Photo: Bahnfrend, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Third-party vs comprehensive in Kenya
Third-party vs comprehensive car insurance in Kenya
Short answerChecked 23 September 2026
Third-party is the legal minimum under Cap. 405: it pays for death or injury you cause to other people, up to KES 3 million per person. A comprehensive policy adds your own vehicle (accident, fire, theft) and usually damage to other people's property. The price depends on the insurer, the vehicle and its use, so compare written quotes.
Side by side
| Third-party only | Comprehensive | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by law | Yes — the minimum (Cap. 405, s.4) | No — optional |
| Death or injury to other people | Yes — up to KES 3 million per person required | Yes — often with higher limits |
| Damage to other people's property | Not required by the Act — depends on the policy | Usually included — check the limit |
| Damage to your own vehicle | No | Yes, after the excess |
| Theft or fire of your vehicle | No | Usually included |
Third-party, fire and theft sits in between: third-party cover plus theft and fire of your own vehicle, without accident damage. Names differ between insurers — the policy schedule is what counts.
Which one do you need?
- Older, low-value car you could replace yourself: third-party may be enough.
- Car on hire purchase or a bank loan: the lender will usually require comprehensive cover.
- Matatu, taxi or ride-hailing car: you need a commercial or PSV policy that covers fare-paying passengers.
- Car you could not afford to replace: comprehensive protects the asset.
Six questions to ask before you sign
- Is the insurer on the IRA list?
- What is the excess, and is there an excess protector option?
- Is third-party property damage included, and up to what amount?
- Is there political violence and terrorism cover, or courtesy car cover?
- How is the value set after a write-off — and when does the insurer revalue the car?
- Which garages and assessors does the insurer use, and how long does a claim take?
What would you like to do now?
Frequently asked questions
Is comprehensive insurance compulsory in Kenya?
No. Only third-party cover is compulsory under Cap. 405. A lender or a leasing company may require comprehensive cover.
What is an excess?
The part of each claim you pay yourself. Some insurers sell an 'excess protector' that removes it for an extra premium.