I joined the “Thai Tattoo” club on Koh Samui. Gravel patch, slide, 125cc Honda Click. My leg was shredded. Total bill: $12,000 for surgery and skin grafts. World Nomads denied the claim instantly. Why? Because I didn’t have a motorcycle endorsement on my US driver’s license.
Key Takeaways
- The “Illegal Act” Exclusion: Insurance only covers you if you are driving legally. In Thailand/Bali, driving a 125cc scooter requires a motorcycle license. A car license covers only 50cc (which basically don’t exist there).
- IDP is Mandatory: You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) stamped for motorcycles. No IDP = Driving Illegally = No Coverage.
- Helmet Rule: If the police report says “No Helmet,” insurance denies the claim for negligence or illegal acts.
- Alcohol: If you had one beer, coverage is void. 2026 policies have zero tolerance for alcohol in vehicle accidents.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “50cc vs. 110cc+.”
In Europe/US, a car license lets you ride a 50cc moped. In SE Asia, almost all rental bikes are 110cc, 125cc, or 150cc. Legally, these are motorcycles. If you rent one with a car license, you are driving without a license. The rental shop will rent it to you (they don’t care), but the insurance adjuster cares deeply.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- World Nomads: Very strict. “The driver must hold a valid license for the class of vehicle in their home country AND the destination.” If you aren’t licensed to ride a Harley in Ohio, you aren’t covered for a scooter in Phuket.
- SafetyWing: Also requires a license. However, they are slightly more lenient if you are a passenger (you don’t need a license to ride on the back, but you must wear a helmet).
- Luma (Local Thai Insurance): I looked into buying local accident insurance. It’s cheap ($100/year). They are often less strict about the “home country license” but very strict about the IDP.
Comparison Table: Scooter Accident Rules
| Feature | Car License Only | Motorcycle License + IDP | No Helmet |
| 110cc-125cc Scooter | DENIED | COVERED | DENIED |
| 50cc Moped | COVERED (Rare) | COVERED | DENIED |
| Passenger | COVERED | COVERED | DENIED |
[IMAGE: Photo of a bandaged leg next to a Honda Click scooter, overlayed with a ‘License Required’ icon]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get Your M-Class License: Before you leave home, take the 2-day MSF course and get the M stamp on your license. It is the best travel insurance you can buy.
- Get an IDP: Go to AAA (in US) and get the International Driving Permit. Make sure they check the “Motorcycle” box.
- Rent a 50cc (If you can find one): In places like Greece or Italy, you can find 50cc bikes. In Bali, good luck.
- Wear the Helmet: Even if you just go down the street. The GoPro footage or police report will hang you if you don’t.
FAQ
What if the rental shop didn’t ask for a license?
Irrelevant. The rental contract is between you and the shop. The insurance contract is between you and the insurer. The insurer follows the law.
Am I covered if I’m the passenger on a GrabBike?
Usually yes, but you MUST wear a helmet. If you are helmetless, they can deny “Medical Payments.”
Does SafetyWing cover damage to the bike?
No. They cover your body. You have to pay the shop for the scratched plastic.