Insurance companies don’t always pay the full amount. Is that true? Why can’t you claim 700,000–800,000 baht in damages yourself like a lawyer can?

Do insurance companies really not pay in full? This is a very common question when a car accident results in serious injuries. One of the key doubts victims often have is
“Why is it that when I file a claim with the insurance company myself, I don’t receive as much compensation as when a lawyer handles it?”

Many people may have seen cases where compensation reaches 700,000–1,000,000 baht.
But when they deal with the insurance company on their own, they receive only a portion of that amount, or less than expected.

The truth is, this does not depend on the injury alone. Legal factors, strategy, and the method of making the claim all play a significant role.

Why can’t you get full compensation when claiming directly with an insurance company?

From the experience of lawyers who work directly in the insurance field, it must be said honestly that
for an insurance company to pay a large sum such as 700,000–800,000 baht at the general claims stage is “very unlikely.”

It’s not that it’s completely impossible, but in practice, it is considered “very difficult” if the injured party handles the claim on their own.

The main reasons why victims often receive lower compensation when handling claims on their own

1. Lack of legal understanding
Most victims assume that “serious injury = high compensation.”
However, legally, compensation claims involve many elements, such as:

-Medical evidence

-Continuity of treatment

-Future damages

If these are not properly structured, the value of the damages may be “underestimated.”

2. No planning from the beginning
Claiming compensation from an insurance company is not just about submitting documents. It requires “case structuring” from the start. If the process begins incorrectly, the final outcome is often lower than it should be.

3. Lack of understanding of insurance company strategies
It is important to understand that insurance companies are not responsible for “helping victims,”
but for “paying based on provable damages.”

In practice, insurance companies usually have legal teams ready to deny or handle claims. They deal with cases every day, meaning they have extensive negotiation experience and established approaches. Additionally, they have internal strategies for evaluating compensation.

Therefore, it is quite clear that handling a claim alone makes it difficult to obtain a high level of compensation. If the victim lacks sufficient knowledge, they are more likely to be at a disadvantage.

Key technique Don’t wait until you fully recover before making a claim

One of the “biggest mistakes” victims often make is
waiting until they have fully recovered before claiming compensation.

From the perspective of insurance cases, this means being “at a disadvantage from the very beginning.”

Why shouldn’t you wait?

Insurance companies often tell victims to complete their treatment first and then come back later to claim compensation. The question is can you really do that?

In reality, who do those words truly benefit? The longer you wait to fully recover, the more your injuries improve over time until you reach 100% recovery. In some cases, this may take several months, or even years. When the time finally comes to claim compensation from the insurance company, they may say, “You have fully recovered, so this amount of compensation is sufficient.”

This is considered a common strategy used by insurance companies. It often starts with a denial or delay, in case the victim believes it. If the victim does believe it, they will almost certainly receive less compensation than expected.

Therefore, consulting a lawyer from the very beginning after the accident is a way to increase the chances of receiving higher compensation. Importantly, the lawyer should be someone who understands how insurance companies operate.

“Understanding insurance” is the key.

An important piece of advice is
Do not beg the insurance company to pay,
because the insurance system does not operate on sympathy,
but on “law and evidence.”

What should victims do?

-Gather all documents and evidence completely

-Keep a continuous record of injuries and medical treatment

-Assess both short-term and long-term damages

-Plan the claim process systematically

However, these things are “difficult to do on your own” without legal knowledge. Therefore, it is important to “consult a lawyer from the moment the accident happens.”

Why do you need a lawyer from the beginning?
What many people misunderstand is:
“Only look for a lawyer after a problem arises.”

But in reality, for insurance cases, you should have a lawyer even before any dispute occurs.

This is because insurance companies already have legal teams in place before any incident happens. They have systems and strategies ready, including evaluating damages to be “as low as possible.”

Therefore, if a victim wants “fairness,” they must also have a professional to plan and handle the case in the same way.

Don’t be at a disadvantage with insurance because of a wrong start

Claiming compensation from an insurance company is not about “luck,” but about “strategy.”

If:

– You start off wrong
If you make a mistake from the very beginning like buttoning a shirt incorrectly it can cause the whole situation to spiral out of control.

– You misunderstand
Nowadays, on various social media platforms, there are many lawyers or so-called experts who provide incorrect information. Consuming misleading or inaccurate content may cause victims to misunderstand and take the wrong steps, which may ultimately lead to outcomes that fall short of expectations.

– You have no plan
Whether you handle the claim yourself or follow general advice, if you do not have a proper plan or structured process and no lawyer to shape the case the chances of receiving compensation lower than the actual value are very high.

Consult a lawyer starting today, no need to wait until you have fully recovered.

If you or someone close to you has been in an accident and wants to claim fair compensation from an insurance company, our key advice is:
Do not wait until you are fully recovered. Do not be misled by negotiations that put you at a disadvantage.

Most importantly, you should consult a lawyer from the very beginning, because your rights “must be protected.”

The injuries you have suffered are real damages, and you have the right to receive appropriate compensation.

Don’t let a lack of knowledge cause you to lose the rights you deserve.

Start planning today so you won’t be at a disadvantage with insurance companies in the future. Consult a lawyer click >>Contact Us<<

Does an Insurance Company Have the Right to Choose a Lump-Sum Repair for the Customer’s Car?

The answer is “Yes” But not at the expense of the customer’s rights.

When a car accident happens, many insured drivers feel reassured knowing that their insurance company will handle the repair costs. However, what most policyholders don’t realize is that insurance companies can manage car repairs in several ways. One common practice is “lump-sum repair” or “contracted repair,” where the insurer negotiates a fixed amount with a repair shop. This often leads to dissatisfaction among customers who feel their cars were “not restored to their original condition” or “poorly repaired.”

So, does an insurance company have the right to do this?
Legally, yes, they do but that right must remain within reasonable limits and must not cause harm to the insured party. The goal of repairing the customer’s car should be to restore it to its original condition, not to cut costs for the company’s own benefit.

Understanding “Lump-Sum Repairs” in the Insurance Industry

A “lump-sum repair” means the insurer estimates the total repair cost and agrees on a fixed price with a repair shop or service center often without consulting the customer. For example, if your car sustains 40,000 baht in damages, the company might strike a deal with a garage for that amount, leaving you out of the decision-making process.

While this may sound reasonable from a business perspective  as insurers must control costs in practice, this often leads to cost-cutting repairs rather than quality restoration.

Common problems include:

  • Incomplete or substandard repairs
  • Use of second-hand or non-genuine parts
  • Paintwork that doesn’t match the original
  • Or worst of all recurring issues requiring multiple repair attempts

Even though insurers have the right to choose lump-sum repairs, they do not have the right to infringe upon the customer’s legal rights.

The Customer’s Legal Right: “Restoration to the Original Condition”

Under motor insurance principles, repairs after an accident must restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
 That means your car should be as close as possible to its original state in terms of structure, paint quality, safety, and functionality.

If an insurer’s chosen repair method worsens the car’s condition or reduces its quality, that could amount to a “tortious act.”
 An insurer cannot act in bad faith under the contract to the detriment of the insured.

Legally, even though the insurer is a contracting party, this doesn’t grant them unlimited authority over your vehicle.
Customers are entitled to fair, quality repairs that return their property to its original state. Acting solely for the company’s financial gain is not legally justifiable.

Lawyer Arm’s View: “Yes, They Can  But Not at the Customer’s Expense”

Lawyer Arm explains:

“The insurer may have the right to choose lump-sum repairs, but they have no right to cause the customer further harm.”

The insurer’s right to manage operations is protected by law, but it must be exercised in good faith and responsibility  consistent with Section 420 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, which states:

“A person who, willfully or negligently, unlawfully injures another is bound to make compensation.”

If the insurer’s repair decision leads to further damage such as mismatched paint, reduced performance, or new mechanical issues that could constitute a tort.

Moreover, a car is not just a financial asset it directly relates to safety. Poor-quality repairs may not only devalue the car but could cause further accidents, making the insurer liable under civil or even criminal law.

Why Should You Consult a Lawyer from the Start?

When an accident occurs, and your car needs repair, the first thing you should do is ask for clarity upfront:
 Where will the repair take place? How will it be handled? Can you choose your preferred repair center?

If you let the insurer take full control of the repair without reviewing the terms, you might end up with a poorly repaired vehicle  and the struggle to demand compensation afterward can cost you both time and money.

Consulting a lawyer early ensures that you:

  • Understand your rights under your insurance policy
  • Know your options regarding repair types
  • Can take legal action if the insurer breaches its obligations

The Insurer’s Right Exists But It Must Be Fair

Ultimately, insurers do have the right to manage repairs, including using lump-sum arrangements.
However, that right must never override the customer’s right to fair treatment.
The car must be restored as closely as possible to its original state, not just “patched up” to save the insurer money.

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t wait until problems arise to seek legal advice.
Consult a lawyer immediately. It’s the best way to protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.

WongSakorn Law Office

Our team of experienced insurance and compensation lawyers can help you file and pursue insurance claims properly and effectively ensuring you receive the full amount you deserve and that your car is restored to its original condition without compromise.

Let us “restore your rights” just like restoring your car  properly, and completely.

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