• By Raymond Momanyi

Decoding Motor PSV Insurance in Kenya: A Simple Guide for Every Vehicle Owner

If you operate a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) in Kenya, you know that your vehicle is more than just a machine—it's your livelihood. Whether you're navigating the busy streets of Nairobi in a matatu, ferrying tourists on a safari, or delivering goods with a boda boda, being on the road is how you make a living. But the road comes with risks. That's why having the right PSV insurance isn't just a legal requirement; it's the ultimate protection for your hustle.

But let's be honest, the world of insurance can seem complicated. What’s the difference between Third-Party and Comprehensive? What kind of cover do you need for a Bolt taxi versus a tour van?

At Imana Insurance Agency, we believe in making insurance simple. This guide will break down the different classes and types of PSV motor insurance available in Kenya, so you can make an informed decision and drive with confidence.

The Two Main Ways to Classify PSV Insurance

In Kenya, PSV insurance is categorized in two key ways: by the type of coverage you get and by the vehicle's specific use.

Part 1: Classes by Coverage Type

This is the foundation of your policy. It determines what is covered in case of an accident or incident.

• 1. Third-Party Only (TPO): This is the bare minimum required by law in Kenya. It’s your basic safety net.
  • What it covers: It protects you against claims from third parties. This includes covering costs for injury, death, or property damage you may cause to other people (passengers, pedestrians, other drivers) and their vehicles.
  • What it doesn't cover: Damage to your own PSV.
• 2. Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT): A step up from TPO, this option offers a bit more peace of mind.
  • What it covers: Everything included in TPO, plus it covers your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
• 3. Comprehensive: As the name suggests, this is the most extensive and highly recommended level of coverage. It’s designed to protect you, your passengers, and your valuable asset—the vehicle itself.
  • What it covers: Everything in the TPFT policy, plus it covers accidental damage to your own PSV, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Key Inclusion: Most comprehensive PSV policies include Passenger Legal Liability (PLL), which is crucial for covering injuries or fatalities involving your passengers.
  • Valuable Extensions: You can supercharge your comprehensive cover with add-ons like Excess Protector, Political Violence & Terrorism (PVT), and Loss of Use (which provides a daily stipend while your vehicle is being repaired).

Part 2: Classes by Vehicle Use

Once you've chosen your coverage level (like Comprehensive), the policy is further tailored to how you use your vehicle. The risks of a matatu are different from those of a self-drive rental, and your insurance must reflect that.

• PSV Matatu: Custom-built policies for commuter buses and minibuses. These policies account for the high-traffic, high-occupancy nature of the matatu business.
• PSV Taxi: Insurance for standard cabs, whether they are hailed on the street or operating through ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Little Cab.
• PSV Tour Van: Specialized coverage for vehicles used to transport tourists. These policies often consider the unique risks of driving in national parks and game reserves.
• PSV Private Hire / Chauffeur Driven: This covers vehicles hired out with a driver for specific trips, corporate events, or private functions.
• PSV Self-Drive: Designed for car rental businesses where clients hire and drive the vehicles themselves. The insurance is structured to manage the risk of multiple unknown drivers.
• PSV Boda Boda & Tuk Tuk: Specific, affordable policies for the backbone of Kenya's local transport—motorcycle and three-wheeled taxi operators.

Why Your Choice of Insurance Partner Matters

Understanding these options is the first step. The next, and most important, is partnering with an intermediary who can help you compare policies from different underwriters and find the perfect fit for your budget and needs.

That's where Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd comes in. As a trusted insurance intermediary, we don't just sell you a policy; we offer comprehensive solutions. We assist our clients to compare and buy the right car insurance, ensuring you get the best value and the most robust protection for your PSV.

Don't leave your livelihood to chance. Get the right cover today and secure your business on the road.

Ready to get a quote or discuss your options?

Protect your investment and drive with peace of mind. Contact Imana Insurance Agency today for a free consultation and a no-obligation quote.

Call/WhatsApp: +254796209402 | +254745218460 | +254113619635 Visit Us: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Website: www.imana.co.ke or www.mykava.co.ke

#PSVInsuranceKenya #MatatuInsurance #CarInsuranceKenya #BodaBodaSafety #TukTukInsurance #UberKenya #BoltKenya #ImanaInsurance #InsureYourHustle #KenyaTransport #NairobiBusiness #ComprehensiveCover