Phuket has one of the highest motorbike accident rates in Thailand. Chalong intersection, Patong hill, and the Thepkrasattri Road are particularly dangerous. Wear a helmet — it's legally required and genuinely life-saving. Insurance is essential, not optional. See our full scooter guide for safety details.
Most expats in Phuket ride a scooter — it's the most practical way to get around the island. But when I ask people whether they have proper insurance, the usual answer is "I think so." That's not good enough. There are two distinct types of motorbike insurance in Thailand, and mixing them up — or assuming your rental bike has the right cover — is a very expensive mistake.
Thailand Motorbike Insurance — Quick Summary
- Por Ror Bor: Legally mandatory — covers bodily injury to third parties only
- Voluntary Class 1: Comprehensive — own damage, third-party, fire, theft
- Voluntary Class 2: Fire, theft, third-party damage (not own damage)
- Voluntary Class 3: Third-party damage only (cheapest voluntary)
- Por Ror Bor annual cost (125cc): approx. ฿300–฿600
- Class 1 annual cost (125cc): approx. ฿3,500–฿6,500
- Key requirement: Valid Thai driving licence (or IDP) for insurance to be valid
Por Ror Bor — Compulsory Third-Party Insurance
Por Ror Bor (พ.ร.บ.) — the Compulsory Motor Insurance Act — is the baseline legal requirement for all registered vehicles in Thailand. It's not really "insurance" in the Western sense; it's a government accident compensation scheme funded by insurance premiums. Every registered motorbike in Thailand must have Por Ror Bor, and failure to renew means you can't renew your vehicle registration either.
What Por Ror Bor covers:
- Bodily injury to third parties: up to ฿500,000 per person medical expenses
- Death or permanent disability to third parties: up to ฿500,000 per person
- No-fault preliminary payment to anyone injured in an accident involving your vehicle: ฿30,000 (while fault is determined)
What Por Ror Bor does NOT cover:
- Damage to your own motorbike
- Damage to third-party property (cars, walls, shops)
- Your own medical expenses as the rider
- Theft or fire damage to your bike
Por Ror Bor costs approximately ฿300–฿600/year for a standard 125–150cc scooter (slightly more for larger engine bikes). It's usually included when you buy a registered bike from a dealer. When you renew your bike registration (สต. — annual registration at the Land Transport Office, Chalermprakiat Road), Por Ror Bor must be current before the LTO will process the renewal.
Voluntary Insurance: Classes 1, 2 and 3
Class 1 — Comprehensive
Covers your own bike (accident damage, flood, fire), theft, third-party bodily injury and property damage. The most complete cover.
Class 2 — Fire & Theft + Third Party
Covers fire, theft, and third-party damage. Does NOT cover collision damage to your own bike. Popular for older, lower-value bikes.
Class 3 — Third Party Only
Covers damage to third-party property only (cars, walls, etc.). No own-damage, no theft, no fire. The bare minimum above Por Ror Bor.
Which Class Do You Actually Need?
For most expats riding daily in Phuket, Class 1 is the right choice. Here's why:
- Phuket roads are genuinely dangerous — Chalong intersection has accidents daily
- Repair costs for a Honda PCX or Yamaha NMAX are ฿20,000–฿60,000+ after even a modest accident
- Third-party property damage (you hit a car or a gate) can run ฿50,000–฿200,000+
- Class 1 costs roughly ฿400/month — less than one tank of fuel
If you ride an older, cheaper bike (Honda Wave, budget manual 100cc) worth ฿20,000 or less, Class 2 or 3 may be more economical. But for any scooter worth over ฿40,000, Class 1 is worth it.
The Licence Issue — This Can Void Your Insurance
If you are in an accident while riding without a valid Thai motorbike licence or a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country, your voluntary insurance will almost certainly be void. You'll be personally liable for all damages. Thai law requires a Class A motorcycle licence or a valid IDP covering motorcycles. Tourist licences from home countries typically do NOT cover motorcycles in Thailand unless specifically endorsed.
Getting a Thai motorbike licence is straightforward at the Land Transport Office on Chalermprakiat Road — it takes about 4–6 hours (morning arrival recommended) and costs ฿205 plus ฿150–฿300 for a same-day medical certificate from a local clinic. See our Thai driving licence guide for the full process.
2026 Cost Comparison: Motorbike Insurance in Phuket
| Bike Type | Por Ror Bor | Class 3 Voluntary | Class 2 Voluntary | Class 1 Voluntary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100–125cc (Honda Wave / Click) | ฿300–฿450 | ฿800–฿1,400 | ฿1,500–฿2,500 | ฿3,000–฿5,000 |
| 150–155cc (PCX / NMAX / Forza) | ฿400–฿600 | ฿1,000–฿1,800 | ฿1,800–฿3,000 | ฿3,500–฿6,500 |
| 250–400cc (CBR 250 / MT-03) | ฿500–฿800 | ฿1,500–฿2,500 | ฿2,500–฿4,500 | ฿5,000–฿10,000 |
| 650cc+ (large bikes) | ฿600–฿1,000 | ฿2,000+ | ฿4,000+ | ฿9,000–฿18,000+ |
Prices are indicative for annual premiums in 2026. Actual quotes depend on insurer, bike age/value, rider age, accident history, and whether the bike is used privately or commercially.
Where to Buy Motorbike Insurance in Phuket
Insurance Brokers (Recommended)
Independent brokers compare multiple insurers and can get you competitive Class 1 quotes. Several are located near the LTO on Chalermprakiat Road — walk in, bring your bike green book (เล่มทะเบียน) and ID, and you can get a quote and purchase on the spot.
Online Platforms
- Roojai.com — English-language platform, compare quotes online, straightforward process. Recommended for expats.
- DirectAsia Thailand — online-only insurer, good value Class 1 quotes.
- FairDee.co.th — comparison site for Thai insurance, useful for price benchmarking.
Directly from Insurers
Bangkok Insurance, AXA Thailand, Muang Thai Life, and Viriyah Insurance all offer motorbike policies. Their offices are in Phuket Town. Policies from major insurers are generally more reliable for claims processing than obscure brokers.
From Your Bike Dealer
When you buy a new or used bike from Honda Big Wing or a Yamaha dealer in Phuket Town, they'll offer voluntary insurance as an add-on. Convenient, but compare the price with Roojai or a broker before accepting — dealer prices are sometimes 20–30% above market rate.
What to Do After a Motorbike Accident
- Don't move the bikes unless necessary for safety — the police need to see the scene
- Call 191 (police) for accidents involving injury or significant property damage
- Call 1669 for ambulance if anyone is injured
- Exchange details — name, phone, vehicle registration, insurance details
- Take photos of both bikes, the scene, road markings, and any injuries
- Get a police report number — required for insurance claims
- Call your insurance hotline — Class 1 insurers have 24-hour claim lines
- If injured, go to Bangkok Hospital Phuket (076-254-425) — show your health insurance card
Never agree to "settle privately" after an accident in Phuket, especially if you're the foreigner. What seems like a quick fix often turns into a much larger payment demand 24–48 hours later once the other party realises the extent of damage or consults a "friend." Always get a police report — it protects you.
Health Insurance for Motorbike Riders in Phuket
Motor insurance covers the bike — but health insurance covers you. Bangkok Hospital ER visits start at ฿5,000+ even for minor injuries. Don't ride without cover.
https://www.cignahealthbenefits.com/en/plan-finder?utm_source=phuketexpatguide&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=cigna — Compare Health Plans →Questions about insurance coverage, accident claims, or legal rights after a Phuket accident?
Ask us — first question is free →Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
- Buying or Renting a Scooter in Phuket
- Getting a Thai Driving Licence in Phuket
- Motorbike Accident in Phuket: What to Do
- Phuket Health Insurance Guide
- Phuket Safety Tips for Expats
- Phuket Transport Hub
