My first posting and I'm not sure if this is a bike or insurance forum question, but here goes;

I am buying a second hand bike, only a Honda Wave-thingy, but the shop claim the registration is easier and quicker for all of us if it's in a Thai's name, in this case my girlfriend - can't work out if they don't know what to do for a foreigner or are just being lazy.

BUT - will the insurance I buy still be valid if the bike ownership is in another persons name? It certainly works like that in UK, but I am getting conflicting advice and I suspect it will only be resolved if there is a claim and then the small print will be minutely examined.

Should I hold out for my own registration or am I worrying about nothing?

Any advice appreciated.

My first posting and I'm not sure if this is a bike or insurance forum question, but here goes;

I am buying a second hand bike, only a Honda Wave-thingy, but the shop claim the registration is easier and quicker for all of us if it's in a Thai's name, in this case my girlfriend - can't work out if they don't know what to do for a foreigner or are just being lazy.

BUT - will the insurance I buy still be valid if the bike ownership is in another persons name? It certainly works like that in UK, but I am getting conflicting advice and I suspect it will only be resolved if there is a claim and then the small print will be minutely examined.

Should I hold out for my own registration or am I worrying about nothing?

Any advice appreciated.

First the registration : you have the bike registered in your name and the bike will be 'yours'. Should you be unfortunate as to end your relationship with your partner then if it is in her name ....................

Insurance : you may insure in your name even though the bike is in another name. For insurance quotations on everything including bikes both small and big please go Here

Who is actually telling you the bike cannot be registered in your name, the shop or the girl?

Yes the bike can be registered in your name, and unless it is I wouldnt part with any cash, go to another shop.

They are either lazy, misinformed, or trying to scam you...maybe all three. Don't buy a bike unless it can be put in your name unless you want to carry the risks, like the bike disappearing. You can get the bike insured when it's not in your name, I have done this before no problem, but that should be moot if you follow my and the other posters recomendations.

They are either lazy, misinformed, or trying to scam you...maybe all three. Don't buy a bike unless it can be put in your name unless you want to carry the risks, like the bike disappearing. You can get the bike insured when it's not in your name, I have done this before no problem, but that should be moot if you follow my and the other posters recomendations.

yepp

its rather common for girls to make the shop have you understand the bike should for some reason be in her name. If you want to give her a bike, do it. I did with my first GF here and we lived together for 6 more years.

If you want to be sure to keep the bike provide 2 documents:

1. Copy of passport

2. Certificate of Residence, normally provided by Immigration

everything needed to have it easily registered in your name.

Good luck

Thanks for the info'. I will get the paperwork together and get it in my name. it's a small local garage and I think it was a case of them not wanting to say "we don't know what to do".

Thanks for the info'. I will get the paperwork together and get it in my name. it's a small local garage and I think it was a case of them not wanting to say "we don't know what to do".

I would suspect this too.

Years ago when I was shopping around for a bike we went to a local Honda dealer.

The sales people tried to tell me they couldn't put it in my name, had to be the wifes.

Went to another shop further down and they did it all in my name, very straightforward.

Just after we bumped into the owner of the first shop, when she found out her staff had lost her a sale she was not happy at all.

The replies have been spot on but I'll add that you should NOT purchase the insurance offered at the Motorcycle dealer. Shop with Thai Visa Insurance Broker or Insurance in Thailand .com and deal with a native English speaking broker who will offer you more than one possible policy. While you need to have at least the very cheap (price set by the Government) mandatory insurance, really you should consider ALSO the a second policy of the better class of insurance, but you WANT TO PURCHASE BOTH with the same Insurance company through the same broker so if there was an accident you do not have conflicting insurance companies. It is hel_l to attempt to deal directly with a Thai insurance company, but easy to work with a native English speaking broker and it DOES NOT COST A SATANG MORE in premiums.

I pay for the Thai SRI insurance on two Yamaha motorcycles through our broker in Phuket via e-mail and the telephone and it goes smooth every year. But paying for auto insurance direct with the insurance company is a comedy of errors each premium renewal. You might already be aware, but I'll say it that often a policy will cover ANY driver on the motorcycle of auto but they MUST HAVE A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. A good English speaking broker will e-mail you a copy of the English version of any possible Insurance policy you should consider. To register a motorcycle or auto/truck you need a "letter of residency" which is often free at a Thai Immigration office and often about 1200 baht at your Embassy or Consulate. Remember if you purchase insurance at the motorcycle dealer then you are "on your own" when contacting a Thai insurance company in the event of a possible claim, but if you do business with a native English speaking Insurance broker you have someone who will do all the legwork in the event of a claim. For fun call a Thai Insurance Company direct and ask some simple questions and you'll understand my posting.

Nothing more to add, I thought, but I have to say thanks to kamalbob2 for that detailed answer, worth knowing.

They are either lazy, misinformed, or trying to scam you...maybe all three. Don't buy a bike unless it can be put in your name unless you want to carry the risks, like the bike disappearing. You can get the bike insured when it's not in your name, I have done this before no problem, but that should be moot if you follow my and the other posters recomendations.

yepp

its rather common for girls to make the shop have you understand the bike should for some reason be in her name. If you want to give her a bike, do it. I did with my first GF here and we lived together for 6 more years.

If you want to be sure to keep the bike provide 2 documents:

1. Copy of passport

2. Certificate of Residence, normally provided by Immigration

everything needed to have it easily registered in your name.

Good luck

One question for myself. I am coming only by tourist visas since 3 years as i never exceed 4 weeks. May i get the bike on my name as i only can show the residence book of my Wife ?

My first posting and I'm not sure if this is a bike or insurance forum question, but here goes;

I am buying a second hand bike, only a Honda Wave-thingy, but the shop claim the registration is easier and quicker for all of us if it's in a Thai's name, in this case my girlfriend - can't work out if they don't know what to do for a foreigner or are just being lazy.

BUT - will the insurance I buy still be valid if the bike ownership is in another persons name? It certainly works like that in UK, but I am getting conflicting advice and I suspect it will only be resolved if there is a claim and then the small print will be minutely examined.

Should I hold out for my own registration or am I worrying about nothing?

Any advice appreciated.

Don't listen to those scammers. If they don't want to put the bike in your name. I suggest you find another shop ( dealer ).