Auto Insurance

Google will be your best friend Larry. We purchased a new car and comprehensive insurance, new car was like 22 or 23K but the better half over the years has haggled with them and now 17K as the value of the car has dropped as has their premium, simply hope we never need to make a claim because I'm sure the outcome won't be favorable.

Good luck.

Cheers, Steve.

I have an excellent agent in Cebu, pm me if you want the contact info. We pay around 15K/yr for full coverage,  maximum limits, they will also handle the annual vehicle registration, for a small fee.

Is the OP phrasing the right question? I would be asking are there any expats who have made a successful claim on their auto insurance policy in the Philippines. Was the claim dealt with in a professional and competent way?

That's the acid test.

We've had two minor bumps (not me, haha). Both were handled superbly, and coincidentally, on the second one we somehow incurred a wiring problem with the car randomly failing to start. The dealer insisted it was from the accident so the insurance replaced the wiring harness. Can't get better than that. Car has been flawless ever since and despite two claims our rates have never gone up.

@pnwcyclist Still, 15000php per year is about 13000php more per year that i have been paying per car since 2005. It could be that high premium car insurance is necessary in the big cities (I am in Dumaguete), not sure, but people usually drive 20-40 kph here, very slow, and body work is very cheap, never costing us more than 4K. 15K is about 1/3 the cost of USA insurance, however payouts in the USA are likely 10x the Philippines. It is only recently that i began seeing these high ticket policies but I think I will continue in self-insured mode since nothing I have experienced convinces me this is needed. OMO

I asked before dan, is that comprehensive insurance or the mandatory 3rd party insurance? My SL Merc was like 1K AU the 508 Peugeot wagon 800 and the 3 Landcruiser tray backs similar costs in OZ for comp ins, here it's half the price but I dearly hope I never have to test our policy here. Repairs, hospitalization and a car in the interim.

Cheers, Steve. 

Thanks Dan, I appreciate your perspective, and I myself live just outside of Dumaguete, however it's money well spent in my view, because we are always on the go - often over to the island of Cebu for example. The driving in town is slow, but on the open roads higher speeds, many hazards, pedestrians, etc. I do it mostly for the higher liability limits - its the only way to get them and if something happens or God forbid someone gets hurt, at least there will be some medical assistance.

Then there is the general lack of driving talent...

Just today a guy stopped in front of me on the main road. Waited patiently as I thought perhaps he was turning left without signaling. I didn't honk or do anything aggressive. But then the 4-way flashers went on. Okay, apparently there's a problem, so I went to pull around him and as soon as I'm out in the left lane, exposed, he/she moves ahead, so I fall back in, whereupon they JAM ON THE BRAKES and stop halfway toward the curb. Can't make this up.

So for me - the extra $250 is well worth it.

We have full comprehensive insurance through a BDO insurance subsidiary. We’ve had 2 claims in 11 years. Both problem free claims. We pay 8k / year, but our car is 11 years old. I dunno if the age of the vehicle affect your rate.

We live in Pasig, NCR, so we have endless traffic.

@bigpearl It is the mandatory 3rd party insurance.

Also Through BDO, 17k yearly, had two claims, no hassle, no problems, no rate increases

@Larry Fisher

Choosing an independent vehicle insurance service can be a smart move, based on my personal experience. To get started, shop around for quotes from various insurers, consider your coverage needs, and explore discounts to find the best deal.

Yes ..one that will pay out

I have found a American broker hes great been a broker for over 40 years in PH.

And has some huge business accounts around PH

Just a phone call and i get a cover letter then he works on the beat deal

Go to ichoose

find your independend insurance

Own damage

Act of god

VTPL-bodily injury

VTOL- property damage

Auto personal accident

depends of course what exactly you want yourself insured for

i always go for this full premium

seen the driving style of locals

touch wood I had only one minor accident in 5 years

Tricycle made some scratches by turning suddenly to the left and hit my car

of course he drove away but insurance came through

processing quit smooth

good luck

@robmccredie

Hello, am interest in that broker phone number.

Cheers👍

Bought and paid cash in April 2023 brand new toyota wigo. let the dealer toyota of tacloban handle it all. wife went in to pickup the car and pay the balance, took less than one hour and my wife was on her way. Wife did have a small accident just our car no one else involved. We paid 2000 peso deductable insurance paid the rest.  Don’t short change your insurance you may regret it if something happens.  Remember you as the foreigner is almost always to blame and you the foreigner has the deep pockets.

I just checked out BDO insurance for a 2021 Fortuner. I only want the compulsory 3rd party liability insurance for 1 year but the coverage date is Feb. 2023 to Feb. 2024 and it can't be changed. The price is P610. I checked another online insurance company and the price was also P610. Can that be right? Even if I did not read the fine print and that is the monthly fee it is still very cheap.

@Réal Marchand

iChoose.ph

Cocogen

@stevenepps2255

Thank you Steven for that erudite piece of advice. Just to be clear. Why did it only dawn on you that you might need car insurance after your car was hit?

I have driven in Atlanta, Georgia. I would drive in the Philippines without auto insurance long before I would drive in Atlanta without auto insurance.

stevenepps2255 said. . . . It is essential for everyone because, in the last few days, my friend and I have been in Atlanta, where my business meeting with my buddy, but suddenly, my buddy hit my car. That time, I realized I needed Auto insurance for my car. Last month, my father recommended a convenience insurance company in Atlanta Georgia, for my car. Auto insurance is a financial product that provides coverage and protection for individuals and their vehicles in the event of accidents, theft, or other unforeseen incidents. It is a legal requirement in most countries and states for individuals who own and operate motor vehicles.

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Steven are you related to the Whittakers by any chance?

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It's like buying Obamacare when you find out you suddenly need a lobotomy.

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or

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After finding out your Filipina girlfriend is pregnant you suddenly buy condoms.