In the event of a road accident, how does the Vehicle Act help?

(Photo Credit: freepik)

Have you ever wondered what the Vehicle Act is for? How does it help protect us when accidents happen?

No matter how careful a driver you are, accidents may happen to you at any time. Whether it's a collision with another vehicle or being hit by someone else, every accident can happen to you due to many factors. So let's see how important the Vehicle Act is to you and what it can do to protect you as a road user.

What is the Vehicle Act?

The Vehicle Act is a type of compulsory motor vehicle insurance as specified in the Motor Vehicle Act of 1992. This law mandates that vehicle owners listed in the vehicle registration book or those who possess the vehicle in the case of hire purchase must renew the motor vehicle insurance annually. This compulsory motor vehicle insurance provides coverage for victims regardless of whether they are at fault or not.

Compensation under the Vehicle Act:

• Actual medical expenses reimbursed up to 30,000 baht per person.
• Permanent disability compensation of 35,000 baht per person. 
• Death compensation of 35,000 baht per person.

*Maximum total compensation of 65,000 baht per person.

If you are the injured party, the Vehicle Act provides the following compensation:

• Actual medical expenses reimbursed up to 80,000 baht per person.
• Permanent disability compensation ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 baht per person.
• Death compensation of 500,000 baht per person.
• In the case of hospitalisation, compensation for up to 20 days at 200 baht per day per person.

(Photo Credit: freepik)

Documents required for claiming under the Vehicle Act:

Injury case:

• Copy of ID card
• Receipt for medical expenses

Permanent disability case:

• Copy of ID card
• Doctor's certificate
• Daily log (from the police)

Death case:

• Copy of ID card (of the beneficiary)
• Copy of the deceased's house registration
• Death certificate
• Daily log (from the police)

Compensation case:

• Copy of ID card
• Inpatient certificate or copy of hospital bill

To claim compensation under the Vehicle Act:

• Report the incident to the police to have it documented in their daily log, which will serve as evidence for your claim under the Vehicle Act.
• Contact the insurance company from which you purchased the vehicle insurance policy (พ.ร.บ.) to notify them of the incident and claim compensation. Alternatively, you can also submit your claim through the hospital where you received treatment.
• Submit the necessary documents for your claim to either the insurance company you purchased the policy from or to a centralised insurance agency.
• The Vehicle Act will then assist in protecting you and compensating for various damages within 7 business days.
• It's important to note that the claim process must be initiated within 6 months or 180 days from the date of the incident.

If you haven't yet purchased or renewed your car insurance, let Motorist help you! We have car insurance experts ready to provide consultation and find the best policy for your vehicle.

Read More: What Does the Car Act Cover?

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