Flood Damage Claims: Insurance Office Sets 5-Level Repair Rate
Thailand's insurance regulator has set a five-level damage assessment system for flood-affected vehicles and urged policyholders to verify coverage, document damage thoroughly, and contact insurers immediately to protect their benefits.
Chuchard Premulpol, secretary-general of the Office of Insurance Commission, said the office is closely monitoring the heavy rain and flooding situation across the country and is concerned about affected residents and policyholders. He urged the public to prioritize personal safety, and once conditions allow safe area inspections, to verify coverage under their insurance policies and collect complete evidence of damage before filing claims to protect their policy benefits.
For homes and vehicles damaged by flooding, policyholders should follow four key steps:
1. Check insurance policy coverage: Policyholders should verify whether their existing policies cover flooding or natural disasters, including coverage limits and conditions. This can be checked via the OIC Connect LINE Official Account using the "My Policy" menu. Type 1 vehicle insurance covers flood damage, while Type 2+ and 3+ policies require verification of additional flood coverage. Home insurance policies should also be checked for flood or natural disaster coverage.
2. Collect complete damage evidence: Policyholders should photograph or video the overall damage and specific details of affected property. For homes, photograph each damaged item including structure, floors, walls, furniture, and appliances. For vehicles, photograph exterior, interior, and engine compartment, and document water lines or stains as supporting evidence for claims.
3. Contact the insurer promptly: Policyholders should notify their insurer immediately with necessary information including policy number, vehicle registration, date, time, location, and damage details. Keep the claim number for tracking purposes.
4. Prepare claim documents: Policyholders should organize required documents such as copies of national ID, damage photos, vehicle registration, house registration or land deed, and other documents requested by the insurer.
The Office of Insurance Commission has also established a standard practice for assessing flood-damaged vehicles with five damage levels:
Level A: Water up to floor mat, repair cost approximately 8,000-10,000 baht. Level B: Water up to seat, repair cost approximately 15,000-20,000 baht. Level C: Water up to lower console, repair cost approximately 25,000-30,000 baht. Level D: Water up to upper console, repair cost from 30,000 baht onwards. Level E: Vehicle completely submerged; insurers will assess coverage accordingly.
