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How does scooter/motorbike accident insurance work in Thailand for expats?

Nov 12, 2025
2 months ago
Hi everyone! 👋

I’m currently living on the DTV in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and I’m wondering how scooter/motorbike accident insurance works here. I already have health insurance, but I’m not sure how things are handled in case of an accident — for example, if I’m involved in a crash or cause damage.

Of course, I hope it never happens 😅, but I’d like to understand how it’s usually arranged here. Do you get it through a local provider, rental company, or separately?

Thanks a lot in advance for any insights or experiences you can share! 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses how motorbike accident insurance operates in Thailand, particularly for expatriates living in Chiang Mai. Key points include the necessity of having a valid motorbike license, the types of insurance available (including compulsory insurance and personal accident insurance), and the importance of having first-class insurance when renting a bike. Additionally, many participants noted that health insurance may not cover accidents beyond initial treatment, and that liability in accidents can lead to significant costs for those at fault. Rental bikes often come with minimal insurance, emphasizing the importance of thorough understanding and possibly obtaining separate coverage.
Anonymous ******************
Sorry for jumping in on your question. Can you hire Harley’s ? And if so. How much please. 🙏
Sukanya ***********
Usually, health insurance covers most accident treatment within 24 hours of the accident, This means that if you need treatment for an accident, you must receive treatment within 24 hours however, different companies will have different policies.😊
Nathan ****
Never rent a vehicle or bike without first class insurance. That's rule #1.
Derek *****
You can get personal accident insurance that covers motorbikes — I have one through Roojai that pays out something like 1mil
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Also for rental bikes?
Derek *****
any bike - renting owning on a taxi
Wesley ********
1. Have a license, valid for Motorcycle.

2. Wear a helmet

3. If you're renting a bike, it probably wont have insurance more than compulsory, and you probably can't get anything better. If you own a bike most big bikes can get 1st class insurance and you can negotiate your value and coverage, and excess. Smaller bikes/scooters tend to only get 2nd class insurance.
David ********
Insurance is the same in Thailand as most other countries. Roo Jai is a big company and you can set it up online. Just search in Google and look at the options it is in English you can apply and pay online also
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks! And I also have to do it or can do it when I only rent a bike? Because I think the rental always only have the basic insurance which is needed for the bike
Ian **********
Do you have a motorbike licence (not car licence) from your own country? Do you have an IDP? Do you have a Thai licence? They have separate ones for car and bike
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Have a Thai motorbike license
Ian **********
Anonymous participant If you rent a motorbike then discuss insurance with the rental company. If you purchase a bike then you must have compulsory insurance so you can pay the tax on the bike. The compulsory cover is very limited. You then have the choice to purchase Class 1, 2 or 3 extra insurance. I have class 1 insurance on my car which I buy online from a company called
@Roo***
Christopher ***********
Health insurance covers both illness and accidents. However, motor insurance would take precedence when making a claim. We have motor insurance through ‘Viriyah’ Insurance Company but have yet to make any claim. I understand you call your insurance helpline and they send someone to the scene very quickly. The agent handles disputes and speaks with the police upon your behalf (assuming they are involved). Our previous accidents were not covered by insurance. The police determined liability and made binding orders for payment of hospital bills, compensation for injuries and repair of vehicles.
Derek *****
wow - that’s surprising. Usually that happens when you’re at fault and don’t have any compulsory insurance. Hopefully the payout wasn’t too much :-)
Christopher ***********
@Derek ****
It was my Thai neice driving her car. I don’t believe she was at fault. However, no driving licence, insurance nor road tax. Girl on a moto (no licence etc.) undertook whilst she was making a left hand turn. Fortunately, only minor injuries, cuts and scrapes. We never received a bill from the hospital so guess the Thai NHS couldn’t be bothered. Girl only asked for 1,000 baht compensation. Repairs to her moto weren’t very much more. We had to pay for our own car repair of course. Policeman was a family friend. No prosecutions and he didn’t ask for any money for himself.
Derek *****
Sorry to hear that - I guess it was a good life lesson for your niece. I would’ve booked an appointment at the DLT the very next day. Funny it would’ve went from 1k to 100k compensation if she was a farang. lol
Benjamin *********
You have a mandatory insurance. If you dont have it youll have problem

Then you can have another cover called type 3 2 1

3 only for damages you do to others

2 to you and others

1 for damage you do alone
Arpan ******
Well,

Ive heard the if you are are victim then you don't get anything. But if you are the culprit then you might have to pay for a new vehicle, medical bills, compensation for loss of work, mental trauma, etc.

So better to stay away from it if you don't want any trouble
Jerry ***********
@Arpan *****
I was hit and run by a bike 3 weeks ago. My bike registration insurance covered my injury to 30,000k baht. I've spent another 10k on top
Siggi *******
If you have a motorbike from a rental company you have only the government insurance, this mean all property damage to your bike and 3rd party you have to pay if the accident was your fault.
Siggi *******
@Arpan *****
bullsh*t
Arpan ******
@Siggi ******
for fangs. It happens
Siggi *******
Arpan ******
@Siggi ******
as I said, I have heard from others so it's just a suggestion. It's totally fine if you don't agree