In Japan, every car owner must be insured in accordance with the Japanese law (compulsory insurance). You are recommended to insure yourself further for more indemnity. You can take out an optional insurance at any private insurance company.
Compulsory Insurance (jidousha songai baisho sekinin hoken or jibaiseki hoken) is government-mandated, third-party automobile liability insurance. This insurance provides basic injury coverage for all mopeds, motorized bikes, and cars. Owners of vehicles under 250cc (motorized bikes and light 2-wheeled vehicles), which are not required to undergo the required motor vehicle safety inspections, need to make sure that their insurance policy hasn't expired.
See http://www.jibai.jp (in Japanese)
This insurance provides an allowance to subscribers who are hospitalized and/or killed due to a traffic accident. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are eligible, but payments are only for people involved in traffic accidents involving cars. Registered residents of Tsukuba may apply for this insurance after Feb 1 at the Public Safety Division at the Sakura Branch Office or at the main counter at other branches. Residents with an address within the city, including non-Japanese residents, are eligible to apply.
Coverage: Apr 1, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007. Insurance payouts are issued in the event of the policy holder’s death, suffers a physical disability, or when injuries require hospital treatment (amount paid is adjusted according to length of hospitalization) which have occurred on the road while operating a car, motorcycle, or bicycle here in Japan. If the policy holder is found to have caused the accident intentionally, was found to have been driving without a license, or driving while intoxicated, he/she will not be eligible for compensation. Gift amounts range from 1,000,000 yen for Fatality, 20,000 yen to 300,000 yen for Injuries Requiring Hospitalization, 500,000 yen for Physical Disability (Level 1 or 2). Various terms and conditions apply. Premiums: Adults, 900 yen; Children of Jr. High age and below, 500 yen
NOTE: This program is NOT intended to be a substitute for Nin-i Hoken or Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance sold by the insurance industry.
Contact: Public Safety Division
Topics: Transportation
Relevant for: Newcomers, Residents
Please note: While all efforts have been made to offer accurate and up-to-date information on this site, the information is presented as a guideline and is subject to change without notification. Phone numbers, addresses, and/or policies may have changed since this page was created. Please contact the appropriate section of the City Hall for confirmation of information and city policies.