Guides & Tips
Car Insurance Philippines: CTPL vs Comprehensive
By Richard Cuagdan, Mitsubishi Sales Executive ·
Quick answer: Car insurance in the Philippines comes in two main types. CTPL (compulsory third-party liability) is required for LTO registration and covers injury or death of third parties. Comprehensive insurance covers your own car against accidents, theft and more, plus extra third-party coverage. Acts of nature (flood, typhoon) is often an add-on. The all-in package includes TPL and 1-year comprehensive with the rate locked for 3 years.
"Insured naman 'yan, di ba?" Many owners only learn what their insurance covers on the day they need to claim. Let's fix that now, in plain English.
CTPL: the one the law requires
Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) is required to register your vehicle with the LTO. It covers death or bodily injury to third parties caused by your vehicle. It does not cover damage to your own car or to other people's property.
Comprehensive: protection for your own car
Comprehensive insurance (often called "comprehensive" or "own damage and theft") typically covers:
- Own damage: repairs to your car after a collision or accident
- Theft: loss of the car, and in some policies, parts
- Third-party property damage: damage you cause to other cars or property
- Excess bodily injury: third-party injury coverage beyond CTPL
- Auto personal accident: for you and your passengers, depending on the policy
Banks typically require comprehensive insurance while your car is financed.
Acts of nature: read this before bagyo season
Flood, typhoon and earthquake damage usually fall under acts of nature (AON), which is often an add-on and not automatic. If you live in a flood-prone area, ask your insurer if your policy has AON. More on weather prep in my El Niño and typhoon car care tips.
What the all-in package includes
- TPL insurance
- 1-year comprehensive insurance, with the rate locked for 3 years
- LTO registration, chattel mortgage, free labor up to 5,000 km and a 3-year warranty
Ask me for the policy details of your exact unit. Here's the full all-in guide.
How to file a claim
Stay safe and document
Hazards on, early warning device out, then take photos of the scene, both cars and plate numbers.
Get a police or incident report
Most insurers ask for one, especially for third-party claims.
Call your insurer right away
Save their claims hotline in your phone on release day.
Submit the documents
Usually the claim form, OR/CR, driver's license, photos and report.
Pay the participation fee
The amount per claim is stated in your policy; the insurer covers the rest of the approved repair.
Related reading
- Car Reservation Fee Philippines: What to Know
- Rainy Season Driving Tips: See, Slow, Space
- New Car Release Checklist: What to Check on Release Day
Your next step
Want a unit with insurance already in the all-in package? Check your budget, then book a test drive in SJDM.
Check what fits my budget Book a Test Drive Call or text 0954 291 1201
Questions muna? Call or text me, Richard, on 0954 291 1201, walang pressure. Richard Cuagdan, Mitsubishi SJDM, serving SJDM, Bulacan and Quezon City; message me for showroom visits and directions. Promo figures are for October 2026 on a 5-year term, all-in, subject to bank approval and change without notice.
Frequently asked questions
Is comprehensive insurance required in the Philippines?
CTPL is required for registration. Comprehensive isn't legally required, but banks typically require it while the car is financed.
Does comprehensive insurance cover floods?
Not always. Flood and typhoon damage usually falls under acts of nature (AON), which is often an add-on. Check your policy.
What is a participation fee?
It's the amount you shoulder per claim before the insurer pays the rest, similar to a deductible. The amount is stated in your policy.
What does 'rate locked for 3 years' mean?
In the all-in package, the 1-year comprehensive insurance rate is locked for 3 years, so your renewal premiums for that period follow the locked rate. Ask me for the details of your unit's package.