What does motor insurance cover?

Motor insurance provides financial protection against specified risks associated with owning and using a motor vehicle. Depending on the policy you choose, it may cover your legal liability for injuries to other people or damage to their property, damage to your own vehicle, theft, fire, and other insured risks. In Kenya, third-party motor insurance is the minimum legal requirement for vehicles used on public roads. However, third-party cover does not generally pay for damage to your own vehicle. To protect your vehicle against additional risks, you may need a broader policy.

What Are the Main Types of Motor Insurance Cover?

1. Third-Party Only Insurance

Third-party insurance provides cover for specified legal liabilities arising from injuries to other people or damage to their property caused by the use of your insured vehicle, subject to the policy terms.It is generally the most basic form of motor insurance and does not cover accidental damage to your own vehicle or its theft.

2. Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance

This cover includes third-party liability protection and extends to specified losses involving fire or theft of your insured vehicle.It offers broader protection than third-party only insurance but does not generally cover accidental damage to your own vehicle following a road accident.

3. Comprehensive Motor Insurance

Comprehensive insurance provides broader protection. Depending on the policy, it may cover accidental damage to your own vehicle, theft, fire, and third-party liabilities.Some policies also offer additional benefits or extensions, such as windscreen cover, political violence and terrorism cover, or protection against specified natural perils. These benefits are not automatically included in every comprehensive policy.

How Do I Know Which Motor Insurance I Need?

Consider your vehicle's value, how you use it, your financial ability to repair or replace it, and the level of protection you want.

If you only need the minimum legally required protection, third-party insurance may meet that requirement. If you also want protection against specified fire and theft losses, consider third-party, fire and theft cover. If you want broader protection for your own vehicle, comprehensive insurance may be more suitable. Always compare the actual policy benefits, exclusions, limits, and premiums before making a decision.

Need Help Choosing Motor Insurance?

BimaLight helps you understand your options and connect with an insurance agent who can explain the available policies and help you identify suitable cover. Understand your cover. Protect your vehicle. Drive with confidence.