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Malaysians planning to drive into southern Thailand should be aware to secure proper cross-border motor insurance, following last month’s severe floods in Hat Yai that left hundreds of vehicles stranded and exposed gaps in protection.

Hundreds of Malaysians Affected by Hat Yai Disaster

Last month’s floods in Hat Yai were triggered by days of intense rainfall across the Songkhla province, inundating roads, hotels, and business districts. Several areas were cut off with little warning.

More than 500 Malaysian-owned vehicles were reported stranded, according to Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi. Thai authorities have since permitted Malaysian tow trucks into the area to help retrieve affected vehicles. Many of these vehicles still had loans on them, which may result them having to pay out of pocket.

One lesson became clear from this incident:

Most Malaysians still don’t know how little protection their cars actually have once they cross the border.

If you are planning to drive your own car into Thailand, this guide will show you exactly what to prepare, what to buy, and how to protect yourself from costly disasters.

1. Your Malaysian Car Insurance Does Not Automatically Cover Thailand

Many drivers assume their comprehensive policy protects them everywhere.
Thailand feels “just next door,” and because your friends and family have driven there safely, it seems harmless.

Most people only realise after something goes wrong:

Your Malaysian comprehensive insurance does NOT automatically cover your vehicle in Thailand.

A standard motor insurance plan ONLY covers incidents within Malaysia unless you activate a specific extension called

Endorsement 101 (Extension to Thailand).

Without this extension:

• Accidents in Thailand = Not covered
• Floods in Thailand = Not covered
• Towing from Thailand to Malaysia = Not covered
• You pay everything out of pocket

This is why so many Malaysians struggled during the Hat Yai floods.

2. What Is Endorsement 101 and Why You Need It

Endorsement 101 is the official extension that allows your car insurance to follow you into southern Thailand.

It provides:

Own Damage Coverage

Your vehicle is covered up to its insured value if damaged in Thailand.

Third-Party Property Damage (TPPD)

Coverage up to RM100,000 if you damage someone else’s property or vehicle.

Coverage Duration

Available from 1 day to 30 days.
Affordable and easy to activate through your insurer or agent.

3. Add Special Perils (Endorsement 57) — Especially During Monsoon

Thailand is also no stranger to sudden floods, especially Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Betong.
A basic policy does not cover flood damage unless you add this endorsement below :

Endorsement 57 – Special Perils

Covers damage due to:

• Floods
• Storms
• Landslides
• Natural disasters

4. Thailand Requires a Compulsory Motor Insurance (CMI) at the Border

This is a legal requirement.

Even if you have Endorsement 101, the Thai authorities require all foreign vehicles to purchase Compulsory Motor Insurance (CMI) from a Thai insurance provider before entering.

CMI covers:

• Third-party injury only
• Not your car
• Not property damage
• Not floods or accidents

You can buy it:

• At the border (Sadao, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Wang Kelian, etc.)

5. Towing Your Vehicle Back to Malaysia

During the Hat Yai floods, many Malaysians were shocked at how costly towing from Thailand can be.

Without proper coverage:

• Towing back can cost thousands of ringgit!
• Many were stuck waiting days for assistance
• Some were told their policies did not apply outside Malaysia

With Endorsement 101 + Endorsement 57:

• Towing is arranged by your insurer from the Border.
• Costs are significantly reduced or covered
• Claims can be processed smoothly

Relying on their “normal comprehensive policy” which does not apply outside Malaysia.

This single mistake left hundreds of cars stranded with no coverage.

Your biggest risks as a Malaysian motorist entering Thailand are:

• Floods
• Accidents
• Lack of third-party coverage
• Expensive towing
• Being uninsured abroad

These risks are avoidable with:

✔ Endorsement 101

✔ Endorsement 57

✔ Thai CMI

Total cost: a small fraction compared to repairs, towing, or total loss.

💡 At Amana Insurance, we help families and businesses secure customised insurance. Whether you’re exploring full coverage or a more affordable entry plan, our team will guide you to the right solution.

📞 Ready to protect your future? Contact us today to learn how we can safeguard what matters most.