• By Raymond Momanyi

That Blinking Light on Your Dashboard: A Warning Your Insurance Can’t Ignore

We’ve all been there. You’re driving through Nairobi traffic, maybe on your way to Westlands or heading home on Thika Road, and a small, unfamiliar light suddenly blinks to life on your dashboard. The common reaction? "I'll get it checked out this weekend."

But what if that small light is a critical warning? A simple symbol for your brakes, engine, or oil pressure is your car's way of telling you something is seriously wrong. Ignoring it is not just a gamble with your safety—it's a risk that could invalidate your car insurance policy when you need it most.

At Imana Insurance, we see ourselves as your partners in protection. That partnership requires us to be honest about the responsibilities that come with insurance coverage. Let's explore why that little blinking light deserves your immediate attention.

Your "Duty of Care" as a Vehicle Owner

Every insurance contract is built on a principle of shared responsibility. While we promise to cover you for sudden and unforeseen events, you, the insured, have a "duty of care." This simply means you are expected to take reasonable steps to maintain your vehicle in a safe, roadworthy condition.

Ignoring a clear warning light—especially a critical one related to brakes (ABS), oil pressure, or engine temperature—can be seen by an insurer as a breach of this duty. It suggests that the resulting accident was not entirely "accidental" but was, in fact, a preventable outcome of negligence.

A Scenario: From a Warning Light to a Rejected Claim

Consider this common situation:

A driver notices their ABS or handbrake warning light is on while the car is in motion. They choose to ignore it, assuming it’s a minor electrical fault. A few days later, while driving, they need to brake suddenly. The brakes fail, the wheels lock up, and the driver causes a tragic accident involving injuries and significant vehicle damage.

When filing the claim, the driver, fearing blame, reports that the accident was caused by poor road conditions. Here’s how an insurance company will investigate:

1. Police Report: An official police inspection will be conducted. Modern vehicle diagnostics can easily reveal pre-existing mechanical faults. The final report will likely cite "mechanical failure due to poor maintenance" as the cause.
2. Vehicle Assessment: The insurer will appoint a motor assessor to inspect the wreckage. These experts are trained to spot signs of long-term neglect, such as completely worn-out brake pads or evidence of a long-ignored system failure.
3. On-Board Diagnostics (ECU): The car's computer logs every fault. A scan can reveal exactly when the warning light was triggered, proving the driver was aware of the issue long before the accident occurred.

In this case, the outcome is almost certain: the claim will be rejected. The investigation will show that the accident was a direct result of the driver's negligence in failing to address a known, critical fault. The attempt to mislead the insurer by blaming the road is insurance fraud, which has even more severe consequences, including policy cancellation and potential legal action.

Your Safety and Your Policy Are Interlinked

At Imana Insurance Agency, our primary goal is to see you safe. An insurance payout can repair a car, but it can never undo an injury or a loss of life. Modern vehicles are equipped with these advanced warning systems for one reason: to prevent accidents before they happen.

Listening to your car is listening to a safety expert.

• Red Warning Lights: Indicate a potentially serious issue. Stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and investigate.
• Yellow/Orange Warning Lights: Indicate a less urgent issue, but one that requires attention soon. Get it checked by a qualified mechanic.

Our Commitment to You

We are here to support you when the unexpected happens. By taking proactive care of your vehicle, you ensure that your insurance coverage remains your reliable safety net.

Don't let a small warning turn into a major disaster. Prioritize maintenance, drive safely, and know that we are here to help you navigate your insurance needs with clarity and trust.

Have questions about your car insurance policy? Need a comprehensive cover that you can rely on?

Visit us at Krishna Centre, 4th Floor, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi, or check out our websites at www.imana.co.ke and www.mykava.co.ke.

Call/WhatsApp us today for a free consultation: +254796209402 | +254745218460 | +254113619635