What Does First Class Car Insurance Really Mean?

[PeteC]

.... The only insurance that *will* be in synch is your compulsory insurance (which you will still need).......

How is that Vincent if everything is on the same first class yearly policy? Pete

[Big Boy]

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).

So I need to insure my car twice a year?

Sorry if I'm coming across a bit thick on this, but if you don't know, then you don't know. I certainly didn't realise that I would need to insure 2 times every year.

I'm just pleased that I asked the question, or I would have almost certainly got that bit wrong.

[Nereus]

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

I was referring to the compulsory insurance. The compulsory does not have to be with the same company as your comprehensive, so you can set your own date. And as the registration office does not issue renewal notices it is very easy to overlook it. (cost me 1,000 Baht to find out!)

Never bought a new car. Even the one I imported so many years ago did not have red plates.

[PeteC]

.... I certainly didn't realise that I would need to insure 2 times every year.....

You really don't BB. Our compulsory liability is on the same policy as our other 1st class coverage, attached as a rider. They both renew at the same time....1-2 months before registration is due. Pete

[moja]

Just think of it as your insurance and road tax in the UK; I am sure they were not renewed at the same time. As in the UK you need proof of insurance to get your registration (road tax) renewed.

[Nereus]

You need to ask Big Boy, and it is good that you do so!

As it is a new car, and therefore registration, the compulsory and the registration SHOULD be at the same date. The comprehensive MAY not be, as that should start from the day the car goes on the road, not when the correct plates are issued.

[VincentD]

.... The only insurance that *will* be in synch is your compulsory insurance (which you will still need).......

How is that Vincent if everything is on the same first class yearly policy? Pete

Pete, not everyone opts to have a first class insurance policy. Plus, you need to show a minimum of compulsory insurance to renew your road tax. Think the law changed a year or so ago to have the compulsory and road tax date the same? (One less sticker on the windscreen, also BiB have less to check - non valid road tax, no insurance... Don't need a sticker for comprehensive.)

So I need to insure my car twice a year?

Yes, if you want the first class insurance.

[VincentD]

Just pulled the docos out from the car for a quick read.
The compulsory insurance, though done on a different date, coincides with the start/end dates of the road tax. (Pete you might want to check the nitty-gritty on your policy). First class insurance is on a seperate date. Both done by the same insurance company. (Note that they do remind you at least a month before expiry of either, and bundled the road tax together with the compulsory insurance as a package (which I pay for) so it comes in one envelope. I don't have to do a thing or go to the Land Transport place.

BB, I think when I first got the car it was insured only on first class insurance as I hadn't got the registration done yet. Only when registration was done could you actually get the compulsory insurance (sounds silly, but that's what happens.) So my guess is they give you the first year free to cover their collective behinds.

[sargeant]

Having read the thread title "What Does First Class Car Insurance Really Mean?" and had a long thunk about it
i think it means they tell you to P**s of we aint paying

BUT they do it POLITELY

at least thats what they did with my Mitsubishi Lancer

[JD]

I've had 1st class insurance ever since I've been here. Cost about 16 -17k a year and only needed to call on it the one time.

I had to go to the police station, I arranged to meet with Insurance company rep there. Showed my documents, had to go and pay a 400 baht fine, came back everything sorted out by the Insurance rep, shook hands and left. Nothing heard of again, bloody good service.

A few things to check when getting first class insurance in Thailand.

Number of people covered. The standard is for the driver and passenger only. I had to pay a little bit extra to cover all 5 seats in case I had a car full. Also increased the total amount of hospital costs to cover 5 people in case of that event. It only added another 2,000 baht to the cost but well worth it.

It is good to read the fine print to see what you are actually covered for, it's not like the UK where fully comprehensive Insurance means just that. In Thailand they cover most things but only to a set amount, the cheaper quote will almost always means less cover.

My cover is with AXA, they have always listened to my requirements, cover documents in English and Thai detailing everything, reminder email 1 month before renewal and excellent service the one time I needed them.