Summary: Japan’s compulsory car insurance (jibaiseki, 自賠責保険) became more expensive on 1 November 2026. Premiums rise by 6.2% on average across all vehicle types. For the 24-month policy most people buy at a shaken (car inspection), a private car goes from ¥17,650 to ¥18,560 (+¥910) and a kei car from ¥17,540 to ¥18,660 (+¥1,120). The new prices apply to policies that start on or after 1 November. If your current policy started on or before 31 October, nothing changes until you renew. You do not need to apply for anything.
The figures come from papers of the Financial Services Agency’s Jibaiseki Insurance Council (April 2026). The start rule was checked against JAF Mate, the Japan Automobile Federation’s magazine.
What is jibaiseki?
- Every car, motorcycle and moped in Japan must have jibaiseki. It covers injury or death caused to other people. It does not cover damage to cars or property. For that you need voluntary insurance (nin’i hoken).
- The price is set nationally, so it is the same at every insurance company.
Why it is going up
- The FSA council decided on an average 6.2% increase from November 2026.
- Accidents are still falling, but more slowly. Meanwhile the average payout per claim is rising, partly because of higher medical costs. The reserve fund behind the premiums fell from about ¥724 billion (end of FY2022) to about ¥521.5 billion (end of FY2025).
- Running costs and agent commissions have also gone up with wages and prices.
How much more you will pay
Prices for mainland Japan, excluding Okinawa and remote islands.
| Vehicle | Term | Before | From 1 Nov | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car | 24 months | ¥17,650 | ¥18,560 | +¥910 |
| Private car | 12 months | ¥11,500 | ¥12,250 | +¥750 |
| Kei car | 24 months | ¥17,540 | ¥18,660 | +¥1,120 |
| Kei car | 12 months | ¥11,440 | ¥12,300 | +¥860 |
| Motorcycle over 250cc | 24 months | ¥8,760 | ¥9,640 | +¥880 |
| Motorcycle 126–250cc | 12 months | ¥7,100 | ¥7,800 | +¥700 |
| Moped up to 125cc | 12 months | ¥6,910 | ¥7,730 | +¥820 |
Mopeds and motorcycles rise by roughly 10–13%, more than cars. JAF Mate lists the 25-month price for a private car (often used at shaken) as ¥19,070.
Does it affect me now?
- What matters is the day your policy starts, not the day you paid. If you arranged it in October but it starts on or after 1 November, you pay the new price.
- Policies that started on or before 31 October keep the old price. You will not be asked to pay the difference.
- For most car owners the increase shows up at the next shaken. For mopeds and 126–250cc motorcycles (no shaken), it shows up at the next renewal.
What you can do
- Check the end date on your jibaiseki certificate. Moped and 126–250cc motorcycle owners must renew it themselves before it runs out.
- Read the “legal fees” line in a shaken quote. This line covers jibaiseki, weight tax and stamp fees, and it is the same at every garage. Only the jibaiseki part has gone up. Our guide Car Inspection (Shaken) in Japan: Timing, Documents, Costs for Foreigners explains the full cost.
- Voluntary insurance is separate. This change is only for jibaiseki. Each company sets its own voluntary insurance prices.
FAQ
Q. Will I get a bill for the difference on my current policy?
A. No. Policies that started on or before 31 October keep the old price.
Q. Is it cheaper at another insurer?
A. No. Jibaiseki costs the same everywhere.
Q. I live in Okinawa or on a remote island.
A. Different price tables apply there. The table above is for the rest of Japan.
Related reading
- Food prices in Japan, November 2026: 1,477 items go up
- Electricity prices in Japan rise from 1 November 2026
