Beware - Owners Of Vintage, Classic And Collector Cars

[keemapoot]

You may all be aware of the different classes of car insurance. 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class, and at the bare legal minimum, compulsory government insurance - the bare minimum needed to license a car in Thailand.

I have a 30 year old very special vintage collector car that I enjoy driving regularly. This week, I had to renew the tax and license for another year, so I tasked my insurance agent to care for this as usual. Surprise! He came back to inform me that none of the insurance carriers will now issue any 1st, 2nd or 3rd class car insurance to any vehicle older than 15 years. So, obviously mine is way past the sell-by date. The best he could do was get the compulsory insurance for the car and it is legal for another year, but with some caveats...

I'm not covered much if I hit someone in the car. the limits are very low, so I will have to be extra careful when I drive the car.

Anybody else with special old cars out there experience this? But perhaps more importantly, buyers of used cars should be aware of this with cars approaching 15 years of age.

I thought my biggest problem was where to locate 95 benzene. I guess I have more to worry about than that now. Thailand has just made being a car collector less attractive.

[noahvail]

You may all be aware of the different classes of car insurance. 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class, and at the bare legal minimum, compulsory government insurance - the bare minimum needed to license a car in Thailand.

I have a 30 year old very special vintage collector car that I enjoy driving regularly. This week, I had to renew the tax and license for another year, so I tasked my insurance agent to care for this as usual. Surprise! He came back to inform me that none of the insurance carriers will now issue any 1st, 2nd or 3rd class car insurance to any vehicle older than 15 years. So, obviously mine is way past the sell-by date. The best he could do was get the compulsory insurance for the car and it is legal for another year, but with some caveats...

I'm not covered much if I hit someone in the car. the limits are very low, so I will have to be extra careful when I drive the car.

Anybody else with special old cars out there experience this? But perhaps more importantly, buyers of used cars should be aware of this with cars approaching 15 years of age.

I thought my biggest problem was where to locate 95 benzene. I guess I have more to worry about than that now. Thailand has just made being a car collector less attractive.

Sounds better than what I've read here lately about bikes over 10 years old - you won't be able to register them. No registration = no insurance = walking man. Something to do with bringing Thailand up to EU standards, so I've heard. My wife's got a 4-year-old scooter, so no problems there, but I had been thinking about getting her a bigger machine, and the only affordable ones are old ones. So much for that...

[pattayabuggy]

I didn't know about this, what can we do? It's already difficult owning an old car here, but still worth it especially when we look at the alternative. Boring and ugly Vios, Yarris, Jazz, pick ups. I love old cars and bikes for that matter. Stick with it. What car do you drive? If you are in Pattaya they have 95 benzine on 2nd rd opposite soi bowling, soi zero, that is the only place I know of. 

I own a 1964 beach buggy and an almost new, 10 year old Maserati Spyder, not on the road just yet, finished soon. Other bits and pieces, 1940 Fiat, long time before that will be finished though.

[pattayabuggy]

If that is true regarding bikes, it's madness, what is the sense in that? Always seems to me the authorities like as much as possible to be illegal here, it's always another way to extort money.

I came here 15 years ago, it seemed much more relaxed then, year on year it gets worse and worse, and more stupid. Keep it up Thailand, soon no foreigners will want to come here.

[LivinLOS]

It isnt true regarding bikes.. thats a mish mash of various info concerning new registration bikes.. They will need to comply to euro III emmisions which old ones wont do.. But already plated vehicles are legally on the road..

As to the insurance.. Its equally nuts that I cannot insure my car or fireblade properly simply as they are 'over 10 years old' I mean.. They still have a value.. I will still pay the premium.. But its asian 'inside the box' thinking.

Of course if its a harley theres specialist insurers but if its a fireblade there isnt ??

[TVmonitor]

I was told my 7 year old vehicle would not qualify for fully comp insurance.

[monty]

I drive a 26 years old Volvo and have had no problems insuring it whatsoever.

Obviously no insurer is willing to do the first class one, most companies limit the age for first class at 10 years.

On a 10 year old minivan we have (VW caravelle) we have a limited 1st class, where the max pay out is 150,000 Baht. At least it'll cover basic bodywork after smaller accidents.

The Volvo has the full 2nd class with bail bond insurance and the works...

All our vehicles are insured with QBE, as a few of them run on LPG (including the Volvo) and may insurers do not want to cover LPG powered cars (AIG for example).

[thaicbr]

Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

[TVmonitor]

I drive a 26 years old Volvo and have had no problems insuring it whatsoever.

Obviously no insurer is willing to do the first class one, most companies limit the age for first class at 10 years.

On a 10 year old minivan we have (VW caravelle) we have a limited 1st class, where the max pay out is 150,000 Baht. At least it'll cover basic bodywork after smaller accidents.

The Volvo has the full 2nd class with bail bond insurance and the works...

All our vehicles are insured with QBE, as a few of them run on LPG (including the Volvo) and may insurers do not want to cover LPG powered cars (AIG for example).

So apart fro bail - what ae you covered for - I tink the OP wanted what in UK is called "fully comprehensive".

many drivers in Thailad aren't covered s you need our own cover if they collide with you - can you get that?

[ThaivisaInsurance]

You may all be aware of the different classes of car insurance. 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class, and at the bare legal minimum, compulsory government insurance - the bare minimum needed to license a car in Thailand.

I have a 30 year old very special vintage collector car that I enjoy driving regularly. This week, I had to renew the tax and license for another year, so I tasked my insurance agent to care for this as usual. Surprise! He came back to inform me that none of the insurance carriers will now issue any 1st, 2nd or 3rd class car insurance to any vehicle older than 15 years. So, obviously mine is way past the sell-by date. The best he could do was get the compulsory insurance for the car and it is legal for another year, but with some caveats...

I'm not covered much if I hit someone in the car. the limits are very low, so I will have to be extra careful when I drive the car.

Anybody else with special old cars out there experience this? But perhaps more importantly, buyers of used cars should be aware of this with cars approaching 15 years of age.

I thought my biggest problem was where to locate 95 benzene. I guess I have more to worry about than that now. Thailand has just made being a car collector less attractive.

Again, at Thai Visa Insurance would like to point out that "Insurance Agents" are just that - Agents and not Brokers.

"Thaibr" summed it up well when he said : Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

We at Thai Visa Insurance can insure old Classics - as a member of Thai Visa why not use the service, it's free !!

Simply contact us here outlining what you are looking for.

[LivinLOS]

Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

OK so can you please tell me of any insurer that will first class insure a VW Golf 94 and a fireblade 95..

[LivinLOS]

You may all be aware of the different classes of car insurance. 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class, and at the bare legal minimum, compulsory government insurance - the bare minimum needed to license a car in Thailand.

I have a 30 year old very special vintage collector car that I enjoy driving regularly. This week, I had to renew the tax and license for another year, so I tasked my insurance agent to care for this as usual. Surprise! He came back to inform me that none of the insurance carriers will now issue any 1st, 2nd or 3rd class car insurance to any vehicle older than 15 years. So, obviously mine is way past the sell-by date. The best he could do was get the compulsory insurance for the car and it is legal for another year, but with some caveats...

I'm not covered much if I hit someone in the car. the limits are very low, so I will have to be extra careful when I drive the car.

Anybody else with special old cars out there experience this? But perhaps more importantly, buyers of used cars should be aware of this with cars approaching 15 years of age.

I thought my biggest problem was where to locate 95 benzene. I guess I have more to worry about than that now. Thailand has just made being a car collector less attractive.

Again, at Thai Visa Insurance would like to point out that "Insurance Agents" are just that - Agents and not Brokers.

"Thaibr" summed it up well when he said : Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

We at Thai Visa Insurance can insure old Classics - as a member of Thai Visa why not use the service, it's free !!

Simply contact us here outlining what you are looking for.

I did, you turned me down on both vehicles..

[Jungian]

As I understand 95 benzene is no longer being sold in Thailand, if there is any left it will be replaced by 91 and gasohol 95. I drive what no one would consider a classic car but where I am from 20 years in factory condition is considered classic and eligible for special insurance and plates. My car only runs 95 benzene as well and I tried 91 which caused a loss of I would estimate of around 20% in power not to mention the car ran like a pig in general, felt like I was driving a Honda (no offense). I pulled my fuel pump and replaced it with one rated for gasohol 95, I replaced all the rubber gaskets in the fuel system with carbon composite gaskets and checked the specks on the engine which can actually run gasohol 95 without a problem the only concern was actually the rubber gaskets "melting". In any event the gasohol 95 runs great and burns cleaner, I have heard that there is a power loss when running gasohol however I have not noticed it. The other option is to run 91 and buy octane booster but it is quite expensive and I question a lot of these products.

As far as the insurance goes well, I drive old BMW's, it sounds like you have something much more precious and rare, parts for my car are a dime a dozen and Thais don't want old Euro cars so my car is easily replaced labor, blood, sweat (no tears) not included. With the exception of getting hit by another BMW, Volvo, Audi, Benz or perhaps a large truck my car is going to be pretty tough to damage by the common roll steel and plastic production Japanese car they drive in Thailand including the trucks. I was rear ended in the USA by a full size Dodge Ram van with the same model car I am driving here, it did in fact do some damage to the rear quarter panel and took out the tail light but I drove the car away and the van was towed!

[ThaivisaInsurance]

You may all be aware of the different classes of car insurance. 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class, and at the bare legal minimum, compulsory government insurance - the bare minimum needed to license a car in Thailand.

I have a 30 year old very special vintage collector car that I enjoy driving regularly. This week, I had to renew the tax and license for another year, so I tasked my insurance agent to care for this as usual. Surprise! He came back to inform me that none of the insurance carriers will now issue any 1st, 2nd or 3rd class car insurance to any vehicle older than 15 years. So, obviously mine is way past the sell-by date. The best he could do was get the compulsory insurance for the car and it is legal for another year, but with some caveats...

I'm not covered much if I hit someone in the car. the limits are very low, so I will have to be extra careful when I drive the car.

Anybody else with special old cars out there experience this? But perhaps more importantly, buyers of used cars should be aware of this with cars approaching 15 years of age.

I thought my biggest problem was where to locate 95 benzene. I guess I have more to worry about than that now. Thailand has just made being a car collector less attractive.

Again, at Thai Visa Insurance would like to point out that "Insurance Agents" are just that - Agents and not Brokers.

"Thaibr" summed it up well when he said : Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

We at Thai Visa Insurance can insure old Classics - as a member of Thai Visa why not use the service, it's free !!

Simply contact us here outlining what you are looking for.

I did, you turned me down on both vehicles..

Naturally, this topic is about Classic and Vintage cars.

[tonydabbs]

You may all be aware of the different classes of car insurance. 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class, and at the bare legal minimum, compulsory government insurance - the bare minimum needed to license a car in Thailand.

I have a 30 year old very special vintage collector car that I enjoy driving regularly. This week, I had to renew the tax and license for another year, so I tasked my insurance agent to care for this as usual. Surprise! He came back to inform me that none of the insurance carriers will now issue any 1st, 2nd or 3rd class car insurance to any vehicle older than 15 years. So, obviously mine is way past the sell-by date. The best he could do was get the compulsory insurance for the car and it is legal for another year, but with some caveats...

I'm not covered much if I hit someone in the car. the limits are very low, so I will have to be extra careful when I drive the car.

Anybody else with special old cars out there experience this? But perhaps more importantly, buyers of used cars should be aware of this with cars approaching 15 years of age.

I thought my biggest problem was where to locate 95 benzene. I guess I have more to worry about than that now. Thailand has just made being a car collector less attractive.

Again, at Thai Visa Insurance would like to point out that "Insurance Agents" are just that - Agents and not Brokers.

"Thaibr" summed it up well when he said : Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

We at Thai Visa Insurance can insure old Classics - as a member of Thai Visa why not use the service, it's free !!

Simply contact us here outlining what you are looking for.

I did, you turned me down on both vehicles..

Naturally, this topic is about Classic and Vintage cars.

I agree with TV on this. There is an insurer that specializes in insuring Classic and Vintage cars and I'm sure that TV knows who they are. Your cars are just "older cars". The reason that insurers don't provide "own vehicle" damage protection for vehicles after a certain age is because obtaining good replacement parts for them is very difficult. You should have no problem getting Voluntary 3rd Party coverage for them, though.

[cmfarmer]

I drive a 27 year old Toyota pickup and had been with AIG one year after I bought it. That was long before Thailand introduced the compulsory vehicle insurance. 

I am a careful driver and had 50 percent of NCB ( no claim bonus ). All the while with AIG I bought only the third party insurance and later included the compulsory one.

Usually about one month before the expiry date of the insurance policy AIG would send me a reminder letter to renew for the next coming year. This year nothing came. I went to see their staff at the Chiang Mai office and was told that AIG would not insure anything more than the compulsory type for the Japanese made motor vehicles over 20 years.

After reading the posts in this forum I called QBE in Chiang Mai this morning. Yes, they would insure my pickup with third party plus compulsory insurance for at least 6,000 Bht a year. If I had been with them all these years it would have been cheaper.

AXA would not accept to insure my pickup with third party insurance.

Fellow motor vehicle owners choose your insurance company carefully.

[monty]

I drive a 26 years old Volvo and have had no problems insuring it whatsoever.

Obviously no insurer is willing to do the first class one, most companies limit the age for first class at 10 years.

On a 10 year old minivan we have (VW caravelle) we have a limited 1st class, where the max pay out is 150,000 Baht. At least it'll cover basic bodywork after smaller accidents.

The Volvo has the full 2nd class with bail bond insurance and the works...

All our vehicles are insured with QBE, as a few of them run on LPG (including the Volvo) and may insurers do not want to cover LPG powered cars (AIG for example).

So apart fro bail - what ae you covered for - I tink the OP wanted what in UK is called "fully comprehensive".

many drivers in Thailad aren't covered s you need our own cover if they collide with you - can you get that?

As said, it is not fully comprehensive. Indeed in Thailand most companies will refuse to sell full comprehensive on cars older then 10 years.

Yes, other drivers not being insured is a real problem over here.

I have luckily not yet have to experience what would happen in such a case, and how far your own insurance would help you out when you clearly are not at fault.

What is the most important for me, is that in case on an accident where I am at fault (or found at fault), that proper coverage for damage to third parties is present, and that includes the driver and occupants of my own vehicle.

[keemapoot]

My collector car is a pristine W116 Benz, the first S class. It only runs on 95, and the ONLY place to get 95 Benzene in Thailand is Shell as far as I've found. If Shell quit selling it, we are all screwed, because those original engines will degenerate quickly on 91 or very quickly on gasahol.

Regarding changing the broker, yes, I see that could be a good idea, but I'm not optimistic about getting anything better than 3rd class insurance. But, that would be better than compulsory. Anyway, as I had to make a decision last week, I just told my broker go ahead and it is taxed and insured for another year, but now with just compulsory insurance.

But, I am going to be extra wary of adding any other collector vehicles in light of these developments.

[ThaivisaInsurance]

My collector car is a pristine W116 Benz, the first S class. It only runs on 95, and the ONLY place to get 95 Benzene in Thailand is Shell as far as I've found. If Shell quit selling it, we are all screwed, because those original engines will degenerate quickly on 91 or very quickly on gasahol.

Regarding changing the broker, yes, I see that could be a good idea, but I'm not optimistic about getting anything better than 3rd class insurance. But, that would be better than compulsory. Anyway, as I had to make a decision last week, I just told my broker go ahead and it is taxed and insured for another year, but now with just compulsory insurance.

But, I am going to be extra wary of adding any other collector vehicles in light of these developments.

OK, so now you have the CTPL cover - which you have to have to have to be legal and to tax the vehicle.

May we suggest you contact Thai Visa Insurance and see what is available as a collectors/classic car ?

[TVmonitor]

Again, at Thai Visa Insurance would like to point out that "Insurance Agents" are just that - Agents and not Brokers.

"Thaibr" summed it up well when he said : Change your broker. look around. this is not true for all insurer's

We at Thai Visa Insurance can insure old Classics - as a member of Thai Visa why not use the service, it's free !!

Simply contact us here outlining what you are looking for.

I did, you turned me down on both vehicles..

I agree with TV on this. There is an insurer that specializes in insuring Classic and Vintage cars and I'm sure that TV knows who they are. Your cars are just "older cars". The reason that insurers don't provide "own vehicle" damage protection for vehicles after a certain age is because obtaining good replacement parts for them is very difficult. You should have no problem getting Voluntary 3rd Party coverage for them, though.

I'd hardly say that getting parts for a 7 year old Toyota Tiger or Mitsubishi Grandis is a difficult job!!!