JapanCoverage limits of compulsory insurance?
Compulsory automobile liability insurance (Jibaiseki Hoken) in Japan covers up to ¥120 million per person for bodily injury and ¥30 million per accident for property damage.
What the Law Says
The Automobile Liability Security Act sets mandatory minimum coverage amounts for all motor vehicles operated on public roads in Japan.
All vehicle owners in Japan must carry compulsory automobile liability insurance (Jibaiseki Hoken) before operating a vehicle on public roads. This insurance is administered by private insurers under strict government oversight.
The law specifies fixed maximum compensation amounts that the insurer must pay to victims — not optional limits chosen by the policyholder. These are statutory caps, not negotiated coverage levels.
Coverage applies only to third-party bodily injury and property damage caused by the insured vehicle. It does not cover the driver’s own injuries, vehicle repairs, or non-physical losses like lost wages beyond the statutory cap.
Statutory TextThe amount of compensation for bodily injury shall not exceed one hundred and twenty million yen per person.
— Automobile Liability Security Act, s. 5 — Compensation Limit
Statutory TextThe amount of compensation for property damage shall not exceed thirty million yen per accident.
— Automobile Liability Security Act, s. 5 — Compensation Limit
What to Do
Confirm your vehicle has valid Jibaiseki Hoken before registration or renewal.
Carry the official insurance certificate (Hoken Shōmeisho) in your vehicle at all times.
Report accidents to your insurer immediately — claims must be filed within 3 years from the date of incident.
If injured or damaged by another driver, file a claim directly with their compulsory insurer using their certificate details.
Sources
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US FederalNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.