Renting a car in Thailand: licence, insurance excess and deposit

The documents you need

Most rental companies ask for the same three things: your passport, your home driving licence and an International Driving Permit. Thailand does not issue IDPs to visitors, so you get it in your own country before you travel. Our IDP guide explains which version your country issues and why the category matters.

Other conditions vary by company. Enterprise's Phuket airport page lists a minimum age of 21 and a maximum of 75. National Car says the licence must have been held for at least 12 months. Some companies also ask for proof of return travel, accommodation details and a local phone number from renters who do not live in Thailand. Check the terms of the company you book, and keep the confirmation.

Deposit and payment

Enterprise says it takes a security deposit plus the estimated cost of the rental at the counter, and the deposit is 5,000 THB for all vehicle categories. National Car gives the same figure. Smaller local companies can ask for cash or hold a card pre-authorisation. Ask three questions before you pay:

• Is the deposit cash or on a card, and how long does the refund take?
• Will they keep your passport? Offer a photocopy instead, as with scooters.
• Is roadside assistance included if you break down outside town?

The insurance excess

Rental cars usually come with basic insurance, but you pay the first part of any damage yourself: the excess. Enterprise's Phuket page lists 8,000 THB for economy, compact and intermediate cars, 10,000 THB for crossovers and mini passenger vans, and 15,000 THB for standard and full-size cars, with higher figures for other vehicles. The excess is charged every time the vehicle is damaged, lost, not returned or stolen.

To remove it you buy a super waiver. One guide puts that at about 200 to 400 THB a day. Prices vary by company and season, so treat it as a rough guide. Work out the sum: on a week's rental, a 300 THB waiver costs 2,100 THB, less than the lowest excess of 8,000 THB. If you expect to drive in unfamiliar traffic, it often pays for itself in peace of mind.

Travel insurance or a credit card may cover the excess, but cover varies, so check the fine print before relying on it. See travel insurance and motorbikes for how those conditions work on two wheels, and the car insurance classes for what Thai policies mean.

Before you drive away

1. Film the whole car, every side, the roof, the wheels and the interior, with the date visible.
2. Mark every existing scratch on the rental company's damage sheet and keep your copy.
3. Check the fuel level, the spare wheel and the jack.
4. Save the emergency number of the company, and the tourist police number, 1155.
5. Read the contract for restrictions on where you may take the car.

Driving rules that catch visitors

Thailand drives on the left. Know the speed limits and fines, the drink driving limit of 50 mg% and what to do if you are stopped: your rights at a police stop. If there is an accident, do not leave the scene: the step-by-step guide.

Frequently asked questions