Living with Bangkok’s raucous traffic is an adventure in itself, and choosing the right car insurance shouldn’t add to that stress. True peace of mind on the road is knowing you’re completely protected.
At BSI Broker, we make it easy. We’ll walk you through the confusing “Types”, from comprehensive cover to essential liability, to find the one policy that provides genuine security.
The Two Types of Car Insurance: Compulsory Vs. Voluntary
In Thailand, car insurance is divided into two distinct parts:
- The Legal Minimum (Por Ror Bor): This is the compulsory insurance every driver must have. It acts as a basic safety net for medical expenses following an accident, but it does not cover damage to any vehicle, yours or theirs.
- The Real Protection (Voluntary Insurance): This is the policy that truly protects you. It covers the costs of vehicle repairs, theft, property damage, and third-party liability. This is the comprehensive cover we help you tailor perfectly to your needs.
Choosing Your Level of Protection: A Breakdown of Classes
Voluntary insurance is broken down into three main ‘Types’. Each offers a different level of protection, so you can choose the one that best suits your car and your budget.
Type 1 (Comprehensive): Maximum Peace of Mind
This is the highest level of protection available. Comprehensive car insurance covers almost every eventuality, including:
- Damage to your own vehicle, regardless of fault.
- Damage to third-party vehicles and property.
- Theft, fire, and flood damage.
- Personal accident cover for passengers.
This is the ideal option for new cars or for any driver who wants total peace of mind behind the wheel.
Type 2+ and 3+: Smart & Affordable Coverage
These policies offer an excellent balance between protection and value. They cover your car for damage from collisions with other vehicles and also cover all third-party liability.
The key difference from Type 1 is that non-collision damage to your own car (like scraping a pillar) isn’t included.
This makes them a popular and cost-effective choice for well-maintained cars that are a few years old.
Type 3: Essential Third-Party Liability
This is the most basic level of voluntary car insurance in Thailand. It protects you against the costs of damage you cause to other people’s vehicles and property. Crucially, it provides no cover for damage to your own car.
This policy is often chosen for older vehicles where the cost of comprehensive cover may outweigh the car’s value. For this coverage type, the age of the vehicle and, at times, the type of car will dictate the insurance offer.
Value-Added Services to Consider
A great policy proves its worth when you actually need to use it. That’s why we look beyond the core coverage to find plans with practical benefits that make a real difference during a stressful situation:
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: So you’re never left stranded.
- Nationwide Garage Network: Giving you access to approved, high-quality repair centres across Thailand.
- English-Speaking Claims Support: For a clear, stress-free process when you need it most.
- Courtesy Car Provision: Keeping you mobile and minimising disruption while your vehicle is being repaired.
Get the Best Cover Without the Hard Work
Why spend hours trying to compare dozens of policies? That’s our job. Tell us about your car and your needs, and we’ll handle the rest, sourcing competitive quotes from trusted providers to find your ideal match.
Take the easy route. Contact us today and get started.
FAQ about Car Insurance
What is the difference between compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor) and voluntary insurance?
They cover completely different things. Compulsory insurance (พ.ร.บ. or Por Ror Bor) is required by law for all cars and only covers medical expenses for people injured in an accident—it does not cover any damage to cars. Voluntary insurance (ประกันภาคสมัครใจ), such as Class 1, 2+, or 3+, is what you buy to cover the cost of repairing your car and the other person’s car after an accident.
What is the difference between Class 1, 2+, and 3+ insurance?
The main difference is how your own car is covered.
Class 1 (ชั้น 1): This is the most comprehensive coverage. It covers your car’s damage from almost any event, including collisions with another vehicle, hitting a wall or post (no-fault accidents), theft, fire, and flood.
Class 2+ (ชั้น 2+): This covers your car’s damage only if the accident involves a collision with another land vehicle. It also includes coverage for theft and fire.
Class 3+ (ชั้น 3+): This is similar to 2+ and covers your car’s damage only from a collision with another land vehicle, but it does not include coverage for theft or fire.
Do I really need Class 1 insurance for my car?
It depends on your car and your needs. Class 1 insurance is highly recommended for new cars (typically 1-5 years old), high-value cars, or for new drivers who are more likely to have minor, no-fault accidents like scraping a pillar. For older cars or for drivers with a very good driving record, a Class 2+ policy might offer a good balance of protection and value.
What is a deductible, and should I get a policy with one?
A deductible is a fixed amount of money you agree to pay out-of-pocket when you make a claim for an accident where you are at fault or have no other party to claim from. For example, if your deductible is ฿5,000 and the repair cost is ฿30,000, you pay the first ฿5,000 and the insurance company pays the remaining ฿25,000. Choosing a policy with a deductible is a good way to lower your annual insurance premium, making it a smart choice for careful drivers who don’t expect to make frequent claims.
What is the difference between "garage repair" and "dealership repair"?
This determines where your car will be repaired after an accident.
Dealership Repair: Your car is repaired at the official service center for your car’s brand. This guarantees genuine parts and manufacturer-approved standards, but the insurance premium is higher. It is recommended for new or high-value cars.
Garage Repair: Your car is repaired at an independent garage that is partnered with the insurance company. The insurance premium is significantly cheaper, and repairs can often be faster. This is a popular choice for cars that are more than a few years old.
