What Does First Class Car Insurance Really Mean?

[Big Boy]

When I eventually pick up my new car (probably in 2013 sometime), it comes with one year's 1st class insurance.

Obviously, I will be insured to drive it. My son will also drive it sometimes, and my wife needs to be insured also (although I doubt she will ever drive something that big). Will my son and wife (or anybody else for that matter) be insured to drive the vehicle, or does this attract a larger premium?

I've asked a couple of Thais, and they say 1st class insurance covers all drivers. However, a new car is quite an investment, and I'd rather ask the question, and insure it properly if the Thai advice is less than accurate.

If I need to pay an additional premium, is it normally easy enough to add somebody on to my Ford provided policy?

[Nereus]

Probably better to have the forum sponsor answer, Big Boy, but basicaly first class insurance provides for any driver. Nominated drivers attract a slightly LESS premium.

[STEVE G]

Certainly with my insurance BB, the only name that went on the policy was the owner of the vehicle and there didn't seem to be any interest in adding named drivers or anything like that.

[PeteC]

My experience is what Nereus says. I believe in so doing other non-nominated drivers are not covered. We've always opted for the all inclusive coverage and higher premium upon renewal after the free year, although I don't recall it being much higher at all. Pete

[Big Boy]

I must admit, I'm still confused.

Nereus suggests nominating additional drivers attracts a smaller charge - I would have expected a higher charge. Or is that smaller charge in addition to the original premium?

Pete is saying that he nominates additional drivers after the 'free' year. So does that mean he's driving 'at risk' for the first 12 months.

Sorry if I'm coming across as a bit thick, but this is a big investment for a poor pensioner, and if I do it wrong (aside from another 3 month wait), buying another car so quickly in the event of an accident would dent the finances somewhat.

On reflection, this is typical Thailand. So many people do things wrong, the right way is never clear cut

[PeteC]

Pete is talking without having his first cup of joe this morning. What I meant is that to my memory, the free year covers all drivers. When renewing you can choose the same, or name specific drivers for a slightly reduced premium. I'm thinking ours is about 18 per year now. I think with nominated drivers it would be about 16-16.5. Pete

EDIT: Nominating doesn't mean additional drivers, it means the only drivers, therefore the lower premium.

[ste860]

im sure what they are saying limiting the number of drivers by naming them reduces their annual cost of the policy

with first class its the car insured for any driver just make sure they have a thai licience

[Big Boy]

Thanks for the clarification guys - much clearer now.

[Nereus]

Thanks for the clarification guys - much clearer now.

If I was you I would be inclined to take the actual policy along to somebody like Mat, and get it checked out as to just what you are covered for. This is assuming that the "stealer" (dealer), is providing the first year cover as part of the deal.(if you are still with us when you get the car!)
As I have mentioned previously, by default, the cover to the other parties vehicle is limited to 1 Million Baht. This can easily be increased to what ever you require at a minimum cost per million Baht cover---I have 5 million cover and I think it is around 100 Baht / million for the extra.
Then get him to explain the compulsory insurance, and regardless of what you may be told, keep the renewal date the same as the registration date--one less item to forget!

[Big Boy]

Yes, the first year's insurance is part of the deal. However, maybe that part of the deal will have expired if I actually get a car to drive in this lifetime

I'll be honest, I would probably have been happier if the car was a few Baht cheaper, and I was able to arrange my insurance myself through somebody like Matt from the start. But TIT, and that's the way it works.

Regarding the registration and insurance dates (probably showing my ignorance again), doesn't the actual registration (replacement of red plate) happen a couple of months after the purchase, or does it get backdated to the date the red plate is fitted?

[Nereus]

Regarding the registration and insurance dates (probably showing my ignorance again), doesn't the actual registration (replacement of red plate) happen a couple of months after the purchase, or does it get backdated to the date the red plate is fitted?

Sorry, don`t know about this one as have never had red plates.

[moja]

Registration is dated from when you get your white plates. We bought our car in June but the registration is August.

[Big Boy]

That is what I thought. Therefore, how do you get them to synchronise? On my first renewal, can I request 14 months insurance as opposed to a year?

[PeteC]

I don't think we ever did. Our insurance renews a month or two prior to registration. That's good in a way as you need to show proof of coverage (the mandatory Thai liability portion) when you renew your registration. If things were too close, or insurance late arriving, you'd be delinquent in renewing your registration, or......have to buy a separate Thai liability policy then and there from the government which I think you can do, or at an agents kiosk outside the office.

Nereus, how did you avoid the red plates? Pete

[VincentD]

That is what I thought. Therefore, how do you get them to synchronise?

You don't (rather, you can't). The first class insurance will always be out of synch with the registration. The only insurance that *will* be in synch is your compulsory insurance (which you will still need).

On my first renewal, can I request 14 months insurance as opposed to a year?

Nope. It's just the way it is. One thing to note. If you have purchased the car outright (i.e. you paid the full amount, no outstanding loans) you can change the insurance company to one that you prefer. There are a few companies out there that can be a pain in the ar$e to deal with.