Enjoying ownership and riding a motorbike in Vietnam is on most Expat to-do-list. Nowadays, Vietnam has followed western countries, you need to do it by the rules.
You should also know the compulsory documents and insurances attached to riding à motorbike: namely driving license, moto compulsory insurance and travel or medical insurance validity
Buying, owning à motorbike sounds easy… but it is not. Most expatriates can not prove ownership of à motorbike
There are 2 situations possible:
NB. Registering ownership by issuing à cavet is subject to your legal status, duration of your stay in Vietnam and your immigration visa type.
Now you own a motorbike for which you need à driving license, so you can drive legally. Subject to: you are on à visa stay more than 3-months, http://sgtvt.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/huongdanthutuchanhchinh/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=206
You may fall into 3 categories, set aside the electric vehicles that are not considered motorbikes needing driving license:
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW that depending on the medical insurance you purchased, in case of moto (or car) insurance in Vietnam, YOUR CLAIMS MAY NOT BE PAID if you can not prove you have a valid motorbike license at the time of the accident.
Note: If you dont speak Vietnamese, some expats managed to get their driving license, à good memory will help to answer the A1 license=21 questios out of 25 or the license A2=23 questions/25 questions (out of 200 for A1 / out of 450 for A2) within 19 minutes. Then the practice ride on the street.
There are 3 parts of the insurance purchase (1 compulsory, 2 voluntary) when it comes to vehicles, especially for moto insurance due to increased risk:
Of course, some owners forget to renew yearly even though the police request it more and more so they can ‘fine’ you more.
You may want to buy additional voluntary insurance for:
IMPORTANT NOTE: though anyone can purchase the insurance policy, the proceeds of the refund money for property will go to the cavet owner stated.
For driver or passengers medical treatment costs, the insurer will refund on nominated insured. For life and disability insurance the money will go to any legitimate driver and passenger regardless of nomination.
Vietnam riding is a lot of freedom, driving licenses and insurances have followed the same steps as the western countries. It is not because most locals dont play by the books and have their way around, that you should. For expatriates and long-term stay, it is best to spend the time making sure you really own on a cavet the moto you buy. And or course, you are not above the law, get a proper driving license issued by Vietnam authorities.
Feel free to email us at moto@insuranceinAsia.com to quote specific needs for the value of the moto, your health accidental coverage.
Bon voyage,
You can also read top #8 reasons Expat buy car or moto insurance https://www.insuranceinasia.com/auto-moto/