Some Requirements For Getting Vehicle Insurance In Thailand

It’s a lot of fun to drive in Thailand whether you are a tourist renting a motorbike to go sightseeing, or a resident expat going shopping in a car or truck. The roads are generally in good condition and although the ins and outs of Thai traffic take some getting used to, once you do it’s not much different from driving in one’s home country.

And, just like most other countries, it’s important that you be properly insured when driving in Thailand, with a policy from a trusted insurer like BSI Brokers limited who can make sure you have all the protection you need! Let’s take a look at what is required for you to get insured!

Your Driving Record –

 If you are a foreigner trying to purchase vehicle insurance in Thailand, then it’s important that you have a good driving record. Suppose that you have had a lot of car accidents, especially those where there were injuries or fatalities involved, that’s going to make it a real challenge to find a Thai insurer that will be willing to take a risk on you, and if they do you should be prepared to pay a significantly higher rate. In any case, Thai law states that all vehicle policyholders are required to purchase accident insurance to cover all forms of damage, including to other people’s property and vehicles.

Your Age –

Thai culture tends to be quite age-conscious, with older people always given great respect by their juniors. This difference can be seen in insurance rates where seniors between 61 and 70 years old pay lower rates than those between 51 and 60. Assumably this is also because older people have accrued better driving skills over the course of their lifetimes and are less likely to drive fast and recklessly than younger people. It should be noted that this calculation doesn’t take into account the health problems that older people often have, such as reduced eyesight and slower reflexes, that could actually make them a higher risk to insure!

Your Vehicle’s Age –

The number of years you have been driving a particular vehicle is also taken into account by vehicle insurance providers. If you have only been driving your vehicle for three years or less then the insurance company is likely to ask for an appraisal of the vehicle’s value. The reasoning is that newer cars that are in good condition are worth more money so they must charge a higher rate to insure them. If you have a car that’s five years old or older that is still in good condition you may be in luck, and the cost to insure it significantly lower!

It is essential that you have vehicle insurance if you are driving in Thailand so you will be protected if something should go wrong! Be sure to obey all Thai traffic laws at all times, especially those regarding the use of alcohol, the Thai police take drunk driving very seriously and those who are caught may lose their license and even end up in jail! Stay safe, be polite, and enjoy your drive!