• By Raymond Momanyi

Types of Motor Insurance in Kenya – Explained with Real Nairobi Stories

If you’ve ever driven in Nairobi, you already know the city moves like a playlist on shuffle — chaotic, beautiful, unpredictable. One minute you’re cruising on Waiyaki Way enjoying the sunset glow, next minute a random matatu decides to stop kwa road with zero warning.

That’s why motor insurance isn’t a suggestion here — it’s survival gear.

And today, let’s break down the types of motor insurance in Kenya, using short, relatable Nairobi stories and real experiences. No jargon. No stiff vibes. Just real life, real lessons, and what cover actually fits your hustle.

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For instant comparison and purchase, use:
👉 https://imana.co.ke/insurance/motor-insurance
👉 https://mykava.co.ke

1. Third-Party Only (TPO) Insurance – The Bare Minimum Cover

 Brian, a graphic designer living in Roysambu, drives an old but decent Toyota NZE. He’s always calculating life like a budget spreadsheet — fuel, lunch, loan, Netflix, vibes. So he picks Third-Party Only insurance (KSh 4,560) because it’s cheap and “mbao ni mbao.”

One Friday evening, while squeezing into a tiny gap at Muthaiga Roundabout, he misjudges and kisses the rear of a matatu.

Not vibes. Not Netflix.
Just panic.

The matatu conductor demands compensation for the broken tail light. Lucky for Brian, his TPO steps in. It pays for the third-party damages, but not his own bumper. He fixes that from his own wallet.

Moral:
Third-party only protects them, not you.
Great for compliance, not great for peace of mind.

Covered by TPO:

• Damage to other people’s vehicles
• Injury to third parties
• Third-party property damage
• Legal liability

Not covered:

• Your car
• Theft
• Fire
• Windscreen
• Floods
• Accident damage

Get TPO instantly via:
 👉 https://imana.co.ke/insurance/motor-insurance

2. Third-Party Fire & Theft – The Middle Ground Cover

Amina runs a small online clothing shop in South B. Her wagon helps her deliver orders all over Nairobi — CBD, Parklands, Kitengela, everywhere hustle takes her.

One night, her estate had a power blackout. In the darkness, someone tried to steal her vehicle. They didn’t succeed, but the ignition was messed up, doors damaged.

Her cover? Third-Party Fire & Theft (TPFT).

Insurance paid to repair the damage caused during the attempted theft.

What TPFT covers:

• All third-party benefits
• Fire damage
• Theft & attempted theft

Perfect for:
People using slightly older vehicles but still worried about theft.

Compare TPFT vs comprehensive here:
 👉 https://mykava.co.ke

3. Comprehensive Insurance – The Full Peace-of-Mind Cover

Kelvin lives in Westlands, works in Upper Hill — the daily grind. One rainy evening, he skids on a slick section of Ngong Road and hits a guardrail. His Subaru bonnet crumbles like homework excuses.

Kelvin’s stress levels begin rising… but then he remembers: Comprehensive insurance.

His insurer takes care of:

• His car repairs
• Windscreen replacement
• Towing
• Damage to the guardrail
• And even offers a courtesy car (depending on insurer)

It’s the insurance equivalent of having a friend who always shows up.

Comprehensive covers:

• Your car (accident damage)
• Third-party injuries & property
• Theft
• Fire
• Floods
• Windscreen
• Towing
• Riot & strike
• Special perils
• Add-ons like Excess Protector, Political Violence, Loss of Use, etc

This is the best motor insurance in Kenya for private, commercial, taxi, motorcycles, and corporate fleets.

Buy comprehensive cover here:
 👉 https://imana.co.ke/insurance/motor-insurance

4. Motor Private Insurance – For Personal Cars

This is what most Nairobi folks use for their personal vehicles — from your Vitz, Mazda Demio, Axio, Premio, Forester to SUVs.

Picture this - Njeri was reversing in her apartment parking in Kilimani when she hit the estate perimeter wall. She panicked thinking the costs would finish her bank account.

Her Motor Private Comprehensive cover sorted the mess.

5. Motor Commercial Insurance – For Business Vehicles

Wambua runs a hardware in Kariobangi. His pickup (Canter) carries cement, iron sheets, paint, you name it. One morning, his driver hits a pothole on Outer Ring Road and the load shifts, damaging the side body of the vehicle.

His Motor Commercial Comprehensive saves the day. Repairs covered. Business uninterrupted.

Commercial covers are ideal for:

• Pick-ups
• Lorries
• Canters
• Vans
• Delivery vehicles
• Tuktuks

Compare commercial quotes here:
 👉 https://mykava.co.ke

6. PSV Insurance – Taxis, Ride-Hailing, and Matatus

a) PSV Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Uber, Bolt, Little, Faras)

Mr. Odhiambo drives a taxi in Nairobi CBD. One night at Archives, a passenger slams the door too hard and shatters the window. Comprehensive PSV saved him. No drama.

b) PSV Matatu

This one is for the big boys of the road — Rongai, Buruburu, Umoja, Embakasi routes. They carry many passengers, so the risk is high and the cover needs to be tight.

c) PSV Chauffer (Personal Driver)

For people whose vehicles are occasionally hired out with a driver.

Get PSV insurance here:
👉 https://imana.co.ke/insurance/motor-insurance
👉 https://mykava.co.ke

7. Motorcycle Insurance (Private, Commercial, Boda Boda, Courier)

Kim, a courier rider in Nairobi, slipped on a wet patch in Industrial Area. His bike went down, injuring a pedestrian.

His Motorcycle Third-Party handled the medical costs of the pedestrian.
His Comprehensive Boda Insurance handled the bike.

Motorcycle insurance covers:

• Boda boda riders
• Courier & delivery riders
• Personal use motorcycles
• Company logistics bikes

8. Special Motor Covers (The Extras That Save Lives and Wallets)

a) Excess Protector

Removes or reduces the “excess” you pay after an accident.

b) Political Violence & Terrorism (PVT)

Useful during election seasons — Nairobi teaches you to never assume peace.

c) Loss of Use

You get compensated for days your car is in the garage.

d) Courtesy Car

Some insurers offer this when your car is being repaired.

e) Road Rescue / Towing

Very helpful on highways like Thika Road or Mombasa Road.

So… Which Motor Insurance Should You Choose in Kenya?

Choose depending on your car’s value, risk, and daily usage:

• On a budget? → Third Party Only
• Worried about theft? → Third Party Fire & Theft
• Want full protection? → Comprehensive
• Using vehicle for business? → Commercial Comprehensive
• Taxi or ride-hailing? → PSV Insurance
• Boda boda? → Motorcycle Comprehensive

For accurate comparison from multiple insurers:
 Imana Insurance Motor Quotes: https://imana.co.ke/insurance/motor-insurance

MyKava Online Motor Insurance: https://mykava.co.ke

Insurance Wisdom

Nairobi roads teach you one thing — prepare before chaos finds you.
Insurance isn’t about fear. It’s about wisdom, peace, and freedom.

A small premium today saves you from stories that start with:
“Bro, si unajua accident haikui planned…?”

Compare, save, and buy smart.