In This Article
Compulsory Insurance (Por Ror Bor)
All vehicles in Thailand must have compulsory motor insurance, known as Por Ror Bor (พ.ร.บ.). This is third-party bodily injury coverage — it pays for medical expenses of people injured by your vehicle (not including yourself). The coverage limit is relatively low: up to 80,000 THB for medical costs and 300,000 THB for death. This insurance is required for vehicle registration and must be renewed annually. The cost is approximately 600-800 THB per year for a car.
Voluntary Insurance Types
Beyond compulsory insurance, there are several voluntary insurance classes: Class 1 — comprehensive (covers damage to your car, other vehicles, theft, fire, flood, and third-party liability). Most recommended for expats. Class 2 — covers third-party liability and damage to other vehicles, plus theft and fire. Does not cover damage to your own car. Class 3 — third-party liability only. Cheapest but offers minimal protection. Class 2+ and 3+ — enhanced versions of Class 2 and 3 with additional coverage. We strongly recommend Class 1 insurance for peace of mind.
Why Your Licence Matters for Insurance
Your insurance policy requires you to hold a valid driving licence to be covered. If you are involved in an accident while driving without a valid licence (or with an expired licence), your insurance company can deny your claim. This applies to both the compulsory and voluntary coverage. This is the single biggest reason to get a proper Thai driving licence — it protects your insurance coverage and prevents potentially catastrophic financial liability.
How to Make an Insurance Claim
If you are in an accident: (1) Do not leave the scene. (2) Call the police (191) and your insurance company's hotline. (3) Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and the scene. (4) Exchange information with the other driver. (5) Wait for the police and your insurance surveyor to arrive. (6) Do not admit fault at the scene. (7) Follow up with your insurance company for claim processing. Having a valid licence and up-to-date insurance documents ready makes the claims process much smoother.
Make sure you are properly licensed
The most important step before driving in Thailand is having a valid license. We handle the entire process for you.