Exploring Thailand by car is a great way to see everything the country has to offer, but you must ensure that you’re fully legal before getting underway. Car insurance in Thailand, as in many other countries, is mandatory: before you get behind the wheel, you must have purchased Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance at a minimum. This is the lowest level of coverage acceptable in Thailand, but you can, and should, choose a higher level of coverage, as we explain in today’s article.
Why Car Insurance is Essential in Thailand
If you have an accident while driving in Thailand and it’s proven to be your fault, you could be liable to pay damages to the injured party. It is for this reason that all drivers are required, at a minimum, to purchase the lowest level of auto insurance. Thailand has quite a high level of road traffic accidents by global standards, so it would be foolish to take any unnecessary risks, such as driving without insurance, especially with car insurance in Thailand being so readily available to visitors from overseas and reasonably priced too.
In addition to the financial risk you face as an uninsured driver, there is the legal aspect to consider. If you are stopped by the police whilst driving without car insurance in Thailand, you could be charged and remanded in custody.
Types of Car Insurance Available
In Thailand, car insurance comes in two main options: voluntary and compulsory.
Compulsory Car Insurance in Thailand
With this basic coverage, you can legally drive on public highways in Thailand. However, in the event of an accident, this type of policy will only cover damages and medical expenses for 3rd-party injuries and fatalities. You will still be liable for all your own medical expenses and damage to property.
Voluntary Car Insurance in Thailand
When requesting car insurance quotes in Thailand, one of the first things you will notice is that there are several tiers of voluntary motor insurance from which to choose. In addition to Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 coverage, you can request a quotation for Type 2+ or Type 3+ insurance, which are enhanced versions of the basic Type 2 and 3 policies respectively.
How to Choose the Right Auto Insurance in Thailand
When choosing car insurance in Thailand, focus on the following factors to ensure that you make the right choice:
- The Organisation Behind the Policy – A reputable car insurance company in Thailand will be licensed by the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) and will provide comprehensive support to its customers.
- Exclusions – Beware of cheap policies with multiple exclusions.
- The Cost – It’s important to choose a competitive provider if you’d like to keep your insurance costs down.
By weighing these factors, you can determine which policy is right for you. Of course, the easiest way to arrange competitively priced car insurance in Thailand is to contact BSI Broker directly. As a leading car insurance broker company, we’re ideally placed to help you arrange comprehensive coverage for your needs..
