Car Insurance

[beudf00]

We have been offered to use the house and a car of our Thai frriend during our coming visit to Thailand.

Normally we rent a car with additional inssurance.

Can anyone tell if using a car of a Thai is insurance wise a good option for us? Can I get additional cover somewhere?

I would be glad if someone could get me some advice!

Thanks in advance.

[richardt1808]

In Thailand, the insurance cover is linked to the car, not the driver. Thai first-class insurance is great and matches anything you would get in any other country.

Ask the car owner if he has first class. If he does, you shouldn't need anything more as it it will cover accident damage, third party liability and also medical cover. Just make sure that it is an open policy with no-named drivers. If you need to add names to an existing policy it should be no problem.

If he has a limited third party cover only, you may be able to purchase additional cover but if doing it for a period of less than 1 year, it may come at a premium price. This Thai Visa forum has a dedicated section on insurance which offers excellent service via English speaking brokers, so check it out.

Cheers

[katabeachbum]

Thai first-class insurance is great and matches anything you would get in any other country.

disagree

some insurance (50%?) covers "repair" in backyard somchai "garages" only, and even a minor "repair" can take months or years. they often dont want to pay for original parts, or parts at all, just plaster it and spray. not up to international standards. so get an english copy of insurance docs, if any, and make a desicion if its worth the risk. in addition read the posts here, to see how many problems there are having insurance pay for repairs.

[aussiebebe]

I agree about the quality of repairs and use of fake parts, but my advice to the OP would depend on the length of his/her stay in LOS and whether there are any financial reasons that using someone elses car would even be necessary? If possible, why not rent from a reputable company? you'll likely find a hefty discount if you search the web in advance. If you use your friend's car, check it has 1st class insurance. If you crash it, let your Thai friend worry about car repairs (or lack thereof) and if your concern is personal injury, make sure you have the best travel insurance you can afford and check it covers you while driving abroad! Think of additional cover for yourself, not your Thai friend's car.

[beudf00]

If you crash it, let your Thai friend worry about car repairs (or lack thereof) and if your concern is personal injury, make sure you have the best travel insurance you can afford and check it covers you while driving abroad! Think of additional cover for yourself, not your Thai friend's car.

Thank's for the reply.

I don't think so, that's not the way I get along with friends (anywhere).

Normaly I rent a car in Thailand. I was never offered a friends car before. I think it's a very nice gesture to let us their car. I only I'm a little reluctant because of the insurance.

[phetaroi]

I think you need to talk to your insurance company. I know that with QBE we were asked for a Xerox of the licenses for the two of us who would be driving the car.

[stingray]

If you crash it, let your Thai friend worry about car repairs (or lack thereof) and if your concern is personal injury, make sure you have the best travel insurance you can afford and check it covers you while driving abroad! Think of additional cover for yourself, not your Thai friend's car.

Thank's for the reply.

I don't think so, that's not the way I get along with friends (anywhere).

Normaly I rent a car in Thailand. I was never offered a friends car before. I think it's a very nice gesture to let us their car. I only I'm a little reluctant because of the insurance.

It's depend if they borrow the car to you is ok. But if they "RENT" the car to you, the insuracne will not cover. Each private insurance policy mentions that it's for private use only not for renta and hire.

[beudf00]

If you crash it, let your Thai friend worry about car repairs (or lack thereof) and if your concern is personal injury, make sure you have the best travel insurance you can afford and check it covers you while driving abroad! Think of additional cover for yourself, not your Thai friend's car.

Thank's for the reply.

I don't think so, that's not the way I get along with friends (anywhere).

Normaly I rent a car in Thailand. I was never offered a friends car before. I think it's a very nice gesture to let us their car. I only I'm a little reluctant because of the insurance.

It's depend if they borrow the car to you is ok. But if they "RENT" the car to you, the insuracne will not cover. Each private insurance policy mentions that it's for private use only not for renta and hire.

You are right.

We were offered to borrow the car.

sorry.

[LaurenJadeTaylor]

Compulsory 'Government Insurance' (CPTL) is mandatory for everyone. This basic CPTL insurance covers the medical costs of road accident victims and does not cover any kind of vehicle damage. Failure to have this cover will result in very heavy fines. It is also required to pay the tax for your vehicle. As of March 2009, CPTL insurance is not required if you have class 1 voluntary insurance

[ThaivisaInsurance]

Compulsory 'Government Insurance' (CPTL) is mandatory for everyone. This basic CPTL insurance covers the medical costs of road accident victims and does not cover any kind of vehicle damage. Failure to have this cover will result in very heavy fines. It is also required to pay the tax for your vehicle. As of March 2009, CPTL insurance is not required if you have class 1 voluntary insurance

Sorry to say but the CTPL is still needed - even with Class 1 insurance.