A Guide To Buying Car Insurance In Thailand | Driving in Thailand can be a risky affair, and according to the sources, roughly 20,000 people die from traffic accidents on the roads of Thailand every year. With driving in Thailand being potentially so dangerous, it is vital that you have car insurance when driving a vehicle, and it is compulsory to have it in the Land of Smiles. There are various options you have available when looking for car insurance. Some of the choices you have are below to help you select the best policy for you and ensure you have adequate coverage should something bad happens when you are driving.
Por Ror Bor
The most basic insurance coverage you can get in Thailand for your vehicle is called Por Ror Bor. It is a scheme set up by the government to try and ensure everyone has insurance who drives on the road. It does not give you any compensation if you have an accident and your car gets damaged, but it will offer third parties compensation for medical injuries incurred or for the families of those that die. However, if you invest a lot of money in your vehicle, you may want to choose one of the options of private insurance policies, which give you much more coverage in the event of an accident.
Class 1 Insurance
The most comprehensive insurance available in Thailand is the Class 1 car insurance or what they refer to in Thai as ประกันภัยรถยนต์ชั้น1. This covers you for much more than Por Ror Bor. If you have an accident and have Class 1 insurance, it can cover you for any of the following:
- Damages to your vehicle without a third party
- Damages to your vehicle with a third party collision
- Damage to your windscreen
- Towing service to recover your vehicle
- Cover for fire, theft, & natural disasters
- Liability for property damage to third parties
- Liability for medical expenses for third parties injured or killed
You usually find that you can get additional coverage, including medical insurance if you have an accident, or bail bond coverage if you are arrested because of the accident. If you will be driving in Thailand, it is best to get fully comprehensive insurance for your vehicle and edge on the side of caution.
Class 2 Insurance
The next level of insurance available is Class 2 insurance, which provides many of the same features as Class 1, but not all. Some of what you are covered for with this class of insurance includes:
- Damages to your vehicle with a third party collision
- Coverage for theft of the vehicle
- Cover for fire damaging your vehicle
- Liability for property damage to third parties
- Liability for medical expenses for third parties injured or killed
- Towing service to recover your vehicle
What is included in Class 2 insurance can vary, and some companies offer much more while others offer less.
You can also get Class 3 insurance, and it is like what is available in Class 2 but offers less cover. It is worth the time and effort of shopping around for your car insurance to ensure you get the best deal on comprehensive coverage, which will help to give you peace of mind when driving in Thailand.
