Every motorist in Kenya must, by law, carry at least third party insurance before driving on a public road. But at renewal time you are offered a choice — third party, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive — and the difference is rarely explained properly.
What third party cover pays for
Third party cover protects other people. If you cause an accident, it pays for the injuries and damage you cause to other road users, their vehicles and their property. What it does not pay for is your own car. If you hit a wall alone at night, a third party policy pays you nothing for your own repairs.
What comprehensive adds
Comprehensive cover includes everything third party does, plus your own vehicle: accident damage, theft and fire, up to the insured value you declared. Many comprehensive policies also add benefits like towing after an accident and a limited medical benefit for occupants — check the schedule, because these extras differ by insurer.
A simple example
Imagine you bump a matatu from behind in traffic. Under third party, the matatu's damage and its passengers' injuries are covered — but your bumper and bonnet are your own problem. Under comprehensive, both the matatu and your car are handled under the policy, less your excess.
So which should you choose?
As a rule of thumb: if your car is financed, the lender will insist on comprehensive. If the car is fairly new or would be painful to replace out of pocket, comprehensive is usually worth the difference. If the car's value is low and you could absorb a total loss, third party keeps you legal at the lowest cost. The middle option — third party, fire and theft — suits cars that are mostly parked at home but would be a real loss if stolen.
Still unsure? Send us your car's make, year and rough value and we will quote both, so you can see the actual price difference before deciding.