• By Raymond Momanyi

How to File a Third-Party Car Insurance Claim in Kenya — A Realistic 2025 Guide for Drivers

Accidents happen — sometimes it’s a careless matatu driver swerving into your lane, or a distracted motorist rear-ending you in traffic. But when the dust settles, the big question hits: How do I claim compensation if I’m not the one at fault? 

If you’ve ever asked yourself this, then buckle up. Let’s break down, step by step, how to file a third-party car insurance claim in Kenya — the right way.  

🚗 Understanding Third-Party Car Insurance in Kenya

 
Before we even talk paperwork, let’s decode what “third-party” really means.
 
In Kenyan insurance lingo:
 

• First party → You (the insured).
• Second party → Your insurer.
• Third party → Anyone else affected by your car (other drivers, pedestrians, property owners).

So, Third-Party Only (TPO) insurance covers you only when you cause damage or injury to someone else. It doesn’t cover your car.
But a third-party claim is when you are the victim — another driver damages your car, and you claim from their insurer.
 
This is where most Kenyans get lost, so let’s untangle the maze.
 
 

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to File a Third-Party Insurance Claim in Kenya

 
Here’s your road map — short, sharp, and to the point.
 

Step 1: Stop, Breathe, and Secure the Scene

 
First rule: safety first. Move your car to a safe spot if you can. Check for injuries. Call for medical help if needed. Then, call the police.
 
Never drive off. Never start repairing before the insurer sees the damage. And please, don’t admit fault — not even with “I’m sorry.” That one phrase can haunt your claim later.
 
 

Step 2: Call the Police & Get a Police Abstract

 
Head to the nearest station (if police don’t come to the scene). Report the accident truthfully.
 They’ll issue you with a Police Abstract — a golden document every insurer in Kenya demands.
 
It confirms:
 

• The accident actually happened.
• The parties involved.
• The date and place.

No abstract, no claim. Simple.
 
 

Step 3: Notify Your Insurer (and/or Agent) Immediately

 
Even if you plan to claim from the other party, your insurer needs to know. Most companies require notification within 24 hours.

If you work with an intermediary like Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, your agent will guide you through the process and help coordinate between insurers — trust me, this saves time and stress.
 
 

Step 4: Collect and Submit the Right Documents

 
Your file should include:
 

• Duly filled Claim Form (get from insurer or agent)
• Police Abstract
• Copy of the logbook (or car ownership proof)
• Copy of driving licence (of the driver at the time)
• Photos of both vehicles and accident scene
• Repair estimates or invoices
• National ID
• Witness statements, if available

Double-check everything. One missing item and your claim sits in limbo for months.
 
 

Step 5: Insurer Assessment and Verification

 
The insurer will appoint an assessor or loss adjuster to inspect the car and confirm the damage.
 
If you’re claiming from the other driver’s insurer, you may be asked to present the vehicle for inspection or give written authority to your own insurer (subrogation) to handle recovery.
 
This part can take some time — patience helps.
 
 

Step 6: Authorization & Settlement

 
If your claim is accepted, the insurer may:
 

• Authorize repairs at their approved garage, or
• Pay cash in lieu directly to you.

If your car is written off, expect to surrender the logbook and keys for valuation.
 
If you were not at fault, your insurer might later recover costs from the at-fault party’s insurer through subrogation — fancy word, simple meaning.
 
 

Step 7: Payment & Closure

 
Once the insurer finalizes the process, they’ll pay for repairs or compensate you in cash.
 You’ll sign a discharge voucher, and that closes the claim.

Kenyan insurers are generally expected to settle valid motor claims within 90 days, though the timeline depends on investigations and paperwork.
 
 

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Can Kill Your Claim

1. Late reporting. Always notify your insurer within 24 hours.
2. Repairing before inspection. Never fix the car before the insurer sees it.
3. Admitting fault at the scene. Let the adjuster decide.
4. Missing documents. Keep everything organized — photos, abstracts, receipts.
5. Using unapproved garages. You might pay out of pocket.

💡 Pro Tip from the Experts

At Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, we always tell our clients: “Don’t panic — document everything.”
Take photos, call us, and we’ll walk you through every step from police report to final payout.
That’s what we do — we make insurance simple.

🏁 Insurance Wisdom

 
Filing a third-party claim in Kenya can feel like wading through bureaucracy — but it’s doable if you follow the right steps.
 Remember: the earlier you report, the cleaner your documentation, and the calmer your communication, the faster your claim gets paid.

At Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, we help clients compare, file, and follow up on insurance claims with top insurers in Kenya and East Africa.

👉 Visit www.imana.co.ke or www.mykava.co.ke

📞 WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402 | +254 745 218 460 | +254 113 619 635
📍 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi
 

 
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