Looking for information and advice on Okinawa Car Insurance? We Can Help!
We've put together this website to provide the ultimate guide on what insurance you need in Okinawa and where you can get it.
What Insurance do I Need for Okinawa? What about JCI?
Under Japanese law, the minimum requirement is for JCI which stands for Japanese Compulsory Insurance. This is normally included by the dealer when you buy a car and is usually good for two years until the next road test inspection. You can then renew the insurance with the road test. Although the garage often supplies insurance with the two yearly inspection, you can buy this insurance from any agent, but it is required before registering or receiving an inspection certificate.
JCI only covers a bare minimum legally required to cover death or injury to the other party. Due to the high amounts that can be awarded by Japanese courts in the event of an accident or death, higher coverage is needed.
For military & SOFA status personnel, extra insurance is mandatory.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
This insurance is mandatory for SOFA personnel. This coverage pays amounts in excess of JCI for bodily injury and death of the other party for which you are legally liable. The driver and passengers are also covered by this insurance. The minimum required coverage is ¥30,000,000 IN ADDITION to JCI for SOFA status personnel
Driver/Passenger Coverage
Some companies include this cover for free with Bodily Injury Liability Cover. Check with your company whether it's included. It covers the loss of life or bodily injury of the driver or passengers in the event of an accident NOT involving a third party e.g hitting a telephone pole. Coverage up to ¥14,000,000 per person
Property Damage Liability Insurance
This covers damage to the property of the other party for which you are liable. The minimum required for SOFA Personnel is ¥3,000,000 for each accident but a higher limit of ¥5,000,000 is advisable.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage pays for the loss or damage to your car caused by fire, theft or even an Okinawa typhoon. If you require collision and upset coverage then Collision Coverage should be added to the comprehensive coverage policy.
Rental Car/Medical Payments
Additional coverage can be added to include loss of use of your car to cover the costs of a replacement rental car.
Medical coverage is also available to cover you or your passengers in the event of injury.
why pay for extra insurance?
There is a standard belief that Japan is not a litigious society compared to America or Europe.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
It is common in case of serious injury or death for the injured party or their family to seek huge damages through the courts from the person causing the accident.
Go for the best coverage you can afford and at least the minimum specified by the US Military.
where can i buy insurance
We've reviewed all the insurance companies in Okinawa and we recommend ACE Insurance. Ace are a long established insurer and provide full support in English.
They have several agents in Okinawa who speak English and can assist you with your car insurance needs.
Click Here for a complete English list of Okinawa car insurance agents.
Disclaimer
This is an independent website and the views contained herein are those of Okinawainsurance.com and no other company. We are not agents of nor a website of any insurance company. This website provides information and recommendations only. The final choice is yours!
