Type 1 car insurance
Type 1 Car Insurance: The Widest Cover, Dealer vs Garage Repair
Type 1 is the highest level of voluntary car insurance in Thailand. It covers damage to your own car, theft, fire, flood, plus damage to the other party and third-party property. It suits new cars, financed vehicles, and drivers who want maximum peace of mind.
- Licensed broker ว00016/2566
- Compare 18+ insurers
- Installments up to 10 months
- No obligation to buy
What Type 1 car insurance covers
Type 1 covers the widest range of risks you might face in everyday driving.
- Damage to your car, whether you're at fault, not at fault, or in a single-vehicle accident
- Vehicle theft or loss
- Fire, from electrical or external causes
- Flood, a frequent risk in Thailand during the rainy season
- Damage to the other party's vehicle and third-party property
- Medical expenses for driver and passengers, included in most plans
- Driver bail bond after an accident, included in most plans
Coverage limits, deductibles, and conditions follow each insurer's policy. Medical and driver bail cover come from policy endorsements, so check your quote shows them. Type 1 doesn't cover wear and tear or breakdowns that aren't caused by an accident.
Dealer (Soom Sun) vs Garage (Soom Oo) repair: what's the difference?
Type 1 typically comes in two repair-network options, which change the premium and the claim experience.
| Topic | Dealer / authorised | Garage network |
|---|---|---|
| Where it's repaired | Brand authorised service centre | Insurer's network garage |
| Parts | Genuine parts to dealer standard | Genuine or equivalent per policy |
| Technician | Dealer-trained technicians | Depends on the network garage |
| Premium | Approx. 20-40% higher than garage | Noticeably cheaper |
| Car age accepted | Usually up to 5 years | Up to 10-15 years, depending on the insurer |
| Best for | New cars / still under dealer warranty | Cars out of dealer warranty / cost-conscious owners |
Tip: For cars 3-5 years old that are out of dealer warranty, switching from dealer to garage repair can save several thousand THB per year without giving up Type 1 coverage. Dealer repair is usually offered for cars up to 5 years old, and garage repair for cars up to 10-15 years old, depending on the insurer.
When paying more for Type 1 is worth it
Type 1 has the highest premium of all voluntary plans, but it offers the biggest peace of mind. Consider the current value of the car, the cost of major repairs, how often you drive, and where you park. If the car is still high value, financed, or used heavily, the Type 1 premium is often less than the cost of a single major repair. If the value has dropped and usage is low, dropping to Type 2+ or 3+ may be the better choice.
Who Type 1 is for
- New cars, or cars up to 5 years old you want repaired at the dealer
- Cars up to 10-15 years old on garage repair, depending on the insurer
- Financed cars, since lenders typically require Type 1
- Daily drivers, long-distance drivers, or anyone parking on the street
- Owners who want the widest cover and predictable repair costs
How much does Type 1 cost?
Type 1 premiums depend on make, model, age, sum insured, repair-network choice, primary driver age, and claim history. They typically range from THB 8,000 to 30,000 per year for sedans and SUVs. The same car can vary by several thousand THB between insurers. Comparing several insurers in parallel is the fastest way to find the best-value plan.
Why compare Type 1 at Gengmak
- Licensed Thai insurance broker (OIC license ว00016/2566)
- Compare premiums across 18+ leading insurers in one place
- Free quotes, and you don't have to buy straight away
- Pay in up to 10 monthly instalments, with or without a credit card
- Support team available via LINE and phone