Renting a Scooter or Car in Phuket: Short-Term Deposits, Insurance and Scams

Licence rules

Thai law requires a Thai licence or a valid International Driving Permit that covers the vehicle type. Guides stress that a motorcycle needs a motorcycle category, and that a car-only licence or car-only permit does not cover a scooter. Many shops rent without checking, but if you have an accident without the right licence your insurance may refuse to pay, and police checkpoints fine riders. Fines for no helmet or no licence are often quoted at 500 to 1,000 baht.

The driving guide explains how to convert a foreign licence to a Thai one for longer stays.

Typical prices

• Scooter (125 cc automatic): about 200 to 300 baht a day at many vetted shops, with weekly and monthly rates lower. Monthly scooter rental is commonly quoted at about 2,500 to 4,000 baht or more.
• Car: about 800 to 1,800 baht a day depending on the model and season, and about 15,000 to 20,000 baht a month for small cars in some guides.
• Deposit: a cash deposit of about 500 to 5,000 baht for scooters, and for cars a card hold or cash deposit.

Prices rise in the high season. Compare a few shops, and see the cost of living guide for how transport fits a monthly budget.

Never leave your passport

Several guides call it a trap and say shops cannot legally keep your passport as a deposit. If you hand it over and a dispute arises, you lose your leverage and may be unable to travel, rent a home or visit immigration. Offer a cash deposit and a photocopy instead, or choose another shop.

If a shop insists on the passport, walk away.

The damage scam and how to avoid it

The commonest scam is a claim for pre-existing scratches or damage when you return the vehicle, with repair bills of a few thousand baht or more. Protect yourself:

• Take a dated video and photos of every side of the vehicle, the tyres, the lights and the odometer before you leave.
• Get existing damage written on the rental form, and keep a copy of the contract in English.
• Ask what insurance is included, what the excess is and who pays for theft.
• Return the vehicle in daylight, with the shop present, and keep the receipt.
• Do not pay cash for disputed damage without a written invoice and a photo of the damage.

For other scams, read the scams guide, and if a dispute escalates, see the legal help guide.

Insurance, safety and long stays

• Compulsory third-party cover usually does not protect the rider. Ask whether personal accident and collision cover are included.
• Check your travel or health insurance for motorbike exclusions. See the health and insurance guide.
• Wear a helmet, drive on the left and avoid riding after drinking. The alcohol and nightlife guide explains the rules.
• For stays of several months, a monthly rental or buying a second-hand bike, with proper registration and insurance, is usually cheaper. See the vehicle guide.
• In an accident, follow the emergencies guide.