Personal Accident (PA) Insurance for Drivers: Why Is Additional Coverage Necessary?

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When purchasing car insurance, most owners focus strictly on "vehicle repair coverage" or "third-party liability," often overlooking a small but critical section in the policy schedule specifically for the driver: Personal Accident (PA) Insurance.

A common misconception is that the Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor) provides sufficient medical coverage. In reality, if you are involved in a severe accident where you are the "At-Fault Driver," the basic compulsory coverage is drastically limited. This article explains why increasing your PA limit or buying additional PA coverage is one of the smartest investments for any driver.

1. The "At-Fault" Gap in Compulsory Insurance

Compulsory Insurance (CTP/Por Ror Bor) is designed to protect all victims, but it has a significant limitation regarding the driver who caused the accident (e.g., hitting a tree, falling asleep at the wheel, or rear-ending another car).

If you are the driver at fault, Compulsory Insurance pays only "Preliminary Compensation":

• Medical Expenses: Actual cost up to 30,000 THB.
• Death/Disability: Flat rate of 35,000 THB.

This amount is dangerously low compared to modern medical costs. If you suffer a fracture or require surgery, 30,000 THB might not even cover the emergency room fees. This is why the Voluntary PA coverage attached to your Type 1, 2+, or 3 policy is vital—it kicks in to cover the excess costs regardless of who is at fault.

2. How Voluntary PA (attached to Car Insurance) Works

In a voluntary car insurance policy, there is an endorsement section specifying the Sum Insured for Personal Accident (PA) for the driver and passengers.

• Coverage: Provides a lump sum in case of death, dismemberment, loss of sight, or total permanent disability.
• Medical Expenses: Often listed separately (Endorsement M.E.) but works in tandem with PA.

Why upgrade to a higher limit? Budget car insurance plans often cap PA coverage at 50,000 – 100,000 THB per seat. While this seems helpful, in the event of a fatality, this amount is rarely enough to support the dependents left behind. Choosing a policy with a higher PA limit (e.g., 200,000 – 500,000 THB) provides significantly better protection for a negligible increase in premium.

3. Should You Buy Standalone PA Insurance?

Beyond the PA coverage attached to your car, purchasing a separate, standalone Personal Accident Insurance policy offers superior benefits:

• 24/7 Coverage: It protects you everywhere, not just inside the car. Whether you slip in the bathroom, fall down stairs, or get bitten by a dog, you are covered.
• Income Compensation: Standalone PA policies often include daily income compensation if you are hospitalized, a benefit rarely found in standard car insurance.
• No Out-of-Pocket Payment: Most standalone PA plans come with a "Care Card," allowing you to receive treatment at network hospitals without paying upfront (Cashless Claim), whereas car insurance claims can sometimes require advance payment and reimbursement.

Conclusion

Relying solely on Compulsory Insurance (Por Ror Bor) is a high financial risk for drivers.

1. Check your current policy: Look at the "Personal Accident" section. If the limit is below 100,000 THB, consider upgrading your plan upon renewal.
2. Assess your risk: If you are the main breadwinner, buying a separate Standalone PA policy ensures you are protected both on and off the road.

References:

• Office of Insurance Commission (OIC): Preliminary Compensation Rates (www.oic.or.th)
• Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA): Guide to Motor Insurance Endorsements

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