Heavy Rain Hits Bangkok! Preparing to Claim Insurance for Major Flood Damage to Cars and Homes in 2026

Since Friday (25 Sep 2026), heavy rain has persisted across many areas. Even where the rain has stopped, flooding has occurred throughout inner Bangkok, its suburbs, and surrounding cities such as Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. This event has caused damage to people at all levels. If major assets like homes and cars are flooded, how should one prepare to claim insurance?

Can vehicles damaged by flooding be claimed under insurance?

When a home is suddenly flooded without warning, many manage to move their cars to higher ground in time, but some only realize after the water has reached the wheels. For those needing to file a claim with insurance companies, what principles of damage assessment and document preparation should they understand?

Information from the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) classifies damage into five levels as follows:

• Level A: Floodwater reaches the car floor, estimated repair cost 8,000–10,000 baht.
• Level B: Floodwater reaches the seats, estimated repair cost 15,000–20,000 baht.
• Level C: Floodwater reaches the lower front console area, estimated repair cost 25,000–30,000 baht.
• Level D: Floodwater reaches the upper front console area, estimated repair cost starting from 30,000 baht.
• Level E: Vehicle fully submerged; the company may refund the insured's premium or pay out the insured value.

However, the extent of claim coverage depends on the type of insurance purchased. For example, first-class car insurance usually covers flood damage, while second-class plus insurance may add flood coverage as an option. Additionally, if you need to file a claim, it is recommended to prepare as follows:

• Do not clean the vehicle yet; immediately preserve evidence such as taking photos around the car.
• Promptly notify the insurance company, providing complete information to receive a claim form or arrange for an adjuster to inspect the damage.
• Prepare documents verifying policy ownership and vehicle identity, such as a copy of your ID card and vehicle registration book.

What types of insurance cover flood damage to homes?

Many people are unaware that their existing fire insurance may also cover flood damage. Therefore, if facing flooding, check your policy details first (natural disaster section). Generally, two types of home insurance commonly include this coverage:

1. Fire insurance with flood coverage. If you have this insurance, check the flood coverage limit and any exclusions carefully.

2. All Risk Property Insurance (IAR). This is suitable for those with both home and office in the same location, providing broad coverage including fire, flood, natural disasters, business interruption, and third-party liability.

After reviewing your insurance terms, promptly contact your insurer through convenient channels and prepare the following documents for your home insurance claim:

• Evidence documenting the damage event, such as photos or video clips.
• A copy of your national ID card.
• Other documents the insurer may request, such as a copy of the land title deed or proof of home ownership.

Other documents the insurer may request (for example, land title deed or ownership proof).

The key to a smooth insurance claim is thorough preparation of documents and evidence. Therefore, during floods, take photos of damage such as walls showing flood levels, official documents declaring disaster zones, etc. If you encounter issues or have questions, contact your insurance company directly or the OIC hotline at 1186.

Information referenced from the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), Bangkok Insurance, Thai Vivat Insurance, and the Thai General Insurance Association.

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