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Will my IDP be sufficient for driving in Thailand, and am I covered by the car owner's insurance?

Apr 28, 2025
2 days ago
Tom *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
IDP international driving license / insurance question.

I'm a regular visitor to Sakon Nakhon and have a couple of people who kindly let me use their cars when I visit. I have an IDP with my full British driving license but am unsure if the owners insurance will cover me for the odd days that I borrow a car.

Later this year I'm moving to Thailand under a DTV visa an I'll probably take the Thai driving test as well to be sure.

Any advice or info appreciated.

Thanks :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the validity of their International Driving Permit (IDP) while borrowing cars in Thailand and whether the car owner's insurance would cover them. Commenters emphasize the importance of checking the owner's insurance policy, as coverage varies between compulsory and voluntary insurance types. They also note that while the IDP is valid for 90 days, drivers should be cautious about language barriers during incidents and how insurance claims operate in Thailand.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Ingvar *******
The police keep your passport until you have paid all expenses the insurance doesn't cover. Remember that.
Phil ******
@Tom ********
its fine for 90 days but if you have an accident only one person speaks English (or you speak thai) so you will lose even of its not your fault. I'm really sorry to tell you this but that's how it works.
Tom *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Phil... I've lived in Thailand before and know the 'farang never wins' rule... luckily I do speak Thai though 🙂
เดแคลน ***********
It depends on if they have voluntary insurance or just compulsory insurance and if they have voluntary insurance what the policies are in that insurance.
Peter **********
better to as insurace co

not us
David *********
Just take note the insurance they likely have is not like back in the uk, if it’s just the basic compulsory ( por ror bor) insurance it only covers medical for upto I think it’s 80,000 per person, no cover for vehicle damages

Then there’s a few variations of private insurance
Tom *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks folks...
Ian **********
You don't need to take a Thai driving test, just a reaction and eye test. Most DLT offices insist on an IDP for some reason. They wouldn't let me get a licence until I had completed my extension based on marriage, so I'm not sure you can do it with a DTV
John **********
It depends on the insurance. With some policies it's the car that is insured so good for any licensed driver, others are only for named drivers. Also most, if not all, insurance companies require you have a Thai licence once you've been inside Thailand for 3 months
Ian **********
@John *********
My insurer offered me only, named 2 drivers, any driver over 30 or any age driver. I opted for any driver over 30
John **********
@Ian *********
I have any driver on mine, but they must also licensed properly
John **********
@Ian *********
some DLT offices insist you have a Non-immigrant visa before they will give you a Thai licence. My local one is the same
Mark ******
Depends on what insurance they have
David *********
your IDP is only valid in Thailand for 3 months and you would have to check the owners policy to see if it covers all drivers
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