How to Get the Best Car Insurance in the Philippines [Complete Guide]

Last Updated on – Aug 14, 2023 @ 10:56 am

I was quietly enjoying my Arroz Caldo (with egg) when the news report cut through:

“Kotse, inararo ng truck na nawalan ng preno”

“Aguy, saklap niyan par!”, exclaimed the jeepney driver on the other table. I was having merienda at a lugawan.

“Nananahimik ka na lang na-hassle ka pa. Pag minamalas ka nga naman”, replied his buddy (who eerily looked like Wally Bayola).

Good thing no one got seriously injured, at least. The driver of the truck argued that he tried to hit the brakes “pero di kumagat”.

“Hataw kasi ng hataw nakita na ngang madulas kalsada.”

As I went back to my meal to take a spoonful of hard-boiled egg (which also reminded me of Wally), I can’t help but feel sorry for the car’s owner.

Aside from physical injury from this traumatic experience, the car will be unavailable for weeks (possibly months) while it’s being fixed.

And of course, there’s the issue of money for the repairs (which the offending party should pay for ASAP *hopefully*).

But regardless whether you’re the victim or the offending party –  as a car owner – you’ll be on a much, much better position if you have car insurance.

Why?

Let’s start by answering the following question, shall we?

What is Car Insurance?

It’s your financial protection against vehicle-related damages. A car insurance can include the coverage/protection for following:

• Property –  Vehicle damages or theft
• Liability – If you’re the offending party, you are legally required to pay for damages
• Medical – For covering medical-related expenses brought about by car-related accidents (may also include funeral/wage-lost expenses)

Why is it important?

Let’s go back to our scenario earlier (truck hits car).

If the truck has insurance, the owner can simply contact the insurer and have them take care of  paying the damages to the other party. This is called Third Party Liability Insurance.

So instead of paying the expenses out of his own pocket (truck owner), the insurance will pay for the damages inflicted.

Imagine having no insurance in that situation and it was concluded that he has to pay Php 50,000 to the other party.

Aside from the expenses for fixing his truck, he also has to shoulder the Php 50K for damages.

Double whammy indeed.

To quote the jeepney driver earlier – all I can say is, “Saklap niyan, par!”

And that’s why car insurance is important. It’s “protection for your pockets” against car-related damages or accidents.

Also Read: Top Life Insurance Companies & Plans in the Philippines

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Different Types of Car Insurance in the Philippines

There are 5 main types of car and motor insurance in the Philippines. Let’s take a quick look:

1. Comprehensive Coverage

I once made a quick trip to Mercury Drug and found a small dent on my car’s door upon return. And while it pains me to remember that moment, this is one example of damage that a Comprehensive Coverage can pay for.

It covers an array of damages or losses that are not caused by a collision. Damages caused by third parties, vandalism or theft, natural calamities or weather (“Acts of God”) are some examples of what can be covered under this type of insurance.

2. Collision Coverage

A friend shared this following true story. While driving, a taxi from the other lane got too close and clipped his side mirror.

Both of their side mirrors were smashed. Here’s the kicker: both of them drove off straight as if nothing happened!

“Anu yun pre, duelo?!” I asked as I laughed. Talk about modern day Jousting. Anyhoo, I got reminded of that story since it can be categorized as a type of collision.

Accidents wherein your car incurs damages caused by contact with another vehicle is covered by this one.

3. Liability Insurance

Remember our truck owner earlier? This is the type of insurance he hopefully has.

If you are responsible in a car accident, Liability Insurance covers both payment for car repairs and medical bills to the inconvenienced parties.

4. Personal Injury Protection

Sh*t happens. Sometimes, no matter how much of a defensive driver you are, unfortunate events occur when you’re driving. Should you get injured, Personal Injury insurance will help cover the medical bills.

It may also include protection against non-medical related damages like lost wages and rehabilitation costs.

5. Medical Coverage

Similar to Personal Injury protection but more focused on providing medical coverage brought about by car injury regardless if caused by the policyholder or third party.

6. Acts of God Coverage

“AOG” or “Acts of Nature” is a type of vehicle insurance policy that covers and pays for car damages caused by natural catastrophes (such as earthquakes, typhoons/floods, animal contact, fire & explosion, falling objects).

Related: Type of Insurance Products in the Philippines

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What does Car Insurance cover?

Here are some of the most popular packages and terms you’ll encounter on the topic of car insurance.

1. Comprehensive Car Insurance

Protection from damages not caused by a collision.

Below are some of the benefits that a comprehensive car insurance can cover:

• Third-Party Liability Insurance (bodily injury and/or property damage) – up to P1,000,000
• Theft (based on the vehicle’s fair market value)
• Own damage (based on the vehicle’s fair market value)
• Damage due to riots, strikes, or civil commotion
• Passenger Personal Accident (up to 18 seats coverage)
• Towing service assistance and vehicle removal
• Ambulance service
• Legal assistance
• 24/7 assistance – including locksmith service, fuel delivery, battery jumpstarting, and tire replacement
• Stay & travel coverage due to breakdown of vehicle

2. Third Party Liability Insurance (CTPL)

Or also known as Compulsory Third Party Liability Insurance/Property Damage/Voluntary Third-Party Liability-property Damage – which is mandated by the LTO (Land Transportation Office) for vehicle registration and renewal.

The term “third party” refers to the other person involved in the accident whose vehicle the policyholder have impaired or damaged.

If you’re the policy holder and at fault, TLP insurance will cover the expenses for the inconvenienced party.

3. First Party Insurance

If you’re the policyholder, this refers to you (First party). Damages to your car will be covered by this insurance.

4. Add-on Coverages for Comprehensive Car Insurance Excess Bodily Injury

Any additional type of insurance you wish to include in your main Comprehensive Insurance that covers Excess Bodily Injury.

5. Voluntary Third Party Liability (VTPL) – Bodily Injury

This is used to cover for injuries caused to third parties.

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Pros and Cons of Car Insurance: Is it for you?

As with any financial decision, there are Pros and Cons.

Let’s take a look at the good and bad sides of having an auto insurance.

Pros of Having a Car Insurance:

• Financial protection against all sorts of auto-related damages/accidents (depends on the coverage)
• Peace of mind that you’ll have the funds to cover any unexpected damages
• Saves you money – Paying from your own pockets can be a whole lot more expensive (if the damage is great) versus paying a premium.
• Saves you time and effort – Imagine dealing with the finances and paperwork yourself (say you are the offending party) versus having your insurer take care of the bulk of the work
• Peace of mind knowing that your car has protection against theft and damages and natural calamities

Cons of Having a Car Insurance:

• You will have to pay for it – Like any other type of insurance, you need to pay the premium
• Deductibles – Fees that you need to pay before the insurer can begin paying for coverage for your policy
• Your current insurance might not include coverage for other types of damages
• It’s possible you will not utilize it at all (which is a good thing, if you think about it)

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How much does Car Insurance in the Philippines cost?

In our country, getting a Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) is mandatory upon registering a vehicle. Let’s take a look at the current rates of this most basic type of vehicle insurance.

One-Year Coverage for CTPL

Vehicle Type	CTPL Rate
Private cars	560
Motorcycles, Tricycles, Trailers	250
Taxis, PUJs, and Mini Buses	1,100
Light to Medium Trucks	610
Heavy Trucks and Private Buses	1,200
ACs and Tourists Cars	740
PUBs and Tourist Buses	1450

Source: Insurance Commission

If you wish to go beyond the basic CTPL coverage, a Comprehensive Car Insurance package might be the one you need.

On average (for entry-level to medium-priced cars), expect to pay anywhere between 12,000 to 20,000 pesos (or higher) annually. Rates will vary depending on the model and make of the car so expect to shell out more for bigger (and more expensive) vehicles.

Optional Add-ons

• Roadside Assistance
• Legal Assistance
• Loss of Use

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Top 10 Car Insurance Companies in the Philippines

There are dozens of auto insurance companies to choose from. We’re listing down the top 10 car insurance providers in the Philippines based on Gross and Net Insurance Premiums written (in 2022).

*Premiums written refers to the amount of premiums a customer is required to pay for the insurance written during the accounting period

Insurance Company	Net Premiums Written
Prudential Guarantee & Assurance, Inc.	5,729,540,389
Malayan Insurance Company Inc.	4,504,541,567
Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corporation	3,465,885,734
BPI/MS lnsurance Corporation	2,515,625,354
Mercantile Insurance Company, Inc	2,507,856,508
Commonwealth Insurance Company	2,213,728,933
Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc.	2,203,880,211
Charter Ping An Ins. Corp	2,059,346,891
Standard Insurance Company Inc.	1,949,131,801
FPG Insurance Co., Inc.	1,209,560,613

Source (subject to updates): Insurance.gov.ph (as of December 31, 2022)
*Amounts are in PHP peso

With a multitude of names popping up when you Google for them online, which insurance companies are the most popular? What types of vehicle insurance packages do they offer?

To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top insurance companies to date along with the products and services that they provide. (Note: Please check each insurance provider’s website for full details of packages.)

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1. Prudential Guarantee

Car insurance premium cost starts at: P9,000+/year

Prudential Guarantee was founded by the late Robert Coyiuto. With 39 offices in major cities and provinces in the country, Prudential Guarantee handles over 630,000 clients.

Over the years, it has provided people with affordable protection and responsive insurance programs.

Below are some of the auto insurance services offered by Prudential Guarantee:

• Own Damage
• Compulsory Third Party Liability
• Excess Bodily Injury
• Third Party Property Damage
• Comprehensive Auto Insurance 

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2. Malayan Insurance Company, Inc.

Comprehensive car insurance premium starts at: P11,000+/year

Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. used to be known as China Insurance and Surety Company.

It was founded in 1930 and is has its roots in the city of Manila. It operates as a subsidiary under the Yuchengco Group of companies.

Here are some of the auto insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Own Damage
• Third Party Liability Cover
• Personal Accident Cover
• Loss of Use Cover
• Acts of God Protection
• Riots, Strikes, & Civil Commotion Coverage
• Standard Automobile Accessories Protection

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3. Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corporation

Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corporation was established in 1954. Earlier in the decade, they were among the top insurance companies in terms of total assets and gross premiums written.

Here are some of the motor insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL)
• Own Damage and Theft
• Excess Third Party Liability – Bodily Injury/Death
• Excess Third Party Liability – Property Damage
• Acts of Nature Cover (AON)
• Accident Insurance for Passengers
• Loss of Use
• Personal Effects

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4. BPI/MS Insurance Corporation

BPI/MS Insurance Corporation is a subsidiary under the management of the Bank of the Philippine Islands. They specialize in underwriting for accident and health insurance.

Here are some of the motor insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL)
• Voluntary Third Party Liability-Bodily Injury (VTPL-BI)
• Accidental Collision
• Theft
• Fire, Explosion, Lightning and Self-Ignition and Malicious Damage
• FREE Express Roadside Assistance

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5. Mercantile Insurance Company

Comprehensive car insurance premium starts at: P9,000+/year

Since 1962, Mercantile Insurance has been providing great services to different regions of the Philippines. A subsidiary of Camerton Holdings, this company offers a comprehensive Motor Car Insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected and secure because you’ll never know what will happen in the future.

Its coverage includes everything from usage, ownership, and maintenance. This makes it an amazing option for everyday automobiles, and even motorcycles, scooters, motorhomes, trailers, road building equipment, buses, and more.

This insurance covers the following:

• Own damage
• Theft
• Excess bodily injury
• Property damage
• Auto passenger personal accident insurance
• Acts of nature

Value–added services:

• Auto-assistance Program
• Teleconsultation
• Emergency access via the app (fire, police, roadside, ambulance)

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6. Commonwealth Insurance Company (CIC)

Premium motor insurance cost starts at: P16,300+/year

Commonwealth Insurance Company (CIC) was founded in 1935 by Don Andres Soriano, the man who founded San Miguel Brewery.

Here are some of the motor car insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Carnapping
• Acts of Nature
• Own Damage
• Bodily Injury
• Personal Accident
• Property Damage
• Third Party Liability

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7. Stronghold Insurance Company

Comprehensive car insurance premium starts at: P8,000+/year

This is another great motor car insurance option. Since your car is one of your most expensive possessions, you must protect it.

The goal of this insurance by Stronghold is to give you peace of mind in case unforeseen events happen. This way, you won’t need to cover for the expenses out of your pocket. 

Its coverage includes:

• Theft
• Physical damage sustained by your vehicle due to traffic accident
• Physical damage sustained by your vehicle due to malicious damage by third property

You can also extend your coverage to include:

• Legal liability against accident to third party arising out of the use of your vehicle resulting to bodily injury/death or property damage

Request for a quote here.

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8. Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation (AXA)

Car Insurance cost starts at: P12,000+/year

This insurance company is a subsidiary of Philippines AXA Life Insurance Corporation. They provide non-life insurance services which includes: fire, motor car, personal accident, marine, bonds casualty, and engineering insurance products.

Here are some of the auto security & insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL)
• Acts of Nature
• Unnamed Passenger Personal Accident (UPPA)
• Overturning and malicious damage
• Excess Bodily Injury
• Property Damage
• Accidental collision
• Fire and explosion,
• Theft

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9. Standard Insurance Company Inc.

Premium car insurance cost starts at: P10,000+/year

Standard Insurance Co. Inc. operates as a non-life insurance company in the Philippines. It offers motorcar, cellphone, property, marine, accident, and comprehensive general liability insurance services.

Here are some of the motor insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL)
• Voluntary Third Party Liability (VTPL) / Excess Bodily Injury (EBI)
• Third Party Property Damage (TPPD)
• Own Damage (OD)
• Acts of Nature Coverage
• Loss of Use Cover
• Theft
• Add-On Coverages: Free Personal Accident Insurance Rider (PA Rider), Free Personal Accident Insurance for the Named Insured, Roadside Assistance Program (RAP)

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10. FPG Insurance Co., Inc. (Federal Phoenix)

Premium car insurance cost starts at: P10,000+/year

Federal Phoenix Assurance Company, Inc. was founded in 1958. Federal Phoenix Assurance Company, Inc. operates under the management (subsidiary) of Zuellig Group.

Here are some of the motor insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Own Damage
• Theft
• Compulsory Third Party Liability Cover
• Voluntary Third Party Liability – Bodily Injury and Property Damage
• Acts of Nature
• Accidental Death and Disablement benefits for the driver and passengers
• Coverage for burial expenses
• Actual In/Out-Patient medical expenses as a result of accident
• Roadside Assistance
• Additional protection in the event of surgical treatment caused by a covered accident

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Bonus: MAPFRE Insular Insurance Corporation

Car insurance premium cost starts at: P11,000+/year

Note: MAPFRE Insular was ranked #9 on our list from 2020 – 2021

Mapfre Asian Insurance, the company used to be known as Provident Insurance Corporation.  It was founded in 1934 and its main headquarter is located in Muntinlupa. It operates as a subsidiary of Corporacion Mapfre SA (based in Europe).

Here are some of the car insurance services they offer (note: some are available as options only)

• Compulsory Third Party Insurance
• CTPL with Road Assistance
• Auto Liability Insurance
• Comprehensive Car Insurance
• Comprehensive Car Insurance with Acts of Nature

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How to Apply for a Car Insurance in the Philippines

Once you’ve decided on an insurance company, you either visit the nearest branch or connect with them by phone or online to ask for the requirements.

Here are the 4 main requirements for applying for a car insurance

• Driver’s license
• Car’s Original Receipt
• Car’s Certificate of Registration
• Additional Government I.D

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10 Steps for Getting the Best Car Insurance

A car insurance is a significant and worthwhile financial investment. You have to do your due diligence in choosing and managing it carefully.

Here are the top 10 tips for securing the best car insurance in the Philippines.

1. Decide on the type of Car Insurance Coverage You Need

The first step is to decide which type of coverage to get. Depending on the level of protection you want, you can either get the most comprehensive or the most basic. Or you can go custom and pick a basic package with add-ons squeezed in.

2. Do some research

We all have that one friend or family member who is an absolute car guy/gal. Aside from

keeping their cars in pristine condition, they also know the best insurance packages to

get.

Even better, do some thorough research online and make comparisons. Sites like iMoney PH, MoneyMax.PH, or eCompareMo can help.

Another good idea are Facebook Groups for your specific car model. Since they have the same car, you can ask around for real-life quotes and advice on which ones to get. Most folks here are helpful, they will even connect you with the actual rep they got their insurance from.

3. Prepare a list of questions you have about the insurance package

Study the offering on the insurer’s website. Does it match what you’re looking for? Finer details probably won’t be covered on the site so it’s a good idea to prepare a list of your top concerns.

Do this before setting up the meeting.

4. Contact the insurer you selected (then throw all questions you prepared)

That way, the stuff that concerns you most about the whole deal can get addressed right away.

And if doesn’t match your expectations, at least you can still change it to something more appropriate. Or switch insurers completely if needed.

5. Read your policy 10 times

Fine prints are always a pain to understand. All the legalese in there might look intimidating but do your best to decipher it. Differential calculus will always be harder (from my experience).

Put a bit of time and effort to fully understand the contract.

It will help you know what is included or not. Saves a lot of headaches in the future should you need to make the claim.

Pro tip: Look for the following terms on the contract – “Collision” and “Personal Injury” coverage, “Insuring Agreement, “Limit of Liability,” “Payment for Loss,” “Damages We (the insurance company) Will Pay For,” and “Determining Amount of Loss.”

6. Ask about discounts

I read somewhere once that the most successful people in the business ask for discounts. Why? Is it because they’re cheap? No, it’s because they see it as an exercise in persuasion. And boy are they good at it. Lesson: It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Two weeks ago, I saw a tiny Lightning McQueen toy in a bazaar in Centris and asked the seller how much. It was for my kid. “150 po”, she said.

With a Close-Up confidence smile I said, “120 na lang ate.. oh eto sakto pala (showed her the 100 and 20 peso bill on my pocket)”. With a bit of hesitation she said, “Sir naman oh.. sige na nga”.

To celebrate my negotiating triumph, I bought a 30-peso gulaman. (man I’m cheap).

On a more serious note, things like low annual mileage, having anti-theft and security devices, insuring multiple vehicles, no accident or violations on record, are valid points that an insurer considers when calculating the final quote.

If your car have these, it can be a source of leverage for asking a discount. And if it doesn’t? Well, it didn’t hurt to ask.

7. Throw away extra coverages/add-ons you don’t need

If you feel some add-ons in your package are unnecessary, ask the insurer if it can be removed. If not, shop for a more basic package then squeeze add-ons as you see fit (if it will turn out to be cheaper, that is).

The extra money you save can go to paying off a higher deductible (see below).

8. Ask if raising your insurance deductible will reduce the premium

Quite often, a higher deductible (regular payments) will yield a cheaper overall premium price. If the insurer offers this, consider it. Every tiny bit of savings helps.

9. Ask if paying the premium in full will yield a cheaper total price

If you have the funds to spend, you should ask for this option. After all, why not simply pay for it on one go if you have the cash anyway? Saves you money, time, and effort (versus managing premiums monthly/quarterly).

10. Avoid gaps in your auto-insurance coverage

A lapse on your insurance (you didn’t get coverage for a few years) can be costly when you’re finally ready to renew it. Insurers will point out this gap and could result to a higher premium for your new insurance.

Related: Car Loans: How to Get Approved Fast in the Philippines

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Common Mistakes when Getting Car Insurance

1. Always going for the cheapest option

Insurance is one of those products that you only really get to use when the unfortunate event happens. It’s not like a physical product that you can hold and use everyday.

This is probably why most car owners tend to go for the cheapest insurance option. It always seems like an unnecessary expense (since we can’t use it right away).

So we buy the cheapest plan then justify it to ourselves by saying “At least may insurance”.

It’s only until an actual car mishap occurs (knock on wood), that we realize what we’ve been paying can’t cover for the expenses.

When this happens, you end up paying more. Which brings me to the next bullet.

2. Not understanding the fine print

Fine prints are your friend. It’s a legal document that shows you exactly what you’re signing up for. So don’t treat it like a piece of document that belongs in your car’s compartment.

Let’s face it. Sometimes, there are auto insurance reps out there who’ll say anything just to get you to sign on the dotted line. Protect yourself from sales talk.

Do your due diligence and understand the exact details of the contract. Or have someone more apt do it then have them explain it to you.

The bottom line is to ensure all your expectations are met and you won’t be left hanging when you need to make the claim.

3. Not shopping around for more choices

Whenever we’re shopping, we like having choices. After all, one shop might offer the same product at a lower price (this happens a lot). Also, it gives you more choices to select from.

Not all insurance coverage are created equal. By checking all potential options, you’re exposing yourself to better deals. Example, before I signed up with my current internet provider,

I made sure I checked what others had to offer. Helped me in determining the right package for me.

4. Not considering additional coverage

Our country goes through an onslaught of about 20 typhoons a year. If you’re a car owner, you know it makes sense to get protection from its effects.

Additional coverage may include protection from Acts of Nature like typhoons, fire and external explosion coverage, as well as roadside assistance (very helpful).

5. Not asking for a discount

If my 30-peso discount earlier was not enough to convince you, how about a few extra thousands pesos? As mentioned above, having a good driving record and car safety features may help in getting a discount.

All you need to do is ask. Sometimes, as you shop around, discounts may get offered to entice you.

You can use it as leverage when you look around. “Hey, this other insurance company told me they can give me his X discount. Do you offer the same?”

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Filing & How to Claim your Car Insurance

At the scene of the incident

• Contact the police
• Stay calm and make sure the area is safe before you alight the vehicle
• Setup your Early Warning Device if possible
• Call your insurance company ASAP
• Exchange contact information with the other party
• Take photos
• Get a copy of the police report
• Don’t approve or accept anything in the scene of the incident

List of documents that your insurance company will ask for

• Completed claim form
• Photos from the incident. Try to include as much details as possible.
• Police report
• Accredited repair shop’s estimate for repairs
• Copy of driver’s license and its receipt
• Copy of Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal (MVRR) Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration.

Upon submission of documents, the insurer will provide the Letter of Authorization (LoA).

Present this to the accredited repair shop so restoration of the car can commence.

Wrapping it all up

We hope that you found this guide useful, as auto-insurance is something that usually gets taken for granted in our country. At the end of the day, it’s really just all about protecting your precious investment (your car).

If you have any tips or suggestions that other readers will find useful, please let us know in the comment section below!

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