Introduction: Your Home is More Than a House

Your home is not just a structure of bricks and mortar—it’s your sanctuary, your safe space, and one of your most important investments. Unfortunately, many Kenyan homeowners don’t protect it adequately, leaving themselves exposed to financial loss from fire, theft, floods, and other unexpected disasters.

At Bima Express Insurance Agency, we offer reliable Domestic Insurance Packages that shield both your building and household contents from common risks. This guide explains everything Kenyan homeowners need to know about domestic insurance and why it should be a priority.

What is a Domestic Insurance Package?

A Domestic Insurance Package—also called a Home Insurance Cover—is a policy that protects your residential building, household contents, and sometimes domestic staff from accidental loss, damage, or liability.

These covers typically fall into two categories:

1. House/Building Insurance – Covers the physical structure

2. Household Contents Insurance – Covers items inside your home like electronics, furniture, and appliances

Some packages combine both and even include personal accident cover for domestic workers and public liability protection.

Why Domestic Insurance Matters in Kenya

🛑 1. Fire Outbreaks Are Common

In urban areas like Nairobi, fire accidents—often due to faulty wiring or gas explosions—can destroy homes within minutes. A proper domestic cover ensures you’re not left to rebuild from scratch.

🛑 2. Burglary and Theft

Break-ins are a growing concern. Without insurance, stolen electronics, jewelry, or cash are a complete loss. A domestic package can help you recover the value of stolen items.

🛑 3. Weather-Related Damage

Flooding, especially during the rainy season, causes damage to homes and belongings. Policies can cover water damage, roof leaks, or wall collapse.

🛑 4. Liability Risks

If a visitor slips and falls in your compound and sues you, liability insurance within your domestic package can protect you from financial loss.

What Does a Domestic Insurance Package Cover?

Here’s what a standard domestic policy from top insurers (via Bima Express) typically includes:

🏠 Building Insurance

Covers damage to the physical structure caused by:

• Fire or lightning

• Explosion (e.g. gas)

• Earthquakes

• Storms or flooding

• Impact from vehicles or falling trees

• Vandalism or malicious damage

💡 Pro tip: You should insure the rebuilding cost, not the market value of the home.

📦 Contents Insurance

Protects your personal property and valuables inside the house from:

• Fire and water damage

• Burglary or theft

• Accidental damage (in some packages)

• Power surge damage (for electronics)

Items covered may include:

• TVs, laptops, and sound systems

• Furniture and fittings

• Clothing and personal effects

• Art and collectibles (if declared)

👨‍🍳 Domestic Workers Cover

Optional protection for domestic staff such as househelps or gardeners:

• Personal accident benefits

• Medical expenses

• Death or permanent disability compensation

⚖️ Public Liability Insurance

Protects you if a third party suffers injury or property damage on your premises:

• Legal fees

• Compensation claims

This is especially useful if you host guests, own pets, or have a rental unit.

What’s Not Covered? (Exclusions to Watch For)

While policies vary, common exclusions include:

• Wear and tear or depreciation

• War or civil unrest

• Mold or pest infestation

• Unattended homes for long periods (unless declared)

• Deliberate damage by the homeowner

Always read the fine print and ask our Bima Express advisors to explain anything unclear.

How to Determine the Right Cover Amount

1. For Building Insurance: Use the rebuilding cost per square meter (not the current sale price). In Nairobi, this ranges between Ksh 30,000 – 60,000 per m² depending on finish.

2. For Contents Insurance: Make a list of all valuables and estimate their replacement cost (not second-hand value).

📋 Create a home inventory checklist that includes:

• Item name

• Purchase price/date

• Serial number or receipt (if possible)

Cost of Domestic Insurance in Kenya

The annual premium depends on the insured value and coverage type. Here’s a rough guide: