If you’ve ever bought car insurance—or you’re thinking about buying it—just sticking that insurance sticker on your windshield is not enough. What really matters is knowing what your insurance actually covers. Many people assume they’re fully protected, only to realize too late that their cover doesn’t help when they most need it.
Whether you drive a Probox, a small car, or a high-end Prado, understanding your insurance policy is crucial. It can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and serious stress in the event of an accident.
Below is everything you need to understand about car insurance in Kenya—what it really means to be insured, and how to make sure you’re truly protected.
What Is Motor Vehicle Insurance?
In Kenya, motor vehicle insurance is required by law. According to the Insurance (Motor Vehicle Third Party Risks) Act, every car that uses public roads must be insured for third-party risks.
When you buy an insurance policy, the money you pay is called a premium. This premium goes into a collective pool along with payments from other vehicle owners. The insurance company uses money from this pool to pay out claims whenever a covered incident occurs.
But not every insurance covers the same risks, and that’s where many people go wrong.
Main Types of Motor Insurance in Kenya
1. Third Party Only (TPO)
This is the most basic and affordable type of insurance. It only covers injuries or damage caused to other people, their vehicles, or their property if you’re involved in an accident.
However, it does not cover your own car at all—even if it’s completely destroyed.
2. Third Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT)
This is a slightly better option than TPO. In addition to covering third-party injuries or damages, it also covers your car if it gets stolen or damaged by fire.
Still, like TPO, it doesn’t cover your vehicle for accidental damage—even if someone else is at fault.
3. Comprehensive Cover
This is the most complete and most expensive type of car insurance. It covers:
- Third-party injuries and damages
- Theft of your vehicle
- Fire damage
- Accidental damage to your own car—even if you’re the one who caused the accident
For car owners who want peace of mind, comprehensive cover is the best choice, especially if your car is expensive or new.
What’s Usually Not Covered (Unless You Request It)
Even with a comprehensive policy, there are several important things that aren’t automatically included. You’ll need to request them as add-ons and pay an extra premium to be covered.
These include:
- Political violence or riots
- Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or storms
- Damage to tyres, rims, and windscreens
- Driving your car outside Kenya, like in Tanzania or Uganda
If these are important to you—and they should be—you need to talk to your insurer and ensure they’re added to your policy.
What Is an ‘Excess’?
An excess is the amount of money you’ll be required to pay out of your own pocket before your insurer pays the rest of your claim.
For example:
- If your repair bill is Ksh100,000
- And your excess is Ksh20,000
- Then you’ll pay the first Ksh20,000, and your insurance will cover the remaining Ksh80,000
Always check the amount of excess in your policy. Some insurers set a high excess to lower your premium, but this could surprise you when making a claim.
When Is a Car Considered a Write-Off?
Your car will be declared a write-off or total loss if:
- It is damaged beyond repair
- Or the cost of repairs is more than a certain percentage (usually 50%–75%) of the car’s market value
If that happens, the insurer will pay you based on the current market value of your car—after subtracting depreciation. Don’t expect to receive the same amount you bought the car for.
How the Claims Process Works
To successfully claim from your insurer, you must follow the correct process. Delays or mistakes can lead to denial of your claim.
Here’s what you should do:
- Report the incident to your insurer within 24 hours
- Get a police abstract from the nearest police station
- Take your car to an insurance-approved garage for assessment
- Fill in a claims form and submit all the required documents
- Pay your excess, if applicable
Any delay in reporting or missing steps could cause your claim to be delayed—or even rejected altogether.
How to Choose the Right Policy
Buying the cheapest insurance is not always the smartest decision. Here are a few important things to consider:
- Check customer reviews and see how fast the company processes claims
- Find out if they have approved garages near you—some insurers only work with specific garages
- Ask if they offer 24/7 services, like roadside assistance and towing
- Compare prices with the level of coverage being offered
A policy that seems cheap might cost you more in the long run if it doesn’t give you the protection you need.
Final Thoughts
The reality is that many people in Kenya are driving around thinking they are fully covered, only to discover later that their insurance doesn’t help when it really matters. Knowing your insurance policy inside and out is just as important as making sure your premiums are paid on time.
Take time to ask your insurer questions. Ask for written explanations. And don’t just assume—confirm what you’re actually paying for. The goal is not just to obey the law, but to protect yourself financially in case the unexpected happens.
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