Road Traffic Act, 1961

Obligation of insured or principal debtor to give notice of accident.

71.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, where an event occurs in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle in consequence of which the vehicle insurer who issued an approved policy of insurance or the vehicle insurer or the vehicle guarantor who issued an approved guarantee, then in force in respect of the vehicle, may become liable to pay money to any person, the insured or the principal debtor (as the case may be) shall, as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the event, or where the event did not occur in his presence, within forty-eight hours after the occurrence of the event first came to his knowledge, give to the insurer by whom the policy was issued or to the insurer or guarantor by whom the guarantee was issued notice in writing of the occurrence of the event together with such particulars of the event as are in his knowledge or procurement and are reasonably required by the insurer or guarantor.

(2) An approved policy of insurance or an approved guarantee may contain a provision relieving the insured or the principal debtor (as the case may be) from the obligation of giving the notice mentioned in subsection (1) of this section and, in any such case, that notice need not be given.

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) A notice or particulars required by this section may be given by posting the notice or particulars in a properly closed and prepaid envelope addressed to the insurer or guarantor, and the notice or particulars shall be deemed to be given in the time specified in this section for the giving thereof if so posted within that time.