There are three levels of car insurance in Kenya. Third party only (TPO) is the legal minimum and covers damage or injury you cause to other people, not your own car. Third party, fire and theft adds cover if your car is stolen or burns. Comprehensive covers all of that plus damage to your own car, and it is what lenders require on financed vehicles. TPO is a lower, broadly fixed premium; comprehensive is priced as a percentage of your car’s value, indicatively around 3 to 5% a year current market range. All motor insurers are regulated by the IRA. Below is how the covers and the main insurers compare, and how to get an accurate quote.
The three types, and which you need
TPO is mandatory to drive legally and is the cheapest, but if your own car is damaged or written off you get nothing, so it suits older, low-value cars. Third party, fire and theft sits in the middle, adding the two most common total-loss risks. Comprehensive is the full cover: your own accident damage, theft, fire, third-party liability, and usually extras like windscreen, towing and a courtesy allowance. If your car is on a loan or is worth protecting, comprehensive is the sensible choice. If it is an old runabout, TPO may be all that makes financial sense.
The main motor insurers in Kenya
All are IRA-regulated. Positioning is a guide, not a ranking.
- Directline Assurance. The dominant name in third party and PSV motor cover, widely used for matatus, buses and budget TPO.
- APA (Apollo). Strong, popular comprehensive motor book.
- Jubilee Allianz. Large network, comprehensive and fleet.
- Britam. Broad motor range, value tiers.
- CIC. Cooperative and SACCO-linked, popular for both private and commercial.
- GA Insurance. Well regarded on motor claims.
- First Assurance (Absa group), UAP Old Mutual, Madison, Sanlam, Heritage, Fidelity. All offer private and commercial motor cover.
How the comprehensive premium is worked out
Comprehensive is a percentage of the insured value of your car, so the two things that move your premium are the car’s value and the rate the insurer applies. The rate is indicatively in the 3 to 5% range , higher for high-risk models, young drivers or commercial use, lower with a no-claims discount. On a car valued at KES 1,000,000, a 4% rate is roughly KES 40,000 a year before add-ons and discounts. The value used is the current market value, which falls each year, so your premium should fall too as the car ages. TPO, by contrast, is a broadly fixed statutory-style premium that does not track the car’s value.
How to choose, and the watch-outs
Get the valuation right, because if you insure for less than the car is worth you are underinsured and a claim is scaled down, and if you insure for more you are just overpaying. Check the excess, the first part of any claim you pay yourself, and whether an excess protector is worth adding. On comprehensive, most insurers require a tracking device on higher-value cars, so budget for it. Ask about the sub-limits on windscreen, radio and towing, which are capped separately. If you use the car commercially or as a PSV, you need the correct commercial or PSV cover, not private cover, or claims are void. And protect your no-claims discount, since it can knock a real amount off renewal.
Just imported a car?
If you have just brought in a vehicle, insure it before it moves and factor the premium into your landed cost. See our full breakdown of what it costs to import and register a car in Kenya. Read the import-car-duty hub →
Car insurance in Kenya, frequently asked questions
How much is car insurance in Kenya?
TPO is a lower fixed premium; comprehensive is indicatively 3 to 5% of your car's value a year, so about KES 40,000 on a KES 1,000,000 car before discounts. Get a quote for your exact figure.
What is third party insurance?
The legal minimum. It covers injury or damage you cause to others, not your own car.
Is comprehensive cover worth it?
If your car is financed or worth protecting, yes. For an old low-value car, TPO may be enough.
How is the comprehensive premium calculated?
As a percentage of the car's current market value, adjusted for risk, use and your no-claims discount.
Do I need a tracking device?
Most insurers require one on higher-value comprehensive policies.
Verified line: Cover types and insurers verified against IRA-regulated providers. Premium figures are indicative, not quotes; your premium depends on your car and use. Last checked 8 September 2026. paybillke is an independent guide, not an insurer, agent or broker. We refer you to a licensed IRA-registered broker for quotes.