It is very important to understand this is Thailand and rental shops can and will take financial advantage of you!
Insurance is a must have and in the event of an accident, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Following these steps will help to ensure a good rental experience:
1. Inspection
Always do a visual inspection on your motorbike with photos/video before driving off. Don’t let them fool you, as this is how many scams work. When you return your motorbike they suddenly discover dents and scratches and make you pay heavily for it. Take a video not just photos. With a video you can prove the damage was there already before you rented the motorbike.
2. Check the Gas
Most of the times you will get a motorbike with a complete empty tank. UNDERSTAND exactly what type of gasoline your motorbike uses. When you go to a gas station, you are responsible for filling with the correct grade of gas. If you rent a motorbike with a full tank, make sure to return it with a full tank or expect to pay.
3. Contract
You will most likely always have to sign a contract, which also states what happens in case of an accident. Always take a photo of the contract or ask for a copy for yourself. UNDERSTAND what you are signing!
4. Deposit
In most touristy places in Thailand rental companies ask for your passport as a deposit. UNDERSTAND do NOT leave your passport as a deposit. Leave a copy of your passport. Never let your passport out of your site. Some rental companies accept cash as a deposit.
5. Insurance
Always make sure you are insured either through your health care or travel insurance. Check your insurance what exactly is covered in the event of a motorbike accident. Keep in mind that there are things to be aware of:
- Are you covered?
- Is your passenger covered?
- Are damages to the motorbike covered?
- Is third party person, auto, property damage covered?
UNDERSTAND as a foreigner you will be forced to pay dearly or sued if you cause an accident!
Be aware that in case you don’t have the right license, you have been drinking, not wearing a helmet or anything else that is not according to the regulations of your insurance you most probably end up paying for the damage yourself.
**Be advised if you are the victim in an accident, the Thai driver may speed away, leaving you to pay for their damages.
6. Motorbike accidents
Irresponsible behavior’s leads to accidents, please drive safely!
UNDERSTAND Thai’s are very irresponsible drivers! Cars and Motorbikes. It is easy to have an accident.
- Cars/motorbikes cutting you off
- People crossing street not looking where they are going
- Slip on sand or oil on the road
- Lack of personal skill driving in Thailand
- Flat tire
- Soi dog runs into your path
- Tail gating
Whenever you run into a motorbike accident in Thailand be honest, face the consequences as stated in the contract and admit what happened. You will probably get away with paying a little less by being nice. If you start arguing I assure you they will make you pay the price stated in the contract and find even more damage. Then they will get the local police involved who will not side with you.
7. Wear a Helmet
Wearing a helmet is mandatory when you drive a motorbike in Thailand.
UNDERSTAND this is for your own personal safety!
In tourist locations such as Phuket, the local police set up road blocks looking for foreigners not wearing helmets. The fine can be 1,000 thb or higher per person.
8. License
An international license in required to drive a motorbike in Thailand.
If you do not have one, many shops will still rent you a motorbike because they want your money.
UNDERSTAND with no license, insurance will NOT cover you and in the event of an accident, you will be subjected to local laws.
Renting a motorbike is one of the coolest ways to get around and see Thailand.
By understand the tips above, this should help limit any negative experiences.
Be advised, people with no motorbike experience, should not rent a motorbike in Thailand.
A myriad of conditions and bad drivers can make driving a high risk.
If you understand the risks, also think safety first!