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Horrible neighbours can make your life a living hell. We’ve heard the stories of notoriously inconsiderate neighbours in Singapore who make you shudder and feel grateful for kind, considerate neighbors. Residents of Pasir Ris, Elias Road have had to deal with a neighbour banging loudly through the night, disrupting their sleep and affecting how they live. While in Kreta Ayer, one of its residents kept fourteen dogs inside a single flat, subjecting neighbours to barking and unpleasant smells.

Having to deal with neighbours in Singapore who make loud noises way after 11 pm at night or those who wilfully splash substances in your corridor or on your door can be mentally distressing. What do you do when you have loud, inconsiderate neighbours who have little regard for those living around them?

6 strategies of dealing with inconsiderate neighbours in Singapore

1. Try resolving the conflict directly with your neighbour

The very first step to managing a dispute with a neighbour is to find a way to resolve it as effectively as possible and this would mean having a conversation with your neighbour. Might it be a simple misunderstanding? In order to maintain a harmonious living environment, make the effort to communicate politely, listen, understand and empathise. This can go a long way in resolving conflict. Try keeping calm when you approach your neighbour and prepare what you would like to say beforehand.

2. Contact your grassroots leaders

Approaching your grassroots leaders might be a viable solution, as they can act as a neutral third party to help guide you and your neighbour towards conflict resolution. As grassroots organisations work closely with other government agencies, they will also be able to quickly put you in touch with the right people who can aid you in resolving your situation more efficiently.

3. Engage mediation services

Mediation is where an objective third party facilitates the discussion between you and your neighbour. Much like approaching a grassroots leader, a mediator helps to control the conversation and steer it, guiding you and your neighbour towards a possible solution. This allows both parties to reach an amicable resolution. This also ensures the discussion does not escalate and you can avoid the unnecessary costs involved with going to court. The Community Mediation Centre (CMC) offers formal mediation services by trained volunteers. More than 70% of the cases mediated by the CMC reach a settlement.

4. Approach the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRTs)

While mediation might be the preferred method of conflict resolution as solutions are based on mutual agreement, sometimes it doesn’t yield results. When this happens, filing a neighbour dispute claim with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT), is the next option to consider. Under the Community Disputes Resolution Act (CDRA), acts of unreasonable interference by neighbours are dealt with. However, try speaking directly to your neighbour or using mediation before resorting to this so that neighbour relationships can still be preserved.

5. Make a police report

In extenuating circumstances, make a police report to protect yourself, your family and property. For arrestable offences such as disorderly behaviour or voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, the police can arrest the alleged offender. A non-arrestable offence, however, requires that a warrant of arrest from the court be obtained first, in which case filing a Magistrate’s Complaint might be the next course of action.

6. Take proactive steps before you buy a new property

If it’s possible, it’s always better to avoid getting into situations with inconsiderate neighbours in the first place. If you’re buying a new flat or house, doing the due diligence before buying the property would lower the chances of you landing in a tricky situation down the road. Ask the current owners about their neighbours. If they hesitate, or seem to avoid the question, it’s not a good sign.

Learn more about Expat Insurance’s Home and Contents Insurance

Having great neighbours can make everyday living a joy. However, on the off chance you have nasty neighbours who are out to damage property, protecting your personal items, such as shoes, bicycles, sports equipment, vehicles or plants is advisable. In situations like these, having the right insurance can go a long way in ensuring any damage is insured.

Expat Insurance offers premium Home and Contents Insurance in Singapore so you can be sure hard-to-replace items are protected and you do not suffer unnecessary financial loss. Learn more about the various benefits of obtaining Home and Contents Insurance, such as protecting your valuables from theft or damage by fire or water. Our team of insurance advisors are always on hand to provide advice on how you can plug the gaps of your current plans in order to best protect yourself and your loved ones.

No one wants to find themselves in a traffic accident. It could mean sustaining minor injuries, vehicle damage, or in severe cases, permanent disability, and even the loss of a life. Every year, approximately 1.3 million people die globally from road traffic injuries. To avoid being a part of this statistic, it pays to take necessary caution. Steer clear of ambiguous situations that can hamper your judgement, such as driving under the influence.

In Singapore in the first half of 2021, more traffic accidents resulted in fatalities and injuries as compared to the same time the previous year. We have compiled several tips that would help keep you, your family and those around you safe whenever you get behind the wheel.

How do you reduce your chances of a traffic accident today?

1. Ensure you have sufficient practice

If you’re a new driver and have just received your driving license, ensure you familiarise yourself with the roads in your neighbourhood. While the thrill of increasing your speed might be tempting, first ascertain that you have the skills to be able to handle the car when it moves at a high speed.

2. Always wear a seat belt

It’s absolutely essential that you make it a habit to wear your seat belt every time you’re driving and to ensure that your passengers do so as well. Seat belts can save lives by keeping both drivers and passengers firmly in their seats in the event of a collision or rollover. The driver and passengers are less likely to be ejected and flung through the windshield or side windows or have tissues and organs impacted by the different parts of a vehicle.

Under the Road Traffic Rules of 2022, if the driver does not adhere to the safety rules of wearing a seat belt, he will be fined $120 and be given 3 demerit points. So it’s best to belt up whenever you’re driving and ensure that your passengers do so too.

3. Watch out for the speed limit

It can be tempting to want to put your foot down hard on the accelerator if you’re running late for an appointment or just for the thrill of it when there are few cars on the road. However doing so could endanger the lives of not just you and your passengers, but those around you on the road. When you speed, your ability to control the vehicle is significantly reduced, you have less time to stop a crash and the severity of a crash tends to be higher.

Exceeding the speed limit can result in fines and demerit points. If the speed limit is exceeded by 1 to 20km/h, 4 demerit points will be awarded and if it is exceeded by 21 to 30km/h, 6 demerit points.

4. Don’t drive under the influence

Drink driving is dangerous as alcohol can greatly impact one’s ability to concentrate, make good judgements and properly coordinate their motor skills. From minor vehicle damage or slight physical injury to very serious harm, including loss of limb, sight, or hearing or life, or paralysis – it can have consequences for you and those around you.

From January to September 2021, there were 101 drink-driving accidents that resulted in injuries – more than during the same period the year before. Singapore law takes drink driving seriously. A first-time offender is liable to a fine of between $2,000 and $10,000 and/or up to one year imprisonment. It is always better to err on the side of caution, choosing to leave your car at home if you plan on drinking or calling for a valet if you have driven.

Learn more about Expat Insurance’s Hospital & Surgical Insurance

Practicing safe driving is essential to keeping you and those around you safe. Following the road safety rules, taking the necessary precautions and avoiding situations that could compromise your safety is advisable.

However, sometimes road emergencies can occur and to prepare yourself in the event that it does, it’s best to ensure you have the right insurance. Expat Insurance offers premium hospital and surgical insurance that ensures you receive high-quality healthcare treatment or surgeries in Singapore without needing to be burdened by hefty bills. Learn what to expect when you’re hospitalised in Singapore. Also, speak to our team of friendly insurance advisors to find out whether your current healthcare plan offers sufficient coverage.

Are you an expat moving to Singapore? You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for everything that comes with the move. If you’re relocating for work purposes, your company may secure accommodations for you on your behalf. However, it is also common for expats to browse property listings, engage a landlord agent and finally enter a tenancy agreement by themselves. From confirming your eligibility as a tenant to getting set up in your new home with a comprehensive insurance policy in hand, we’ve got you covered!

What is the procedure for renting a house in Singapore?

1. Consider your options

For starters, you’ll find that there are various housing options available in Singapore. You can see property listings for Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, condominiums, landed properties and serviced apartments. Depending on your choice, you will need to confirm your eligibility to rent the property. For example, Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) or foreigners will need to meet the Non-Citizen Quota as per the regulations for rental of HDB flats. Should the quota be reached for your preferred flat, you may need to consider other options.

Do note that for HDB flats, you will be required to rent it for at least 6 months. You are able to rent the flat for up to three years, after which the landlord will have to renew the tenancy if you’re planning to stay longer. On the other hand, private home properties allow a minimum of 3 months’ lease with no maximum rental period. However, bear in mind that condo rental prices can go up to $3,000 per month in Singapore.

As such, it really depends on your budget, the duration of your stay and the area that you’re eyeing to determine your next home.

2. Start viewing houses

With that, you can begin apartment hunting from property websites like 99.co, PropertyGuru and Edgeprop.sg. From here, you are able to select based on location and view places available for rent. Usually, there will be an image gallery that features photos of the property. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can proceed to get in touch with an agent to arrange a viewing if you are already in Singapore. Alternatively, you may opt for a virtual tour.

Either way, this is an important step as you’ll want to inspect the property room by room and make sure its condition is to your liking. Otherwise, you may be held liable for any damage that was not initially addressed. Once you’re confident with your decision, it’s time to chat more in detail with your agent.

3. Go through the necessary documents

The next stage will involve preparing a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to entering into a tenancy agreement with the landlord. A signed LOI will give you peace of mind as a guarantee that the property will be rented to you. This document will cover the terms of the lease, as well as the security deposit payment and good faith deposit. Note that in the case of backouts, you will not be able to retrieve the good faith deposit. On the other hand, you will receive it back from the landlord should they change their mind.

That being said, once the LOI is signed, your landlord or agent will then draft up the tenancy agreement and its clauses. Do your due diligence to read through the contract and check with your agent if you have any queries.

4. Prepare for the move

Once the tenancy agreement is signed, you can now get ready to move in by the agreed date. Yet, that is not the end of it. As a tenant, it is also important to make sure you have adequate home contents insurance in Singapore. Your landlord’s insurance policy may not cover your belongings in the event of a fire, theft or other situations. By having your own home insurance plan, you can be sure that your belongings are protected.

If you’re considering renting a home, be sure to factor in the cost of home insurance to make sure you’re properly protected. Contact Expat Insurance today to learn more about the various types of policies and find the right coverage for you.

You might be an experienced art collector or a novice slowly starting your collection. Whichever the case, an appreciation for fine art, such as oil or watercolour paintings, calligraphy or sculpture, and purchasing pieces for your home can be a fulfilling pursuit that requires patience and a sense of curiosity.

While European fine art masters such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Van Gogh are renowned the world over, art created closer to home, within the Asian region, has started to also make waves. Discovering art from here can prove to be personally satisfying and can go a long way in supporting the growth of a vibrant local arts scene, and its artists.

The purpose of art

Art has the potential to move, uplift the spirit, keep cultures alive and create a sense of connection. It tells stories of a country’s past, future, its culture and identity, and serves to capture moments in history. For example, local artist Cheong Soo Pieng who painted Singapore during the national building years, perfectly represents kampung life, street vendors and the dramatic changes of these tumultuous decades.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal and cultural and historical value, fine art can also be an investment, as it is a tangible, non-liquid commodity. Works of art from acclaimed artists or those that receive attention and interest, might just appreciate greatly in value over time. However, as art is subjective, what is valuable one day, may vary greatly the next – making the art market a volatile one.

Growing appetite for art and culture in Singapore

According to the 2020 Singapore Cultural Statistics, the attendance at arts and cultural events in Singapore reached an all-time high of 15.6 million in 2019. Visitorship to National Museums and Heritage Institutions also reached record numbers. This shows that more Singaporeans are starting to attend, participate and appreciate art than in preceding years.

Greater financial support and aid by the government has also contributed to this growing interest. Also, as more Singaporeans live abroad, become more cosmopolitan, cultured and sophisticated in their taste, so does their demand for art and in turn, buying and collecting their own art.

Art scene in Asia

In Asia, Hong Kong might have been the poster child for art in the last two decades, with its prominent galleries, auction houses and international art events like the Hong Kong International Art Fair. However, countries across Asia – like South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines and Singapore – are each coming into their own. They have growing art scenes and ecosystems consisting of museums, educational institutions, galleries and a community of artists – which support the development of fine art.

Recently, globally renowned museums, such as the Guggenheim museum in New York, have also started to exhibit Southeast Asian. The exhibition, “After Darkness: Southeast Asian Art in the Wake of History”, held by the Asia Society in New York in 2017 is one such example.

Singapore is no exception. According to modern visual arts director of Artcommune gallery, Ho Sou Ping, “In the period from 2010 to 2015, prices of some of our Singapore artworks have risen by as much as 300 per cent. Over the past ten years, works by pioneer artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi and more recently, Georgette Chen, have made good progress both locally and internationally.”

This signals greater international interest in art from this region and a heating up of the arts market here – making investing in Asian art all the more attractive.

Protecting your art collection

Buying art in Singapore only for investment’s sake may not be a sustainable practice over time. The cost of transactions, storage and maintenance can be hefty and can make it an expensive hobby. For instance, in order to preserve the quality of an art piece, it needs to be kept in a room with the right temperature, humidity and light. Also, if a painting is particularly valuable and famous, the risk of theft might be high – which means you would have to invest in proper security. Another essential component to consider when collecting and protecting art is buying adequate insurance so you can rest assured that your valuable pieces of art are kept safe.

Learn more about Expat Insurance’s fine arts insurance coverage

Whether you’re a seasoned fine art collector or have just started dipping your toes into the art-buying world, insuring these priceless items is advisable. Art can be worth thousands, if not millions of dollars, and can be impossible to replace.

Find out more about how you can safeguard your artwork in Singapore with Expat Insurance’s fine arts insurance coverage. By topping up your home and contents insurance, you will be able to protect your art and keep it within the family for years, if not generations. Have a conversation with our friendly team of insurance advisors to learn more.

Screening for health problems is important for all ages, but it’s especially crucial as one gets older. As seniors are more at risk for certain health issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases, catching these problems early can make a big difference in the quality of life. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has also contributed to a rise in chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyles in Singapore. Apart from the spike in hypertension and diabetes, another worrying trend is the increase in obesity and high-risk body mass index (BMI) – which has been seen more commonly among adults aged 30 to 59. With that in mind, regular screening can help identify potential conditions when they are easier to treat.

What you should know about your health

More often than not, the initial symptoms of major illnesses can go unnoticed for a long time. It may take months or years before your medical ailments become more obvious and harder to manage. As such, it is always good to be proactive and keep track of your own health. In fact, screening for various health conditions is one way to practice preventive health care. Early detection of certain health problems can lead to better treatment outcomes and even prevent the development of more serious complications. Some key areas to look at include your blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol levels.

Additionally, it is also vital to be informed on your family’s health history. If a health condition runs in your family, it is possible that your risk of developing the same condition is higher. By understanding the medical conditions and diseases that have occurred in your family, you may be able to spot early signs and symptoms in yourself and take steps to prevent or treat them.

Sharing information about your family health history with your doctor can also help them provide you with the best possible care. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your parents or other close relatives about their health history – they likely have information that could be helpful.

Plan ahead and learn about what critical illness insurance entails in Singapore.

What age should you start getting a health screening?

So when should you start considering going for health screening then? From as early as 18 years old, you can screen for obesity and hypertension through the BMI Waist circumference and blood pressure measurement tests. Hypertension or high blood pressure, in particular, can lead to a number of serious health problems like heart attack and stroke down the road if left unchecked.

What health screenings do I need?

At the age of 40 years old and above, there are other screening tests for cervical cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and other chronic illnesses. These are important indicators that can tell you about your risk of developing these health issues. Take a look at our Expat Health Guide to learn about general health check-ups and condition-specific health screenings.

Bear in mind to consult your doctor about which screenings are right for you, and make sure to schedule them regularly. Doing so can help you stay healthy and avoid costly medical bills later on. Depending on your personal risk factors and health history, your doctor will then advise on the frequency of your follow-up health screenings. With screenings done on a regular basis, you can achieve active ageing while having an up-to-date understanding of your overall health status.

Are health checkups covered by insurance?

No one can predict when they will become ill or have an accident. For this reason, it is important to have medical insurance to help cover the costs of dentist visits or surgeries and hospitalisation. But did you know that your health insurance policy can also cover your health checkups?

That’s right – there are health insurance plans that offer coverage for screenings in Singapore to match your needs. If you’re due for a screening, be sure to check with your health insurance provider to see if you qualify for this benefit.

On the other hand, if you don’t have health insurance, now is a good time to look into purchasing a plan. For both locals and foreigners in Singapore, you can easily speak to our dedicated team of consultants at Expat Insurance. Get in touch with us today for more information.

Different occupations place different demands on its workers. Some pose minimal or zero risk – like desk-bound jobs – where you might just suffer the occasional backache or stiff neck. Other jobs however, high-risk ones, such as in sectors like manufacturing and construction, workers come into contact with dangerous elements on a daily basis. Sometimes workplace accidents result. This could include injuries or illnesses that either temporarily or severely affect a worker. In this blog we provide more insight into whether, as an employer, you would need to have your employees insured from workplace hazards and how you should go about it.

Why should you protect your workers?

A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization found that nearly 2 million people around the world die due to the conditions at work every year. Some common culprits of workplace deaths include heart attacks and strokes developed due to long working hours and exposure to air pollution as a result of industrial emissions. Other types of hazardous environments involve asthmagens, carcinogens and noise. In Singapore this year, a significant number of fatalities were a result of vehicular accidents and falls from heights. Other common types of work-place injuries or accidents include:

Slips, trips and falls
Machinery-related incidents
Failure of equipment
Collapse or failure of structures
Fires and explosions
Exposure to toxic gases and fumes

While risk assessments and control measures may be in place to protect your workers, sometimes unfortunate incidents happen – and this is why safeguarding your employees is essential.

What is the Work Injury Compensation Act?

The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) stipulates that employers cover their employees from workplace accidents. If an employee is under a contract of service or apprenticeship – and engages in manual labour, and/or earns less than S$2,600 – they will be able to make claims for injuries or illnesses caused by work. With this act, employees need not file lawsuits when trying to get compensation for such situations.

Under WICA, instead of going through long, complex procedures that involve expensive lawyer fees – workers can quickly be compensated and can do so at a low cost. Both foreign and local employees, regardless of salary, age and nationality are covered. However, the self-employed, domestic workers and uniformed personnel are not covered under this act.

Who is eligible for claims under WICA and what can be claimed?

If you have contracted a disease or have met with an accident during the course of your employment, you will be eligible to make claims. Regardless of whether it might have taken place in Singapore or during an overseas assignment, you will be able to submit the claim. With WICA, you will be covered for:

Wages for medical leave taken due to the injury or disease
Hospital bills, medication or other medical expenses
Lump sum compensation in the event of permanent disability, temporary incapacity or death

Expat Insurance provides work injury compensation plans to protect your employees in the event an accident happens.

What happens if you do not provide your employees with protection?

Last year several changes were made to WICA in order to take further steps to protect employees. From 1 September 2020, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has imposed stricter compliance measures. The Workplace Safety and Health (Incident Reporting) Regulations now require companies to report all work-related medical leave to MOM. Failure to comply the first time would result in a fine of S$5000 and repeated misdemeanours, subsequent fines of S$10,000.

Even though it is not mandatory for you to provide coverage for your employees who earn more than $2,600 and do not engage in manual labour – it is advisable and prudent to do as it ensures your workers are sufficiently protected.

Learn more about Expat Insurance’s work injury insurance

It requires concerted effort to ensure you take the necessary measures to ensure your employees are safe. Pressure to hit profit margins or having to deal with manpower crunches can sometimes result in negligence or the disregard of safety procedures. However, closely adhering to a set protocol can help to lower the risk of occupational incidents.

Find out more about how you can safeguard your workers in Singapore with Expat Insurance’s premium workplace insurance. Our team of insurance advisors are here to provide guidance on WICA compliance and how you can plug any vulnerability gaps for your employees.