee morale and job satisfaction is paramount. Pulse surveys should be conducted to diagnose primary stressors and needs of staff.

Human Resource departments could introduce engagement initiatives such as regular check-ins, modify policies and practices around inclusivity, and align insurance plans with wellbeing programs.

Organizations should also model healthy behaviors. Cultivating wellness habits such as encouraging frequent breaks, taking afternoon strolls, partaking in corporate fitness programs and more, can promote self-care and physical well-being amongst employees.

Businesses can also give employees assurance that they are well-protected with a suitable group health package.

g&m has expertise in dealing with businesses of all sizes including SMEs and large corporations. We partner with an extensive network of insurers to provide tailored insurance solutions for your needs.

Coverage for such packages can include:

• Medical: Hospitalisation & Surgical, Outpatient GP & Specialist and Dental Care
• Life: Term life and critical illnesses.
• Add-ons: Personal accident, maternity and preventive care.

Fill up the form below and let g&m be your partner in supporting your employees’ well being.

In response to the transition towards working from home, g&m can also provide Work from Home insurance to protect your employees against any risk associated with the home environment. Click here to find out more.

Source(s):
1. https://www.hcamag.com/asia/specialisation/mental-health/remote-work-is-hr-doing-enough-to-support-well-being/245853
2. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/national-surveys-reveal-disconnect-between-employees-and-employers-around-mental-health-need

What you need to know to prepare yourself for Electric Car Ownership

What you need to know to prepare yourself for Electric Car Ownership