Temporary Car Insurance for a Thai in UK

[SiLeakHunt]

My ladyfriend has managed to wangle time off work and another visitors visa for the UK so will be coming to sample the delights of North West England over Xmas and New Year.
Not wanting to waste a potential earning experience I have arranged for her to do some hod carrying and block paving for my mate Baz a local builder.
I was also thinking if I get her insured on my car she can come and pick me up from the pub once she's finished all the household chores.

My current insurance company for whatever reason wont add her as an extra driver, has anyone any experience of a motor isnsurer who would give her temporary insurance on my Austin Princess.

Cheers

[pseudolus]

Mate you might find it cheaper to hire a car. Insurance companies, rightfully so, are scared sh!tless of Thai drivers and generally will not accept them for a few years until they have passed a UK test and driven enough to get rid of their "thai style" driving habits. Aviva is most likely to insure, might even try NFU (national farmers union) who are always trying to be helpful even if you are not a farmer. Hire car firms basically self insure so as long as she has her international license and a return ticket she will be fine.

[Pragmatic]

Hire her a car. Insurance will be included. She can drive for 12 months on a Thai licence.

[Dillinger]

The difference In driving styles in both countries is huge. Having just got back from Tenerife, where like England, the pedestrians know they have right of way on zebra crossings and they will walk out in front of your missus..
I nearly knocked a few over myself and I'd guess I'm 50 times a better driver than any Thai woman
Get a taxi

[aging one]

I nearly knocked a few over myself and I'd guess I'm 50 times a better driver than any Thai woman

Exactly how I feel. Actually men, minors, monkeys, monks and the such.

[BobR]

Mate you might find it cheaper to hire a car. Insurance companies, rightfully so, are scared sh!tless of Thai drivers and generally will not accept them for a few years until they have passed a UK test and driven enough to get rid of their "thai style" driving habits. Aviva is most likely to insure, might even try NFU (national farmers union) who are always trying to be helpful even if you are not a farmer. Hire car firms basically self insure so as long as she has her international license and a return ticket she will be fine.

One would think so, but ironically I found it was cheaper to rent a car in the USA with a Thai drivers license than an American one. (not trying to be contrary, but it really surprised me, the car companies have rental deals that include all the insurance and damage waivers that are only available to drivers with foreign issued licenses). Would not be surprising if British car rental firms were the same.

[Pragmatic]

Originally Posted by pseudolus
Mate you might find it cheaper to hire a car. Insurance companies, rightfully so, are scared sh!tless of Thai drivers and generally will not accept them for a few years until they have passed a UK test and driven enough to get rid of their "thai style" driving habits. Aviva is most likely to insure, might even try NFU (national farmers union) who are always trying to be helpful even if you are not a farmer. Hire car firms basically self insure so as long as she has her international license and a return ticket she will be fine.

That is rubbish. A Thai does not need an International license. And she certainly doesn't have to show a return flight ticket. 'Avis' will gladly hire her a car based on a having a Thai license. Full stop.
It's no wonder I have Pseudolus on block.

[pseudolus]

Thrifty

Identification required if non UK Resident. If you cannot fulfil the stated ID requirements please contact the renting location prior to booking to discuss options.
When collecting the vehicle, the Lead Driver must present

passport (or national identity card if European citizen if this has been used to enter the UK)
a credit card in their own name (please note debit cards are not accepted).
a valid driving licence from country of residence (licence must show an English translation if not issued in Europe)
travel documentation confirming dates of arrival and departure to/from the UK
additional drivers must also present a valid driving licence from country of residence (licence must show an English translation if not issued in Europe)

Eurocar
You will need to present the following documentation:

1) Your driving licence, issued by your country of residence (N.B. For licence holders from the UK, where the driving licence is issued in 2 parts, both parts of the licence need to be presented; your photocard and the original paper based driving licence) and held for a minimum period according to local legislation or conditions. Your driving license will be requested for every hire.

If you are renting outside of the country your licence was issued in, if you driving license is not written in the English language and /or the characters cannot be read in the renting country, an International driving licence is mandatory. Note that your International driving licence is only valid if accompanied by your normal driving licence.

2) A photographic identification document such as a passport (or your national identity card).

3) A utility bill or bank statement with the same address as your driving license and issued less than 3 months ago.

3) Your valid credit card with an expiry date after the due check-in date. If you have prepaid for your reservation, this must be the same credit card. If you are using a Europcar prepaid voucher as means of payment (with a specified value or the mention 'group and days apply'), you must also present a credit card for charges which are not been prepaid and your deposit.

Hertz

At the time of rental, the driver must present a valid national driver's licence that has been held for at least 1 year.

When renting Dream Collection vehicle groups, you must present a valid national driver's licence that has been held for at least 5 years and that has less than 7 penalty points at the time of rental.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended for non-European Union renters.
The IDP translates the national licence into various languages and is on its own, without the national licence, not acceptable.

Easy car
The International Driving Licence (IDL) is not required where English is the primary spoken language of the country. The requirement for the IDL will be clearly shown during the booking process and on your rental documentation.

Best to use real information than the bollocks people like prag spout.



As most of the Thai license is in Thai and thai years for the dates you will need an international license. If the OP is hiring the car and can give proof of address in the UK she can be added on as an additional driver. If he can not, they will want to see flight tickets even for him if he has no utility bill etc.

[pseudolus]

Mate you might find it cheaper to hire a car. Insurance companies, rightfully so, are scared sh!tless of Thai drivers and generally will not accept them for a few years until they have passed a UK test and driven enough to get rid of their "thai style" driving habits. Aviva is most likely to insure, might even try NFU (national farmers union) who are always trying to be helpful even if you are not a farmer. Hire car firms basically self insure so as long as she has her international license and a return ticket she will be fine.

One would think so, but ironically I found it was cheaper to rent a car in the USA with a Thai drivers license than an American one. (not trying to be contrary, but it really surprised me, the car companies have rental deals that include all the insurance and damage waivers that are only available to drivers with foreign issued licenses). Would not be surprising if British car rental firms were the same.

Most likely true. I was simply saying it would be cheaper to hire a car than to insure one for a short period even if he could insure a thai. If it is cheaper for the non brit to hire, that would not surprise me.

[taxexile]

hey pseudolus, is that you ?

you look like one of those seedy pattaya blokes of unknown ethnicity who runs a travel agent, a money changing facility, and a dodgy visa shop.

[pseudolus]

hey pseudolus, is that you ?

you look like one of those seedy pattaya blokes of unknown ethnicity who runs a travel agent, a money changing facility, and a dodgy visa shop.

Yes that is me. I am a thai travel agent on teak door to put up with loads of shit from wankers on a thread where straight out of the hat I pump up useful information to the OP only to cop abuse from a bunch of cunts.

[taxexile]

teak door, dontcha just love it !!

[VocalNeal]

Before you all get your knickers in a proverbial twist there is no such thing as an International Driving license. Each sovereign country issues its own.

What there is and has been alluded to above is an International Driving Permit essentially a translation document which can be obtained at any place (technically) where they do Thai driving test. In Bangkok, as an example, on Sukhumvit near soi 62. It is not a driving licence and cannot be used on it's own. You'll/she'll need a copy of your/her Thai license, a couple of photos and about 1500Baht or less.

As for insurance my brother simply adds me as a named driver.

[farmerjohn]

start a new policy say with NFU, pay monthly then when you are finished with it let them know and cancel direct debit. sometimes I even get a little cash back from them I have afew days left of the paid month. NFU are very helpful people.

[pseudolus]

start a new policy say with NFU, pay monthly then when you are finished with it let them know and cancel direct debit. sometimes I even get a little cash back from them I have afew days left of the paid month. NFU are very helpful people.

Yep - and always cheaper. I used to use them for everything. Only thing is that you do need to join the union, which I recall was a tenner or something like that. Seems to be 50 quid now but you can save that alone in car insurance usually, and if you take up their other discounts such as 17% from Bupa, and 5% off of a land rover, you are quids in.

Oh, and they are a very helpful bunch as well.

[BobR]

Thrifty

Identification required if non UK Resident. If you cannot fulfil the stated ID requirements please contact the renting location prior to booking to discuss options.
When collecting the vehicle, the Lead Driver must present

passport (or national identity card if European citizen if this has been used to enter the UK)
a credit card in their own name (please note debit cards are not accepted).
a valid driving licence from country of residence (licence must show an English translation if not issued in Europe)
travel documentation confirming dates of arrival and departure to/from the UK
additional drivers must also present a valid driving licence from country of residence (licence must show an English translation if not issued in Europe)

Eurocar
You will need to present the following documentation:

1) Your driving licence, issued by your country of residence (N.B. For licence holders from the UK, where the driving licence is issued in 2 parts, both parts of the licence need to be presented; your photocard and the original paper based driving licence) and held for a minimum period according to local legislation or conditions. Your driving license will be requested for every hire.

If you are renting outside of the country your licence was issued in, if you driving license is not written in the English language and /or the characters cannot be read in the renting country, an International driving licence is mandatory. Note that your International driving licence is only valid if accompanied by your normal driving licence.

2) A photographic identification document such as a passport (or your national identity card).

3) A utility bill or bank statement with the same address as your driving license and issued less than 3 months ago.

3) Your valid credit card with an expiry date after the due check-in date. If you have prepaid for your reservation, this must be the same credit card. If you are using a Europcar prepaid voucher as means of payment (with a specified value or the mention 'group and days apply'), you must also present a credit card for charges which are not been prepaid and your deposit.

Hertz

At the time of rental, the driver must present a valid national driver's licence that has been held for at least 1 year.

When renting Dream Collection vehicle groups, you must present a valid national driver's licence that has been held for at least 5 years and that has less than 7 penalty points at the time of rental.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended for non-European Union renters.
The IDP translates the national licence into various languages and is on its own, without the national licence, not acceptable.

Easy car
The International Driving Licence (IDL) is not required where English is the primary spoken language of the country. The requirement for the IDL will be clearly shown during the booking process and on your rental documentation.

Best to use real information than the bollocks people like prag spout.



As most of the Thai license is in Thai and thai years for the dates you will need an international license. If the OP is hiring the car and can give proof of address in the UK she can be added on as an additional driver. If he can not, they will want to see flight tickets even for him if he has no utility bill etc.

I've had no problem renting a car at Los Angeles the last 3 years using only a Thai license and my passport, the essential information is in English because it was changed to meet ASEAN standards. The English words appear next to the Thai.
The cop who stopped me in Texas wasn't phased by it in the least, he was more interested in what goes on here. Of course you always carry your passport to prove you are a foreign resident.

Britain may be different, but in the US drivers licenses are issued by individual states, and not being a resident of any of the 50 states I could not get one if I wanted. You're treated the same as any other foreign resident.

Most so called international drivers licenses are a fraud.

[cyrille]

I've rented cars several times in the UK.

Last time was at Hertz Edinburgh a couple of years ago.

I've always had the International Driving Permit along with my Thai licence.

I asked the guy if the International Driving Permit was essential to hire a car with Hertz. He was noncommital. He said they do prefer drivers to have it, but wouldn't say they would turn down someone with just the Thai licence.

So whether or not it's worth getting the International thing done - I couldn't get a concrete answer.

I'll continue to get it because I don't want to plan a holiday around having a car (as you do, of course) and then run the risk of not getting a car.

The rather unimpressive beige cards that cost about a thousand bant are not frauds. Those plastic things peddled on the internet of course are.

btw I also got an EU licence on KSR a few years ago, but it was so badly done that I never used it. Driving on a fake licence is a whole different kettle of poisson, of course.

[VocalNeal]

Having a International Driving Permit here works sometimes.

I know a guy who was here here in the '90's who found some grey card stock and duplicated a whole load. he used to keep them in his glove box and present when Thai police asked for his licence. then when they said 500 baht now or come to station to pay the fine he said OK I'll come to the station, which of course he never did.

[Pragmatic]

I'll continue to get it because I don't want to plan a holiday around having a car (as you do, of course) and then run the risk of not getting a car.

On the car hire website they shall/will give you exact details as to what documents are required on collection of the car. Quote their website if any problem.

[Pragmatic]

I asked the guy if the International Driving Permit was essential to hire a car with Hertz. He was noncommital. He said they do prefer drivers to have it, but wouldn't say they would turn down someone with just the Thai licence.

Driver's License

An acceptable, valid driver's license issued from your country of residence must be presented at the time of rental. The driver's license must be valid for the entire rental period. If the driver's license is in a language other than English, and the rental is in the United States, an International Driver's Permit is recommended. In all cases, a valid driver's license issued from your home country must be provided, whether or not you possess an International Driver's Permit. You will not be allowed to rent a Hertz vehicle with only an International Driver's Permit.

A Thai license is written in English so a IDP isn't required. I hope that helps?

[Pragmatic]

If you hire a car from Hertz at an airport do not throw away your boarding card as it may be asked for on collection of the car.

They may even require your boarding card, so be careful not to throw it away after disembarking.

https://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/car...fore_you_leave

[Yemen]

I always have an International Driving Permit ( issued in my home country) when I am in Thailand. It is only valid as long as my home country driving licence is valid. When I am stopped by the BIB they wave me on sometimes without even looking at the permit. Never been asked for tea money when showing it, therefore pays for itself.

[cyrille]

A Thai license is written in English so a IDP isn't required. I hope that helps?

That's only in reference to travel in the US.

Quote their website if any problem.

Yeah that would've been just the ticket at 9am on a Saturday morning with a dozen people waiting behind me and needing to be at the other end of the country by 5pm.

In any given year there's also a high likelihood that I'll be hiring a car in a country where the first language is not English. And no, I don't mean Edinburgh.

You might be surprised at how poor English language skills can be even at a Hertz office in, say, Gare du Nord Paris.

This further complicates things, of course. Bearing all this in mind I like to leave as little to chance as possible for such a crucial factor in my travel plans.

Just get permit (with validity made clear in pretty much all major languages) = definitely no problem.

[FullEnglish]

So what did you do Sileakhunt, as you never come back to your posts

[Pragmatic]

I always have an International Driving Permit ( issued in my home country) when I am in Thailand. It is only valid as long as my home country driving licence is valid.

I believe that according to Thai motor insurance an International Driving Permit is only acceptable for 3 months. Thereafter a Thai license must be obtained to validate the insurance. This has been discussed on TD before.