The Accident That Should Have Been Covered
I never thought a rainy Tuesday evening in October 2025 would cost me more than a bruised ego and a damaged car. I was 29, driving home from work in Phnom Penh on a narrow street near the river. A motorbike cut across my lane without signaling. I swerved, hit the curb, and the front left wheel slammed into a concrete pole. The car was totaled. Airbags deployed. I walked away with a sprained wrist and whiplash. The other driver disappeared before police arrived.
My insurance—Royal Cambodia Insurance, a mid-tier plan I’d had for three years—promised “full coverage for collision and third-party liability.” I called the claims hotline from the hospital. The agent was calm:
“Relax, miss. We’ll cover the car replacement value and your medical expenses. Send photos and police report.”
I believed them.
I’d paid 1,800,000 KHR (~$450) annually for comprehensive coverage.
I thought I was protected.
I was half right.
The Claim Process — When “Covered” Starts to Feel Conditional
The police report took two weeks.
The other driver was never found.
My car was declared a total loss—market value $9,200.
Medical bills: $380 for ER, X-rays, and follow-up.
I submitted everything: photos, police report, repair estimate, hospital receipts.
First response (week 3):
“Claim approved for collision damage. We will pay replacement value minus deductible ($1,200) = $8,000.”
I was relieved.
Then the second email (week 5):
“Third-party liability portion denied. No identifiable at-fault party. Policy exclusion applies for hit-and-run without police conviction.”
I stared at the screen.
The other driver was at fault.
I had witnesses.
The police report said so.
I called.
Claims agent: “Without a conviction or identified party, we cannot recover from the other side. Policy requires recovery possibility for third-party coverage.”
I argued: “That’s why I pay for comprehensive collision coverage!”
Agent: “Collision is covered. Third-party liability is separate and conditional.”
I read the policy again.
Buried in section 4.2, clause 7.3:
“Third-party liability coverage is subject to successful subrogation or identification of at-fault party. In cases of hit-and-run without conviction, liability portion is excluded.”
I had paid for “full coverage.”
It wasn’t.
They paid $8,000 for the car.
I owed $1,200 deductible.
Medical: $380 out of pocket.
I was angry, but still thought it was over.
I was wrong.
The Renewal That Felt Like a Punishment
October 2025 — renewal time.
I logged in to pay the next premium.
New quote: 3,200,000 KHR (~$800).
Almost double.
Reason listed:
“At-fault accident in October 2025 — collision claim filed. Risk profile updated.”
I called.
Agent: “You had an accident. Claims increase premiums.”
I explained: “The other driver caused it. I was not at fault.”
Agent: “Police report says ‘unidentified party.’ We classify as at-fault by default when no recovery is possible.”
I said: “That’s unfair. I’m the victim.”
Agent: “Policy terms allow adjustment based on claims history.”
I read the renewal notice.
Fine print:
“Any claim filed, regardless of fault determination, may result in premium increase up to 100% for the following 3 years.”
My premium doubled.
I couldn’t afford it.
I shopped around.
Other insurers: “You have a recent at-fault claim on record.”
Word spreads fast in Cambodia’s insurance database.
No one would offer better than 2,800,000 KHR.
I paid the increase—barely.
The Long-Term Damage — When One Claim Becomes a Life Sentence
My credit score took a hit—late payments on the deductible and medical bills.
Score from 720 to 590.
Car loan refinance denied—higher interest.
Apartment rental application flagged: “High-risk profile.”
Landlord asked for double deposit.
I paid.
Now, every insurance quote is higher.
Every loan application is scrutinized.
Every renewal is a gamble.
The accident was not my fault.
The police said so.
But the insurance company classified it as “at-fault” because they couldn’t recover from the other party.
My premium doubled for three years.
My credit suffered.
My financial future is harder.
All because I filed a legitimate claim.
I thought insurance was protection.
It became a punishment.
I learned the hard way:
Read every clause.
Understand “fault” definitions.
And know that “covered” doesn’t always mean protected.
Especially when the fine print kicks in.
Thanks for reading.
