BANGKOK, THAILAND – New insurance and licensing rules in Thailand have changed how foreign motorcyclists were allowed to ride and insure bikes from 2026 onward.
Named-driver rule replaced ‘any driver’ cover
Since 1 January 2026, all voluntary motorcycle policies of types 1, 2, 3 and 5 had to list at least one named driver, with a maximum of five. If a rider was not named in the policy, an excess of 6,000 baht was charged per accident, replacing the previously common “any driver” clauses that accepted any licensed rider.
For foreign visitors using the motorcycle of a Thai partner or friend, this meant they needed to be added to the policy to avoid the higher excess. Otherwise, smaller accidents could leave most repair costs to be paid privately.
Compulsory Por Ror Bor only covered injuries
Every motorcycle in Thailand had to carry the statutory Por Ror Bor insurance, which was required for annual tax payment and legal use of the vehicle. For bikes over 150cc, the annual premium stood at 645.21 baht.
Por Ror Bor covered third-party personal injuries up to 80,000 baht for medical treatment and up to 300,000 baht in cases of death or permanent disability. Property damage, the rider’s own repair costs and theft were not insured, making additional voluntary cover necessary for broader protection.
International permit and 90-day limit on foreign licences
Foreign visitors needed a valid national motorcycle licence and an international driving permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention to ride legally in Thailand; the German card licence alone was not sufficient. Riding without this international permit counted as driving without a valid licence and was a frequent reason for insurers to refuse all benefits.
The international permit was recognised for up to 90 days from entry for tourists. After 90 days, holders of longer-term visas or residence permits were legally required to obtain a Thai driving licence, a traffic law provision rather than an internal insurance rule, and breaching it could result in loss of cover in the event of a claim.
Travel health insurance left gaps in liability cover
German travel health insurance generally paid for medical treatment after an accident abroad but did not cover damage to other vehicles, repairs to the rider’s motorcycle or third-party liability claims. German private liability policies also typically excluded motorised vehicles from their terms.
As a result, a self-caused crash involving expensive cars or motorcycles could create substantial uncovered financial risks. Only a separate motor insurance policy in Thailand could close this liability gap.
Type-1 policies brought widest protection
The voluntary Type-1 motorcycle policy was the most expensive but also the most comprehensive option on the Thai market. It covered single-vehicle accidents without a third party, as well as collisions, theft, fire and natural hazards, in a way similar to full comprehensive cover in Germany.
For a mid-sized bike such as a Yamaha XSR 700, annual Type-1 premiums ranged between 12,000 and 15,000 baht, depending on insurer and contract terms. Compared with potential damage costs, premiums were described as moderate, as they covered both the rider’s own vehicle and liability towards others.
Foreign riders had to be added to partner’s policy
To secure full cover, the registered Thai owner of a motorcycle had to add any foreign partner or visitor as an additional named driver through the insurance agent. Insurers generally required copies of the rider’s passport and international driving permit for this step.
Only after this registration did full cover apply in at-fault accidents without the extra 6,000-baht excess. Without the entry, the higher excess was deducted from the settlement and had to be borne by the policyholder.
Type-2+ and Type-3+ offered limited accident cover
Type-2+ policies were cheaper than Type-1 but did not cover accidents in which no third party was involved. For example, if a rider slipped on oil or sand and crashed alone, the insurer did not pay for the damage to the motorcycle.
Type-3+ policies provided even narrower protection, focusing mainly on liability and personal injury claims. For riders expecting cover comparable to typical German policies, these products were considered insufficient.
Rising vehicle values increased damage risks
With more high-value vehicles on Thai roads, even minor collisions could lead to property damage running into five-figure baht amounts if costly cars or premium motorcycles were involved. The compulsory Por Ror Bor did not cover such damage at all.
Only voluntary insurance with sufficiently high liability limits protected riders from these financial risks. Without it, those at fault had to settle repair bills from their own funds.
Policy wording and language barriers
Thai insurance contracts were legally binding documents with precise wording, including the distinction between “any driver” and “named driver”. Riders were advised to clarify which system applied before using a motorcycle.
Those unable to read the policy language were encouraged to obtain a translation or use a translation app, and to ask insurance agents to explain the terms. Any uncertainties were best resolved before starting a journey.
Thai licence recommended for regular long stays
People spending several months per year in Thailand were advised to apply for a local driving licence. Fees for a two-year car licence were 205 baht and 505 baht for five years, while motorcycle licences cost 105 baht for two years and 255 baht for five years.
A Thai licence was recognised by all insurers and removed doubts surrounding the 90-day rule for foreign permits. It also eliminated the need to carry an international driving permit on every visit.
Documents during checks and after crashes
Routine traffic checks typically focused on the driving licence and the tax certificate for the vehicle. After an accident, having a copy of the insurance policy stored on a smartphone could help communication with police and other parties.
While digital copies did not replace original documents, they could reduce misunderstandings and show that the rider was registered as a named driver. This documentation could be important when clarifying liability and coverage at the scene.
Owner carried legal responsibility toward insurer
Legally, the person named in the vehicle registration document was the contractual partner of the insurance company. In a claim, this owner had to negotiate with the insurer and assert entitlements.
If problems arose because the actual rider was not listed or lacked a valid licence, this could strain personal relationships, especially between partners. Clear arrangements about permitted riders and documents were therefore recommended in advance.
Extra caution needed with rental and loaned bikes
For rented scooters or loaned motorcycles, riders were warned never to leave their passport as collateral, a practice that remained common but risky. Losing access to the passport could cause serious difficulties for travel or official procedures.
Rental vehicles frequently carried only the legal minimum insurance, leaving all additional damage to be paid out of pocket. Checking the insurance conditions before signing rental contracts was considered essential.
Premium levels and ways to cut costs
For a 2020 Yamaha XSR 700, Type-1 premiums between 12,000 and 15,000 baht per year were seen as modest in light of potential claim amounts. Several factors such as named-driver registration, choosing a higher voluntary excess or agreeing to use independent workshops instead of authorised dealers could reduce the price.
Experts expected that requirements for riders and insurers in Thailand would continue to tighten, with digital control systems and automated data checks planned for the coming years. Riders who already complied with legal rules and maintained complete documentation were seen as better prepared for these developments.
Conclusion: Preparation reduced legal and financial exposure
Thailand offered extensive opportunities for motorcyclists but also significant traffic risks, especially for foreign visitors using a partner’s or friend’s bike. Proper insurance arrangements and licence compliance were central to managing those risks.
A combination of full named-driver registration, voluntary Type-1 cover and a valid international driving permit formed the basic framework for legal and financial security. For longer stays, obtaining a Thai driving licence was described as the most reliable long-term solution, with all information on costs and conditions based on the situation in January 2026 under Thai law.