PCK-Can a subsidence accident be covered by insurance?

Can a subsidence accident be covered by insurance?

Recent Incidents of Road Subsidence and Sinkholes in Thailand

In recent years, Thailand has experienced several incidents of road and ground subsidence, including large sinkholes in Bangkok — such as the event that occurred near Samsen Road, close to a hospital and police station. Reports indicated that several vehicles were “swallowed” or damaged as the ground suddenly gave way.

This raises an important question: if your car happens to be parked or trapped in an area affected by subsidence, can you claim car insurance coverage?
The answer depends on several factors — including the type of insurance policy, coverage conditions, and the determination of the cause.

⚙️ Causes of Ground Subsidence and Sinkholes

To better understand how these incidents occur — and how they relate to insurance claims — here are the key contributing factors:

  • Underground water flow or erosion — Caused by damaged drainage systems, canals, or underground water channels.
  • Construction or underground excavation — Tunnel or sewage system projects that destabilize the soil layers.
  • Excessive groundwater extraction — Reduces soil support and causes gradual collapse.
  • Slow soil subsidence (subsidence accumulation) — Weak soil layers compact over time, and sudden triggers like heavy rain or vibrations can cause immediate collapse.
  • Other factors — Such as earthquakes or soil cave-ins.

When subsidence occurs, the ground or road surface may collapse, causing parked vehicles to fall in or sustain structural damage from the shifting ground.

🚗 Car Insurance Coverage for Subsidence, Collapse, or Sinkhole Incidents

1. Types of Coverage That Usually Apply

Typically, First-Class (Type 1) car insurance provides protection against natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and building collapses.
In some cases, Type 2+ or 3+ insurance may also include extended natural disaster coverage, depending on the company and policy.

According to the Thai General Insurance Association, damages caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes can be covered under Type 1, 2+, or 3+ policies — if the natural disaster coverage extension is included in the policy.

2. Limitations and Conditions

Even with natural disaster coverage, there may be conditions such as:

  • The policy must explicitly list natural disasters, earthquakes, ground movement, or subsidence under covered perils.
  • Exclusions may apply — for instance, if the subsidence is caused by the insured’s own construction or long-term deterioration.
  • A deductible may apply before the claim is paid.
  • The insurer may investigate to confirm that the cause was indeed a natural disaster; if negligence is found, the claim may be denied.

3. Road Collapse or Sinkhole — Can You Claim?

Generally, if a road subsides or a vehicle falls into a sinkhole, and the driver holds a Type 1 policy, the claim can be processed because it’s considered a no-third-party incident (no other vehicle involved).
However, Type 2+, 3+, 2, or 3 policies usually do not cover this situation unless the plan includes natural disaster coverage.

🧾 Steps to Take if Your Car Is Damaged by Subsidence or Collapse

  1. Take photos and record the event — Document the subsidence site, your vehicle’s position, and visible damages.
  2. Note the exact location — Record GPS coordinates or nearby landmarks.
  3. Notify your insurer immediately — Report the incident with full details.
  4. Wait for inspection — The insurer will send an assessor to evaluate the damage.
  5. Prepare required documents — Policy copy, car registration, ID, photos, and event report.
  6. Repair and claim approval — The insurer will estimate the cost and authorize repairs.
  7. Follow up on claim progress — Coordinate until the process is complete.

A recent insurance article titled “5 Steps to Claim Car Insurance for Road Subsidence or Sinkhole Damage” confirms that Type 1 insurance is the category that typically accepts such claims.

🕳️ Example Case: “Sinkhole Swallows Cars” — Latest Incident

On September 24, 2025, a large sinkhole occurred on Samsen Road, Bangkok, near a hospital and police station. The hole was approximately 30 meters wide and 50 meters deep, and several cars were reported to have been “swallowed” by the ground.

This incident highlights the real-world risk that can occur to vehicles parked in unstable ground areas.

If the affected vehicle owner holds a policy that covers natural disasters and can prove that the incident resulted from ground subsidence (not personal negligence), the insurer is likely to approve the claim.

✅ Recommendations for Car Owners

  • When choosing a policy, verify that natural disasters, earthquakes, and subsidence are included in the coverage.
  • If not, consider adding a rider or upgrading to a broader policy type.
  • Always keep photo or video evidence if an incident occurs.
  • Read policy exclusions carefully to understand when claims may be denied.
  • In case of an incident, contact your insurer immediately — don’t delay reporting.

📲 Learn more: https://www.pckbroker.com/insurance/car-insurance/
📞 02 9316040-2 (Official)
☎️ 081-497-2130 | 081-846-6299 | 061-146-5199

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