Motorbike Insurance in Thailand for Expats: What You Need
- Published: 16 October 2026
- Category: Insurance guides
Motorbike Insurance in Thailand for Expats: What You Need
Updated: 16 October 2026
Compiled by PrakanThai.com
An expat who moved to Chiang Mai bought a new motorbike to ride to work. The dealer said compulsory insurance was included. Two months later he rode into the back of a car stopped at a red light. The car's repair bill was over THB 20,000, and only then did he learn that compulsory insurance doesn't pay for it.
Motorbikes are a common way for foreigners in Thailand to get around, but many riders have nothing beyond compulsory insurance. This guide explains what compulsory insurance does, and which extra cover helps with repairs, theft and your own medical costs.
What insurance do you need to ride a motorbike in Thailand?
Short answer: By law, every motorbike must carry compulsory motor insurance (CMI, or "Por Ror Bor"), which covers injury and death of people hurt by vehicles. It does not pay for repairs to your bike, repairs to the other party's vehicle, or theft. For those, you add voluntary cover: motorbike 3+ or 2+ from THB 2,300 a year, theft cover from THB 290 a year, and personal accident insurance for your own medical costs. The simple rule: CMI looks after people; voluntary insurance looks after bikes and the other party.
What does motorbike CMI cover?
CMI pays an initial amount of up to THB 30,000 per person for injury, at actual cost, without waiting to establish who was at fault, and up to THB 80,000 per person for injury once liability is established. A foreigner who is injured can use a passport as proof of identity.
CMI does not pay for repairs to your motorbike, repairs to the other party's vehicle or property, or theft. When a motorbike hits a car, the car's repair bill is often several times the bike's.
How do the optional motorbike plans differ?
| Plan | Covers | Premium from (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| ERGO motorbike 3+ | Third-party property THB 600,000; your bike THB 10,000 in a collision with an identified party; no excess | THB 2,300 (up to 250 cc) |
| ERGO motorbike 2+ | As 3+, plus theft and fire THB 5,000–10,000 depending on the bike's age | THB 2,600 (up to 250 cc) |
| Viriyah motorcycle theft insurance | Theft of the whole bike or total loss THB 15,000; accident cover THB 50,000 | THB 290 |
| Viriyah Motorcycle Plus | Pays hire-purchase instalments if you are injured, up to THB 3,000 each, maximum 3; theft THB 10,000 | THB 280 |
Premiums as at 15 October 2026. All figures are starting premiums. The actual premium depends on engine size, model, the bike's age and the insurer's underwriting.
Worked example: a 125 cc bike hits the back of a car (ERGO motorbike 3+)
- Premium THB 2,300 a year, about 2,300 ÷ 12 = THB 192 a month
- The car's repair bill of THB 25,000 falls within the THB 600,000 third-party property limit
- Your bike's repairs cost THB 14,000. The limit for your bike is THB 10,000, so you pay 14,000 − 10,000 = THB 4,000
This example is for illustration only. With CMI alone, you would pay the full THB 39,000 for both vehicles. Actual payment depends on the damage assessment and the policy terms.
What about your own medical costs?
ERGO's motorbike 3+ and 2+ plans have no medical expenses cover, only THB 50,000 personal accident cover for one seat. Beyond CMI, your own treatment costs depend on your health or accident insurance.
Foreigners living legally in Thailand can buy several Bangkok Insurance accident plans, but many of them pay only half the standard sum insured for accidents while riding or riding pillion on a motorbike. Happy PA states that it covers riding or riding pillion on a motorbike up to the sum insured, under the policy terms.
Does your driving licence affect your insurance?
Yes. Under the standard policy terms, if the rider 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 repairs to your own vehicle. You should hold a licence for the right class of vehicle. If you ride on your home-country licence or an International Driving Permit, check with the Department of Land Transport that it is legally valid for riding a motorbike in Thailand.
What limits should you check before buying?
- ERGO motorbike 3+ and 2+ accept bikes up to 5 years old, for private use only, not food-delivery riders and not bikes registered to a company
- Your bike is covered up to THB 10,000 only in a collision with an identified land vehicle; falling off on your own doesn't qualify
- Theft cover is a fixed amount, not the bike's value, for example THB 15,000 under Viriyah's theft plan
- Viriyah's theft and Plus plans end once any one benefit is claimed, and accept bikes up to 15 years old
- Accessories aren't covered: ERGO insures factory-standard bikes only
What do you need to send for a motorbike insurance quote?
Just 2 things
- A photo of the first page of the vehicle registration book
- Your current CMI or policy page (if you have one)
We check the bike's age, engine size and use, and send 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
Frequently asked questions
If I rent a motorbike, do I need my own insurance?
Every rental bike must have CMI. Any voluntary insurance is up to the owner. Before you rent, ask the shop what cover the bike has besides CMI, and how much you would have to pay if the bike is damaged or stolen.
My bike is 7 years old. Can I get motorbike 3+?
ERGO's plans accept bikes up to 5 years old. Viriyah's theft plan accepts bikes up to 15 years old.
I do food delivery on the side. Can I still buy cover?
ERGO's 3+ and 2+ plans don't accept food-delivery riders or commercial use.
If my bike is stolen, will I get its full value?
No. Each plan pays a fixed amount from its schedule, for example THB 5,000–10,000 under ERGO 2+ and THB 15,000 under Viriyah's theft plan.
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
This article is based on the CMI policy published by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) and product information from ERGO Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited and Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited, as at 15–16 October 2026. It is general information, not part of any insurance contract, and not legal advice. Premiums and conditions may change as announced by the insurers. 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.