Phuket

freddy22 · #1 15-07-2006, 13:33

I'm curious about motorbikes & insurance. Say I've rented a bike and got 'proper?' insurance on it. If I've got a TG on the back and we wipe out & she is hurt do I get hung out to dry? Anyone have such an experience?
A slightly different scenario: When in Patong last time, a TG that had her own bike wanted me to drive it with her on the back. I figured that may be risky in terms of insurance/liability too. Does it matter or was I wise to decline?

TG's?...Resistance is futile...

LivinLOS · #2 15-07-2006, 13:59

Bike insurance on a bike wouldnt cover you anyway would it ?? Would pay for vehicular damages and damages you do to others and or others property.. Medical cover or travel insurance with medical cover would be what covers this.

Obviously your personal medical or travel insurance would not cover anyone else.

I know of no big bike rentals that have real insurance.. Budget and the big names have real insurance the rest dont.. Dont think budget do sportbike rentals. Same goes bt even moreso for scooter entals.. None have insurance that I know of.

ThaiLearner · #3 15-07-2006, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddy22

I'm curious about motorbikes & insurance. Say I've rented a bike and got 'proper?' insurance on it. If I've got a TG on the back and we wipe out & she is hurt do I get hung out to dry? Anyone have such an experience?
A slightly different scenario: When in Patong last time, a TG that had her own bike wanted me to drive it with her on the back. I figured that may be risky in terms of insurance/liability too. Does it matter or was I wise to decline?

TG's?...Resistance is futile...

Yes it was wise to decline as she may have had it insured but for her only or she may not have insurance at all.

Go with a well known company like budget and pay for the best insurance you can afford. You must be covered for at least third party liability which covers you for any damage you cause to a person for property. So if you have an accident that is your fault then the person on the back can claim from your insurance. If not your fault then they can claim off the other persons insurance who caused the accident.

andy50 · #4 15-07-2006, 19:55

your travel insurance usually covers a bike up to 125cc IF you have a licence to ride it
check the small print on the policy
the bigger bikes arn,t covered,-- if you wipe out, you pay!
they take your passport as sureity when you hire a bike anyway-( which is not a good idea )

if i were to hire a small bike it would be from the hotel im staying at,rather than the mafia along the beach road- that way hopefully they would be more friendly if you wrecked the bike

LivinLOS · #5 15-07-2006, 20:11

I notice these threads that discuss liability and fear of the same always seem to come from the N Americas where litigation is so common.

Your in a 3rd world country. I dont know of a single person whop has real insurance for a small bike.. None in all the years I have been here.. Your insurance is your wallet. You crash you pay. That pretty much covers any accident no matter who is involved.

Dodger · #6 15-07-2006, 20:23

I have rented small bikes in the past that supposedly had insurance cover, but the only cover was a mximum paid should you have the bike stolen or written off, no liability cover at all. Insurance here covers the bike/car and is not relevant to the driver. I have cover on my car and anyone can drive irrespective of age or driving record, I have also taken out an additional policy for TP liability cover but in all honesty have not read the small print just took it as it wasn't too expensive and as an ex-insurance guy thought it prudent, but as an ex-insurance guy now me thinks should go read it, it is with Axa so policy is in english.

sundancekid · #7 15-07-2006, 20:28

If you look at the rental agreement, you see that they put up a sum in case the bike is severely damaged or stolen that is usually way higher than the actual value of the bike. The agencies even consider getting money for repairs and replacements parts of their "regular" income.

ThaiLearner · #8 15-07-2006, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy50

your travel insurance usually covers a bike up to 125cc IF you have a licence to ride it
check the small print on the policy
the bigger bikes arn,t covered,-- if you wipe out, you pay!
they take your passport as sureity when you hire a bike anyway-( which is not a good idea )

if i were to hire a small bike it would be from the hotel im staying at,rather than the mafia along the beach road- that way hopefully they would be more friendly if you wrecked the bike

This is incorrect with regards to cover for motorcycles you will not have any insurance cover for third party liablility to use the vehicle on the road and therefore no insurance with no cover to damage to your bike.

The travel insurance people will cover your for medical injuries sustained riding a motorbike up to 125cc (check your policy), this would also include repat to your home country. You will not be covered for rallying or racing or bigger bikes unless you tell your insurance company and they will charge you more.

freddy22 · #9 15-07-2006, 23:26

Thanks for the replies. I guess its always about reading the fine print. I remember seeing the following in a Lonely Planet Bali-Lombok guide:

"Don't have an accident, but if you do remember its your fault. The logic behind this is Asian and impeccable - I was involved in an accident with you. I belong here, you don't. If you hadn't been here, there wouldn't have been an accident. Therefore it was your fault."
Same - same in LOS??

TG's?...Resistance is futile...

TremenDoh Ro · #10 16-07-2006, 01:13

I want a Bike while Im there ?

Do I have to show them my USA Drivers Lisence ?

landofsmiles · #11 16-07-2006, 01:19

If it's got your pic on it and says "Driving Licence" you'll have no problem. My mate once got stopped in a check and didn't have his with him and showed his DIVING Licence and got away with that!!

TremenDoh Ro · #12 16-07-2006, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by landofsmiles

If it's got your pic on it and says "Driving Licence" you'll have no problem. My mate once got stopped in a check and didn't have his with him and showed his DIVING Licence and got away with that!!

I lost my DL card but I have my Id card and they can run it

LivinLOS · #13 16-07-2006, 12:47

They can run it ?? How ??

Are you really thinking that a Thai cop stood at the side of the road can 'run' a Cali state ID and check if you have a valid licence ???

landofsmiles · #14 16-07-2006, 13:33

I doubt if the Thai cops here could even tell if a licence was out of date. As far as they are concerned we are in the year 2550 now! A picture of you and the words DRIVING LICENCE are all they want to see.

LivinLOS · #15 16-07-2006, 16:26

My buddy who comes on a bit cheeky has used a video rental card and a golf club membership instead of a driving license to Thai cops taking the piss..

They just looked.. Saw picture of him.. Kop khun krap..

He did have his license with him if it went wrong.. Just seeing how far he can push it..

TremenDoh Ro · #16 16-07-2006, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

They can run it ?? How ??

Are you really thinking that a Thai cop stood at the side of the road can 'run' a Cali state ID and check if you have a valid licence ???

Exactly the answer I was looking for