Manage Directasia

How to cancel DirectAsia insurance in singapore: your complete cancellation guide

What is DirectAsia and why you might want to cancel

DirectAsia is an online insurance provider operating across Asia, offering motor, travel and retail insurance products with a focus on self-service online management and competitive pricing. In Singapore, you buy policies directly through their website, manage your cover through their digital channels, and contact their local customer service team for policy changes or claims.

You may decide to cancel your DirectAsia policy for several reasons: you found cheaper coverage elsewhere, you no longer need the cover, you switched providers, or you experienced poor customer service. Whatever your reason, you have consumer rights that protect you during cancellation, and Stopee is here to guide you through every step.

Your cancellation options at a glance

DirectAsia gives you three primary ways to cancel your policy. You can email your cancellation request, call their customer service team, or submit written notice via post to their registered address. Each method has advantages depending on your timeline and preference for documentation.

Understanding your consumer rights when cancelling

Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects you when you cancel insurance policies with DirectAsia.

What the law says about cancellation

Under Singapore law, you have the right to cancel a policy and receive a refund of unused premium, minus any reasonable deductions. DirectAsia must not hide cancellation terms in fine print or charge excessive fees that go beyond their documented cancellation policy. If DirectAsia refuses to process your cancellation or withholds a refund without legal justification, you can escalate your complaint to the General Insurance Association (GIA) or the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Stopee recommends keeping records of all communications with DirectAsia during your cancellation process. This documentation becomes critical if you need to lodge a formal complaint with a regulator.

When you need 7 days' written notice

Certain DirectAsia policies, particularly car insurance and annual travel cover, require at least 7 days' written notice before your cancellation takes effect. This notice period gives the insurer time to process your request and calculate your refund. Sending your cancellation by email counts as written notice, so long as you keep a copy of the sent message.

How to cancel DirectAsia: step-by-step process

Follow these clear steps to cancel your DirectAsia policy safely and securely.

Cancellation by email (fastest method)

1. Gather your policy details: your policy number, full name, contact number, NRIC/FIN or passport number, and the date you want your cancellation to take effect.
   • Your policy number appears on your policy documents and confirmation emails.
   • Your cancellation date should be at least 7 days in the future for car and annual travel policies.
2. Write a short cancellation email addressed to [email protected].
   • State your policy number clearly at the top.
   • Specify the cancellation date (for example, "I request cancellation effective 15 March 2025").
   • Include your full name, contact number, and NRIC/FIN as shown on your policy.
   • Keep the tone professional and brief-no lengthy explanations needed.
3. Send the email and immediately save a copy to your personal records.
   • Take a screenshot of the sent message with the timestamp visible.
   • Note the date and time you sent the cancellation request.
4. Wait for an acknowledgement email from DirectAsia within 2 to 3 business days.
   • If you hear nothing within 3 days, proceed to step 5.
5. Follow up by phone at +65 6665 5555 if you don't receive confirmation.
   • Tell the customer service agent your email address and the date you sent your cancellation request.
   • Ask them to confirm receipt and provide an expected refund timeline.
   • Take notes of the agent's name, date, and any reference number they give you.
6. Expect your refund within 5 to 10 working days after DirectAsia processes your cancellation.
   • The refund is paid to your original payment method (the card or bank account you used to buy the policy).
   • Stopee advises checking your bank or credit card statement to confirm the refund has arrived.

Cancellation by phone (immediate confirmation)

1. Call DirectAsia Customer Service on +65 6665 5555 during business hours.
   • Have your policy number and personal details ready before you call.
2. Explain clearly that you want to cancel your policy and specify your cancellation date.
   • Tell the agent: "I want to cancel my policy effective [date], which is at least 7 days from today."
3. Listen for the agent to confirm your cancellation in the system.
   • Ask for a confirmation reference number.
   • Request an email confirmation to be sent to your registered email address.
4. Note the agent's name, time of call, and reference number immediately after hanging up.
   • Send yourself an email summarizing the conversation within the hour while details are fresh.

Cancellation by post (formal record)

1. Write your cancellation letter on plain paper with your policy details.
   • Include: policy number, your full name, NRIC/FIN, contact number, and desired cancellation date.
   • State clearly: "I request cancellation of my policy effective [date]."
2. Address your letter to DirectAsia's mailing address: 16 Raffles Quay, Singapore (or check the Contact Us page on DirectAsia's website for any updated address).
   • Use registered mail or a courier that provides proof of delivery.
3. Keep your proof of postage and a copy of your letter.
   • Take a photo of the registered mail receipt.
   • Scan or photograph your cancellation letter before posting.
4. Allow 5 to 7 working days for DirectAsia to receive and process your letter.
   • Follow up by phone if you haven't heard back after 10 days.

Key timing rules to remember

Warning: if you cancel a car insurance or annual travel policy without giving 7 days' written notice, DirectAsia may reject your cancellation or process it with a later effective date than you requested. Always calculate your 7-day window from the date you send your cancellation request, not from when you want the cancellation to take effect.

Refunds and what you'll receive

Your refund depends on the type of policy you're cancelling.

Car insurance refunds

DirectAsia calculates car insurance refunds on a pro-rated basis, meaning you receive a refund for the unused portion of your premium. However, DirectAsia applies a S$90 cancellation fee to your refund amount. For example, if your annual premium was S$600 and you cancel after 6 months, your unused premium is S$300, but you receive S$210 after the S$90 fee is deducted.

Important: you receive no refund if you have already made a claim under your car insurance policy during the policy period, even if the claim has not yet been settled.

Travel insurance refunds

Travel refunds differ depending on whether you hold a single-trip or annual policy.

• Single-trip travel policies: you receive a full refund if you cancel any time before your trip start date. DirectAsia retains a minimum of S$10 as a retained premium, so your refund is the total premium minus S$10.
• Annual travel policies: DirectAsia requires at least 7 days' written notice. You receive a pro-rated refund for the unused period of your annual cover, subject to a minimum retained premium of S$10. DirectAsia may collect the balance or refund it depending on how many months remain on your policy.

Stopee recommends confirming your specific refund amount with DirectAsia in writing before you cancel, so there are no surprises when the refund arrives.

DirectAsia pricing and plan overview

Understanding what you're paying helps you decide whether cancellation makes sense financially.

Current pricing for travel and car plans

When price comparison makes cancellation worthwhile

If you're paying above market rate, switching providers can save you money. Use this table to compare whether staying with DirectAsia or moving to a competitor makes financial sense for your situation.

What happens after you cancel

Your cancellation doesn't end the moment you send your request-there are important post-cancellation steps you need to monitor.

Policy cover and coverage gap

Once DirectAsia processes your cancellation, your policy cover ends on the cancellation date you specified. If you need continuous insurance (for example, if you're driving a car), you must arrange replacement cover before your DirectAsia policy expires. Warning: driving without valid motor insurance in Singapore is illegal and carries heavy penalties, so never cancel your car policy until your new policy is active.

Auto-renewal and future billing

Cancelling your policy prevents DirectAsia from renewing it when the current period ends. However, confirm with customer service that your policy will not renew. Some policies have automatic renewal clauses, and if DirectAsia fails to process your cancellation correctly, you may be charged for a renewal you didn't authorize. Check your policy documents for any auto-renewal language and ask DirectAsia to confirm in writing that no future charges will be applied.

Verifying your refund has arrived

After your cancellation is processed, your refund takes 5 to 10 working days to reach your original payment method. Log into your bank or credit card account and check for the refund deposit. If the refund doesn't arrive within 10 working days, contact DirectAsia immediately with your policy number and cancellation date, and escalate to the MAS if DirectAsia doesn't respond within 5 business days.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Many customers lose money or face unnecessary delays because they skip vital steps. You deserve a smooth cancellation, so learn from these common pitfalls.

Forgetting to give 7 days' notice

The biggest mistake is cancelling without respecting the 7-day notice period required for car and annual travel policies. If you send your cancellation request on Monday and want it to take effect on Tuesday, DirectAsia will either reject the request or push your cancellation date forward to meet the 7-day rule. Count your calendar days carefully: if today is Monday, your cancellation date must be at least Monday of the following week.

Not keeping proof of your cancellation request

If you cancel by email and don't save a copy, or cancel by phone without noting the agent's name and reference number, you have no evidence if DirectAsia later claims they never received your request. Pro tip: screenshot everything and keep a simple spreadsheet with the date you cancelled, the method you used, and any reference numbers provided.

Assuming cancellation means no future charges

Some customers cancel but then discover they've been charged again on renewal. Check your bank or credit card statement 2 weeks before your policy renewal date to confirm DirectAsia has not taken a renewal payment. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, dispute it with your bank immediately and provide DirectAsia with your cancellation confirmation.

Cancelling without arranging replacement cover first

If you're cancelling car insurance, you must have new cover in place before your DirectAsia policy ends. Driving uninsured, even for one day, is illegal in Singapore and voids your right to claim damages if you're in an accident.

Not following up when you don't hear back

DirectAsia's customer service sometimes misses cancellation requests, especially during peak periods. If you don't receive acknowledgement within 3 days of emailing, pick up the phone and confirm they have your request. A 5-minute call now saves hours of frustration later.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step correctly and securely.

• [ ] I have located my policy number and personal details (name, NRIC/FIN, contact number).
• [ ] I have calculated my cancellation date at least 7 days from today (if required by my policy type).
• [ ] I have chosen my cancellation method: email, phone, or post.
• [ ] I have kept copies of all communications (screenshot of email sent, phone call notes with agent name and reference number, or proof of postage).
• [ ] I have received acknowledgement from DirectAsia within 3 business days.
• [ ] I have arranged replacement insurance before my DirectAsia policy expires (if applicable).
• [ ] I have checked my bank or credit card statement 5 to 10 days after cancellation to confirm the refund arrived.
• [ ] I have verified that no renewal charge appears on my statement after my cancellation date.
• [ ] I have noted DirectAsia's mailing address (16 Raffles Quay, Singapore) and customer service number (+65 6665 5555) for reference.

Stopee's summary: cancel DirectAsia with confidence

Cancelling your DirectAsia policy is straightforward when you follow the correct process. Email your cancellation request to [email protected] with your policy number and desired cancellation date at least 7 days in advance, keep copies of everything, and follow up by phone if you don't hear back within 3 days. Your refund will arrive within 10 working days, minus any applicable fees or retained premiums set out in your policy terms.

Remember that Singapore law protects your right to cancel and receive a fair refund. If DirectAsia refuses to process your cancellation or withholds your refund without justification, escalate your complaint to the General Insurance Association or the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Stopee is committed to helping you take control of your subscriptions and policies, and we've helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted services and recover their money. Visit Stopee today to find step-by-step guides for cancelling other services, compare insurance providers, and track your refund status all in one place.

DirectAsia contact information

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +65 6665 5555

Mailing address: 16 Raffles Quay, Singapore

When you contact DirectAsia, have your policy number ready and state your request clearly. Stopee recommends keeping their contact details saved and referring to them whenever you need to update or cancel your policy.