Car insurance in Thailand: Class 1, 2+, 3+, 2 and 3 compared

Two layers, and only one is optional

Every registered car must carry the cheap compulsory policy, Por Ror Bor. It covers injury and death to people, not the car and not anyone's property. On top of it you choose a voluntary class, and that choice decides whether your own car is repaired after an accident. The details of the compulsory policy are in the vehicle insurance guide; this page is about the voluntary classes.

The five classes at a glance

"Class" and "Type" are used for the same thing: you will see both in quotes. Insurers also differ in what each tier includes, such as towing, so compare the policy schedule and not just the name.

The "plus" classes: where sources disagree

The common thread is the part that matters: the plus classes pay for your car when another vehicle is involved, and not when you slide alone. Ask the insurer in writing whether a collision with a stationary object, such as a wall or a post, counts. If the plus class is the price you can afford, that question is worth an email.

Which class suits whom

• A newer car you cannot afford to lose: Class 1. It is the only class that covers a single-vehicle accident, the one a new driver on unfamiliar roads is most likely to have.
• A mid-age car and a tight budget: 2+ or 3+, accepting that a solo accident is not covered.
• An old, cheap car: Class 3 may be enough. Class 1 is described as not cost-effective for older vehicles with a low market value.
• A rental: the rental contract sets the cover, not these classes. See the car rental guide.

What a policy costs depends on the car, the insurer and your claims history, and the figures in guides vary widely. Get at least two quotes in English before you choose.

What voids a claim whatever the class

• The driver does not hold the right licence. A foreign licence needs the right category, and a motorcycle needs its own. See the IDP guide.
• Drink driving. See the limits and penalties.
• Leaving the scene. See what to do after an accident.
• An unnamed driver where the policy names who may drive.

Frequently asked questions