Hit by an uninsured car in Thailand? what to do and how to claim compensation

Hit by an uninsured car in Thailand? what to do and how to claim compensation.

If an uninsured car hits you in Thailand, stay calm, collect evidence, report the accident when necessary, and claim compensation from the at-fault driver; compulsory motor insurance (Por Ror Bor) may still cover injuries under its terms.

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough. Finding out that the other driver does not have voluntary car insurance can make the situation even more complicated, especially when you need to repair your vehicle and recover the costs.

However, an uninsured driver is not automatically free from liability. If the other driver is at fault, they may still be legally responsible for the damage they caused.

The key is to avoid rushing into a verbal settlement before you understand the full extent of the damage.

• An uninsured driver can still be liable for damages. Not having voluntary car insurance does not remove the driver's responsibility if they caused the accident.
• Por Ror Bor is different from voluntary car insurance. Compulsory insurance primarily covers injury or death, rather than damage to your vehicle.
• Collect evidence immediately. Take photos of both vehicles, licence plates, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible damage.
• Do not agree to a final settlement too quickly. Hidden damage may only become apparent after a proper inspection or repair estimate.
• Having your own car insurance reduces financial risk, particularly when the at-fault driver has no voluntary insurance or cannot pay immediately.

What should you do if an uninsured car hits you?

Stop and Collect Evidence

Take photos and videos immediately if it is safe to do so. Photograph both vehicles, licence plates, the point of impact, road conditions, traffic signs, and the surrounding area.

If you have a dashcam recording, save the footage immediately so it is not overwritten. You should also collect contact details from witnesses who saw what happened.

Get the Other Driver's Information

Ask for the driver's full name, phone number, driving licence, vehicle registration number and Por Ror Bor information.

It is important to clarify exactly what the driver means when they say they have “no insurance”. They may have no voluntary motor insurance but still have Por Ror Bor, which is compulsory motor insurance in Thailand.

According to Thailand's Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), vehicle owners are required to have compulsory motor insurance, and failure to comply may result in a fine of up to THB 10,000. (OIC)

Contact the Police if There Is a Dispute

If the drivers disagree about who was at fault, contact the police.

Police involvement is particularly important if someone is injured, the other driver refuses to provide information, there is a dispute over liability, or the accident involves significant damage.

A police report or official record can also provide useful evidence if the matter later becomes a legal dispute.

Get a Proper Repair Estimate

Do not rely on a quick visual assessment of the damage. Take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop or authorized service centre for a proper inspection.

For example:

These figures are illustrative only, not standard repair prices. Actual costs vary depending on the vehicle model, parts, labour and repair shop.

Negotiate Compensation with Documentation

Once you know the actual repair cost, discuss compensation with the at-fault driver.

If both parties agree on an amount, put the agreement in writing. Include the total amount, payment dates and any instalment terms.

For example, if the repair costs THB 30,000 and the driver cannot pay in full, both parties could agree to six monthly payments of THB 5,000, with each payment date clearly documented.

What If the Other Driver Has No Por Ror Bor Either?

Por Ror Bor and voluntary car insurance are two different things. Por Ror Bor is compulsory insurance designed primarily to provide compensation for people injured or killed in road accidents.

It is not the same as insurance covering damage to your vehicle.

Under the standard compulsory motor insurance framework published by the OIC, compensation can include up to THB 80,000 per person for bodily injury and up to THB 500,000 per person for death or permanent total disability, subject to the applicable conditions and limits. (OIC)

For initial compensation, the published limits include up to THB 30,000 per person for medical expenses and THB 35,000 in cases involving death or loss of an organ/permanent disability, subject to the applicable conditions. (OIC)

In short: if the other vehicle has no voluntary insurance but does have Por Ror Bor, injury-related protection may still apply. Damage to your car is a separate matter.

What If the At-Fault Driver Cannot Pay?

You can negotiate a payment plan instead of accepting an immediate discount.

For example, if the repair bill is THB 30,000, you could agree on six monthly payments of THB 5,000.

Make sure the agreement clearly states the total amount owed, payment schedule and what happens if a payment is missed.

If the driver refuses to pay or fails to follow the agreement, consider obtaining legal advice about the appropriate next step based on your specific circumstances.

Can Your Own Car Insurance Help?

Yes, depending on your policy and coverage. Having voluntary car insurance can significantly reduce the financial risk of an accident involving an uninsured driver.

For example, comprehensive or Class 1 insurance generally provides broader protection for your own vehicle, as well as third-party liability, subject to the policy terms. Other insurance classes have different levels of coverage.

Motorist, as an AutoConcierge for car owners, helps drivers manage important aspects of car ownership, including car insurance. The Motorist App can also help users keep track of their insurance and receive reminders before their policy expires. (Motorist)

Old Way vs. Motorist

Motorist states that its insurance service involves submitting your details, receiving offers within 24 hours, and selecting the plan you want. Requesting a quote does not require you to purchase the policy. (Motorist)

Tips

Expert Tip: Before renewing your car insurance, compare more than just the premium. Check the sum insured, third-party liability limit, excess/deductible, repair conditions and authorised repair network to understand what you are actually buying.

A cheaper premium may look attractive, but a lower level of coverage could leave you paying significantly more after an accident.

Common Mistake

Common Mistake: Do not immediately agree in writing that you have “no further claims” before the vehicle has been properly inspected.

Some accident damage may not be visible immediately. Agreeing to a final settlement before knowing the actual repair cost could make it more difficult to recover additional costs later.

Conclusion

Being hit by an uninsured car does not automatically mean you have to absorb the repair cost yourself. Collect evidence, establish liability, assess the actual damage and document any compensation agreement carefully.

Having appropriate car insurance before an accident happens can also significantly reduce the financial risk when the other driver has no voluntary insurance or cannot pay immediately.

FAQs

1. What should I do if an uninsured car hits me in Thailand?

Stop safely, collect evidence, exchange information with the other driver and contact the police if there is a dispute or serious damage. You may be able to claim compensation from the at-fault driver.

2. Does an uninsured driver have to pay for my car repairs?

Potentially, yes. If the driver is found to be responsible for the accident, they may be liable for the damage they caused even if they do not have voluntary motor insurance.

3. What if the other driver has Por Ror Bor but no car insurance?

Por Ror Bor may provide compensation for injury or death according to its terms, but it generally does not cover the repair cost of your vehicle. Vehicle damage must be dealt with separately.

4. Does Por Ror Bor cover car damage?

No. Por Ror Bor is compulsory motor insurance primarily designed to provide protection for people injured or killed in road accidents. It is not equivalent to voluntary insurance covering vehicle damage.

5. What if the uninsured driver cannot afford to pay?

You can negotiate a documented instalment agreement. If they refuse to pay or fail to follow the agreement, you may need to consider legal options.

6. Do I need to call the police after a car accident?

Not every minor accident necessarily requires police involvement if both parties agree on what happened. However, contacting the police is advisable when there is a dispute, injury, serious damage or refusal to cooperate.

7. What if I have Class 1 insurance but the other driver has no insurance?

Contact your insurer as soon as possible and provide the accident details. Your insurer will determine the applicable claim process based on your policy terms and circumstances.

8. Does Class 3 insurance cover damage caused by an uninsured driver?

Generally, Class 3 insurance focuses on third-party liability rather than damage to your own vehicle. The exact coverage depends on the policy, so check your specific terms and conditions.

9. How can Motorist help with car insurance?

Motorist can help car owners compare available car insurance options through its insurance service. Motorist states that customers can receive insurance offers within 24 hours, with no obligation to purchase.

10. How much does car insurance cost in Thailand?

There is no single fixed price because premiums vary according to factors such as the vehicle, driver, coverage level, insurer and policy conditions. The best way to determine the actual cost is to request a quote based on your vehicle details.

Protect Yourself Before the Next Accident

You cannot control whether the other driver has insurance—but you can control how well you protect your own car.

Compare car insurance options with Motorist and find a plan that matches your vehicle, budget and coverage needs.

Get your Motorist car insurance quote today.