Car Insurance in Thailand for Foreigners: CMI vs Class 1
- Published: 16 October 2026
- Category: Insurance guides
Car Insurance in Thailand for Foreigners: CMI vs Class 1
Updated: 16 October 2026
Compiled by PrakanThai.com
A colleague from abroad bought a used car from a Thai owner. The seller said, "The compulsory insurance is renewed, you're good to drive." A month later he scraped another car outside a mall, and only then found out that compulsory insurance doesn't pay to repair anyone's car.
Thai drivers get caught out by this too, but foreigners more often, because Thailand splits car insurance into a compulsory part and a voluntary part, which many countries don't. This guide covers what you must have, how the options differ, and who to call after an accident.
Can foreigners buy car insurance in Thailand?
Short answer: Yes. Every vehicle used in Thailand must carry compulsory motor insurance (CMI, known locally as "Por Ror Bor"), whether the owner is Thai or foreign. Voluntary insurance such as Class 1, 2+ or 3+ is optional, and it is the part that pays for your car's repairs, the other party's damage, and theft or fire, depending on the plan. The simple rule: CMI looks after people; voluntary insurance looks after cars and liability beyond CMI.
What does CMI cover, and what doesn't it cover?
CMI is insurance under the Protection for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Act B.E. 2535 (1992). It covers injury, disability and death of anyone hurt by a vehicle, including drivers, passengers and pedestrians, under the conditions set by law.
| Case | Amount (THB per person) |
|---|---|
| Initial payment, injury | Up to 30,000 |
| Initial payment, loss of limbs, permanent disability or death | 35,000 |
| Injury, after liability is established | Up to 80,000 |
| Death or total permanent disability | 500,000 |
| Inpatient stay | 200 per day, up to 20 days |
Example, for illustration: an injured person's medical bill is THB 45,000. They first receive the initial payment of up to THB 30,000. The remaining 45,000 − 30,000 = THB 15,000 can be claimed once the other party is shown to be at fault, up to THB 80,000 in total.
CMI does not cover repairs to your car, repairs to the other party's car or property, or theft, fire or flood. Using a vehicle without CMI carries a fine of up to THB 10,000, and you cannot pay your annual vehicle tax without it.
How do Class 1, 2+ and 3+ differ?
| Plan | Repairs to your car | Theft / fire |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Widest cover under the policy terms, including accidents with no other party | Covered |
| 2+ | Only collisions with a land vehicle, under the policy terms | Covered |
| 3+ | Only collisions with a land vehicle, under the policy terms | Not covered |
| Class 3 | Not covered; third parties only | Not covered |
Every plan still covers your liability for third-party injury and property up to the policy limits. If you drive in a big city with expensive cars around, compare the third-party property limit as well as the premium. More detail in How many types of car insurance are there?
Does your driving licence affect a claim?
Yes, especially for repairs to your own car. Under the standard policy terms, if the driver has never held a licence, holds the wrong class of licence, or has been disqualified, and is at fault, the insurer may refuse to pay for damage to the insured car. Cover for the other party and CMI does not all disappear just because there is no licence.
If you drive in Thailand on your home-country licence or an International Driving Permit, check with the Department of Land Transport that it is legally valid for driving in Thailand under your visa status. More on how this works in No driving licence: does your car insurance cover you?
Who do you call after an accident?
- Anyone hurt: call 1669 (emergency medical) or 191 (police). Foreigners can call 1155, the Tourist Police, who speak English.
- Report it to your insurer: use the number on your policy, for example Bangkok Insurance 1620, Viriyah 1557, Chubb 1758 (press 2), MSIG 1259, Dhipaya 1736, Deves 1291, Tokio Marine +66 2 257 8080.
- Keep evidence: photograph the scene, both cars and the other car's licence plate, and follow the insurer's instructions on moving the vehicles.
- Tell Prakanthai if we arranged your policy. We coordinate with the insurer for you, in English or Thai.
Do you have to pay for repairs upfront?
If you use a network garage or a service centre that has an agreement with the insurer, and the repair has been approved, the insurer usually pays the covered amount to the garage directly. If you choose a non-network garage or start repairs before approval, you may have to pay first and claim it back, and some amounts, such as the excess, may be yours to pay.
Which car insurance should a foreigner choose?
- New or expensive car, driven daily: Class 1, because it gives the widest cover for the car, including accidents you cause on your own.
- Older car, tighter budget: 2+ if you want theft and fire cover, or 3+ if you can accept that risk.
- Car you rarely use, or are about to sell: consider a short-term plan, such as 3+ insurance with 90-day or 180-day cover.
What do you need to send for a car insurance quote?
Just 2 things
- A photo of the first page of the vehicle registration book
- The schedule page of your current policy (if you have one)
We compare plans from several insurers and send you a written quote within one working day, in English or Thai. If one plan is better value, we say so. If the conditions differ, we explain before you pay.
LINE Official: @prakanthai · Tel. +66 2 459 2223 · or get a quote online
Frequently asked questions
I bought a used car that already has CMI. Do I need a new one?
CMI is tied to the vehicle. If it hasn't expired, it still covers the car. Check the expiry date, and renew it before you pay next year's vehicle tax.
I have Class 1 insurance. Do I still need CMI?
Yes. Voluntary insurance can't replace CMI. The two do different jobs.
Can a foreigner injured by a vehicle claim on CMI?
Yes. CMI covers people hurt by vehicles under the conditions set by law. A passport can be used as proof of identity.
If I lend my car to a friend, are they covered?
It depends on whether your policy names the drivers, and whether your friend holds a valid licence. Send us your policy schedule and we'll check.
Who approves claims: Prakanthai or the insurer?
The insurer decides whether to accept the policy and pays claims. Prakanthai, as a broker, coordinates and follows up for you.
Note
CMI amounts are based on the compulsory motor insurance policy published by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) and the standard motor policy terms, as at 16 October 2026. This is general information, not part of any insurance contract, and not legal advice. Limits and conditions may change by law or by order of the Registrar. Acceptance and claims payment are decided by the insurer. Prakanthai.com is a non-life insurance broker, not an insurer, licence no. 5104000004, serving customers since 2004. Read the policy and the quote in full before you decide.