• By Raymond Momanyi

Navigating Motorcycle Insurance Claims in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide for Boda Boda, Private, and Commercial Riders

The hum of a motorcycle is a defining sound of Kenyan roads, a symbol of agile transport for personal errands, commercial deliveries, and the vital boda boda sector. But with this convenience comes risk. An accident can happen in a flash, leaving you with not just potential injuries, but also a complex and often stressful insurance claim process.

Whether you're a private rider enjoying a weekend cruise, a courier zipping through city traffic, or a boda boda operator serving your community, understanding how to navigate an insurance claim is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process for comprehensive and third-party insurance, covering scenarios where you are at fault and where you are not.

For expert guidance and a helping hand through your insurance journey, consider partnering with a trusted intermediary like Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd. They can assist you in comparing and buying the right cover and offer invaluable support when it's time to claim.

The First Critical Steps After Any Motorcycle Accident

Regardless of the type of motorcycle you ride or the insurance cover you have, your immediate actions after an accident are universal and vital for a smooth claims process.

1. Prioritize Safety: Your first priority is your health and the safety of others. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If there are serious injuries, call for emergency medical help immediately.
2. Contact the Police: It is a legal requirement to report any road accident to the police. They will visit the scene and issue you with a police abstract, a non-negotiable document for any insurance claim.
3. Gather Information: Collect the following details from the other parties involved:
   • Full names and contact information
   • Vehicle registration numbers
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Driving license numbers
   • Contact details of any witnesses
4. Document Everything: In the age of smartphones, evidence gathering is easier than ever. Take clear photos and videos of:
   • The accident scene from various angles
   • The damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles or property involved
   • Your visible injuries and those of others, if permission is granted
   • The road conditions and any relevant traffic signs
5. Do Not Admit Liability: Even if you think you might be at fault, do not admit liability at the scene. Stick to the facts of what happened when speaking to the police and other parties.
6. Inform Your Insurer Promptly: Notify your insurance company or agent, like Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, about the accident as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. They will guide you on the next steps and provide you with a claim form.

Understanding Your Cover: Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Only

The path your claim takes will largely depend on the type of insurance policy you hold.

• Comprehensive Insurance: This is the highest level of cover. It pays for damages to your own motorcycle, theft, and fire, in addition to covering your legal liability for injury to third parties and damage to their property.
• Third-Party Only (TPO) Insurance: This is the minimum legal requirement in Kenya. It only covers your legal liability for death or bodily injury to a third party and damage to third-party property. It does not cover any damage to your own motorcycle.

The Claim Filing Process: Scenarios and Steps

Let's break down the claims process based on who is at fault and the type of cover you have.

Scenario 1: You are TO BLAME for the Accident

If you have COMPREHENSIVE Cover:

This is where a comprehensive policy truly shows its value.

• Your Motorcycle's Damage: Your insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing your motorcycle. You will, however, be required to pay a predetermined amount known as the "excess."
• Third-Party Claims: Your insurer will handle the claims from the third party for their injuries and property damage, up to the limits stated in your policy.
• The Process:
  1. After notifying your insurer and submitting the police abstract, you will need to fill out a claim form.
  2. Your insurer will appoint an assessor to inspect the damage to your motorcycle and authorize repairs at an approved garage.
  3. Your insurer will also manage all communication and settlement with the third party or their insurance company.

This applies to Private, Commercial, and PSV/Boda Boda riders. For boda boda operators, your comprehensive PSV policy should include passenger liability, which is crucial if your passenger is injured.

If you have THIRD-PARTY ONLY (TPO) Cover:

• Your Motorcycle's Damage: You are solely responsible for the cost of repairing your motorcycle. Your TPO policy offers no coverage for your own damages.
• Third-Party Claims: Your insurance company will step in to handle the claims from the third party for their injuries and property damage.
• The Process:
  1. You must still report the incident to your insurer immediately.
  2. Provide them with the police abstract and all details of the third party.
  3. Your insurer will then take over the legal and financial responsibility of the third-party claim.

Scenario 2: You are NOT TO BLAME for the Accident

If you have COMPREHENSIVE Cover:

You have the flexibility of choosing one of two routes:

• Option A: Claim From Your Own Insurer (Recommended): This is often the faster and less stressful option. You file a claim with your insurance company, they repair your motorcycle (you may have to pay the excess initially), and then they will pursue a recovery of costs from the at-fault party's insurer. In many cases, if it's proven you were not at fault, your insurer will waive the excess or refund it to you after a successful recovery.
• Option B: Claim Directly From the At-Fault Party's Insurer: You can choose to pursue the claim directly with the other party's insurance company. This can be a slower process as you will be dealing with an insurer with whom you have no contractual relationship.

If you have THIRD-PARTY ONLY (TPO) Cover:

• Your Motorcycle's Damage: Since your policy doesn't cover your own motorcycle, you must claim directly from the insurance company of the driver who was at fault.
• The Process:
  1. Obtain the insurance details of the at-fault party at the scene of the accident.
  2. Notify your own insurer of the incident for their records.
  3. You (or a legal representative) will then need to formally lodge a claim against the other driver's insurer. This will involve submitting a demand letter, the police abstract, a copy of your motorcycle's logbook, and repair estimates from a garage.
  4. The other insurer will process your claim, which can sometimes be a lengthy procedure. Diligent follow-up is key.

Special Considerations for Different Motorcycle Uses

• PSV/Boda Boda: Standard private or commercial insurance is not sufficient. You must have a PSV policy that includes Passenger Legal Liability. Without it, if a passenger is injured, you could be held personally liable for their medical costs and other damages.
• Commercial/Delivery Bikes: Ensure your policy correctly reflects the commercial use. If you are carrying goods, the policy covers the motorcycle itself, not the items being transported. You may need a separate Goods-in-Transit policy for that.

Why Partner with an Insurance Agent?

Navigating the claims process can be daunting. An experienced insurance agent like Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd acts as your advocate. They provide professional advice, help you fill out paperwork correctly, and liaise with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure a fair and timely settlement.

An accident is stressful enough. Having the right insurance cover and a knowledgeable partner can make all the difference in getting you back on the road.

For inquiries about the right motorcycle insurance cover or for assistance with a claim, contact Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd:

• Physical Location: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove. Westlands, Nairobi Kenya
• Website: www.imana.co.ke or www.mykava.co.ke
• Call/WhatsApp: +254796209402 | +254745218460 | +254113619635 | +254103806588 | +254113806810