Introduction: Don’t Hit the Road Without Protection
In Kenya, motor insurance is not just a legal requirement—it’s a smart move to protect your finances and peace of mind. Whether you drive a personal car, taxi, or matatu, one accident could cost you hundreds of thousands in repairs, medical bills, or lawsuits.
At Bima Express Insurance Agency, we help drivers make the best insurance decisions with trusted advice and affordable rates from Kenya’s top insurers. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about motor insurance in Kenya, especially the difference between Third Party and Comprehensive Cover.
What Is Motor Insurance?
Motor insurance is a contract between you and an insurer where the insurer promises to cover specific financial losses related to your vehicle in exchange for an annual premium.
Kenyan law (under the Traffic Act Cap 403) requires every vehicle on public roads to have at least Third Party Insurance.
Types of Motor Insurance Covers in Kenya
There are three main types of motor insurance policies:
🚗 1. Third Party Only (TPO) Insurance
This is the minimum legal requirement in Kenya.
What it covers:
-
Bodily injury or death to third parties
-
Property damage to third parties (e.g., if you crash into another person’s car or wall)
What it DOESN’T cover:
-
Damage to your own car
-
Theft of your vehicle
-
Injuries to the driver or passengers in your car
-
Fire or natural disasters
✅ Best for: Older vehicles or if you’re on a tight budget.
🚘 2. Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT)
This is a mid-level cover that includes all benefits of TPO plus:
Additional cover:
-
Loss or damage due to fire
-
Theft or attempted theft of your car
❌ Still does NOT cover accidental damage to your own vehicle.
✅ Best for: Vehicles parked in insecure areas or prone to theft.
🚙 3. Comprehensive Insurance
This is the most complete form of vehicle insurance.
What it covers:
-
All Third Party benefits
-
Accidental damage to your own car
-
Theft and fire
-
Natural disasters (floods, hail, storms)
-
Windscreen damage
-
Riot and strike damage
-
Personal accident cover for driver and passengers (optional)
-
Towing services
✅ Best for: New or high-value vehicles, corporate fleets, or owners who want total peace of mind.
Key Differences Between Third Party and Comprehensive Insurance
Feature | Third Party Only (TPO) | Comprehensive Insurance |
---|---|---|
Third Party Injury & Death | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Third Party Property Damage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Damage to Own Vehicle | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Fire and Theft | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Windscreen and Accessories Cover | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Personal Accident Cover | ❌ No | ✅ Optional |
Premium Cost | 💸 Lowest | 💸💸 Higher |
Leave A Comment