- Author: Raymond
- Category: Third Party Car Insurance in Kenya
Third-Party Motor Insurance Kenya | Costs & Quotes
Compare Third-Party motor insurance quotes in Kenya for private cars, commercial vehicles, PSV taxis, motorcycles and tuk-tuks. Get covered online.
Learn what Third-Party Only motor insurance covers, what it excludes, indicative prices, documents required and how to compare quotations for private cars, commercial vehicles, PSV taxis, motorcycles and tuk-tuks in Kenya.
Third-Party Motor Insurance in Kenya: Costs, Cover and Online Quotes
By Raymond Momanyi, Founder & CEO, Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd
Third-Party Only motor insurance is the most basic level of vehicle insurance available in Kenya. It is also widely misunderstood.
Some motorists believe it will repair their vehicles after an accident. Others assume it covers theft, fire, flooding or vandalism. It generally does not.
Third-Party Only insurance is primarily designed to protect other road users when the insured vehicle causes bodily injury, death or property damage, subject to the law and policy terms.
The simplest way to understand it is:
Third-Party insurance protects eligible third parties—not the insured vehicle itself.
It may be suitable for motorists seeking the statutory minimum, owners of lower-value vehicles and commercial operators who can financially carry the risk of repairing or replacing their own vehicles.
To compare Third-Party motor insurance quotations, visit ImanaInsurance.com or complete the Imana motor insurance quotation form.
Is Third-Party motor insurance compulsory in Kenya?
Kenyan law requires motor vehicles used on public roads to have the applicable insurance against third-party risks.
The legal framework is principally contained in the Insurance (Motor Vehicles Third Party Risks) Act, Cap. 405. The Traffic Act also refers to the requirement for motorcycles to be insured against third-party risks.
Driving without valid motor insurance can expose the owner or driver to criminal penalties, personal financial liability and other enforcement consequences.
The insurance certificate must also correspond with the correct vehicle and use. A private-car certificate should not be used for taxi, ride-hailing, delivery or other commercial operations.
What does Third-Party Only insurance cover?
A Third-Party Only motor policy may cover the insured’s legal liability arising from the use of the insured vehicle for:
- Death or bodily injury suffered by an eligible third party
- Damage to third-party property
- Legal costs and expenses authorised under the policy
- Passenger liability where applicable to the vehicle class and policy
- Other liabilities required by law or expressly included in the policy
The precise scope depends on the policy wording, certificate, vehicle class, usage and applicable statutory provisions.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority’s standardised private motor wording shows that where cover is issued as Third Party Only, the section covering loss or damage to the insured vehicle is cancelled.
What does Third-Party insurance not cover?
Third-Party Only insurance generally does not pay for:
- Accidental damage to your own vehicle
- Theft of your vehicle
- Fire damage to your vehicle
- Flood or water damage
- Vandalism
- Windscreen damage
- Damage caused by falling objects
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Towing and recovery of your damaged vehicle
- Loss of use
- Courtesy-car expenses
- Personal belongings inside the vehicle
- Normal wear and tear
- Depreciation
- Unauthorised vehicle use
- Claims arising outside the permitted territory
- Losses occurring while the driver is unlicensed or otherwise excluded
Some personal-accident or passenger benefits may be purchased separately, but they should not be assumed to form part of every Third-Party policy.
If protecting your own vehicle is important, compare Third Party, Fire and Theft or Comprehensive motor insurance.
Third-Party versus Comprehensive insurance
Third-Party insurance mainly protects eligible third parties. Comprehensive insurance provides broader protection and may cover accidental damage, theft and fire involving the insured vehicle, together with third-party liability.
Comprehensive insurance may also offer extensions such as:
- Excess Protector
- Political Violence and Terrorism
- Windscreen cover
- Entertainment-system cover
- Road rescue
- Courtesy car
- Loss of use
- Personal accident
- Passenger liability
- COMESA Yellow Card
Comprehensive does not mean every possible loss is covered. Exclusions, excesses, limits and conditions still apply.
Read the complete Third Party vs Comprehensive Car Insurance guide before deciding.
Who should consider Third-Party Only insurance?
Third-Party Only insurance may be suitable where:
- The vehicle has a relatively low market value
- Comprehensive premiums are disproportionate to the vehicle’s value
- The owner can afford to repair or replace the vehicle personally
- The vehicle is used infrequently
- The owner needs the statutory minimum while assessing broader options
- The relevant vehicle class is more commonly insured on Third-Party terms
- Budget limitations make broader protection temporarily unaffordable
However, a low-value vehicle can still be financially important. If losing it would interrupt work, school, family responsibilities or income, choosing Third Party solely because it is cheaper deserves careful thought.
Third-Party insurance for private cars
Private motor insurance applies to vehicles used for social, domestic and personal purposes, subject to the policy.
A private-car policy should not be used where the vehicle carries passengers or goods for payment, operates as a taxi, supports commercial deliveries or performs another undeclared business activity.
Indicative pricing may include:
- One-month private-car Third-Party cover from approximately KSh 1,500, where available
- Annual private-car Third-Party cover from approximately KSh 5,000–5,063
Prices are indicative, not guaranteed. They may change depending on the insurer, vehicle, certificate charges, levies, policy period and underwriting requirements.
Explore private car insurance or request a private motor quotation.
Third-Party insurance for commercial vehicles
Commercial vehicles include pickups, vans, lorries and other vehicles used to transport the owner’s goods, general goods or conduct business.
The insurer must know:
- Whether the vehicle carries own goods or general goods
- Carrying capacity
- Body type
- Year of manufacture
- Area of operation
- Nature of the goods transported
- Whether trailers are used
- Driver arrangements
- Claims history
Commercial Third-Party insurance may start from approximately KSh 7,574 annually, but the final premium depends on the classification and underwriting.
A commercial policy should match the vehicle’s actual use. Incorrect classification can create serious problems during a claim.
Third-Party insurance for PSV taxis and ride-hailing vehicles
Vehicles carrying passengers for payment require the correct PSV classification.
This may include:
- Traditional taxis
- Uber vehicles
- Bolt vehicles
- Little vehicles
- Other app-based taxis
- Chauffeur-driven vehicles used commercially
- Tour vehicles where classified as PSV
PSV taxi Third-Party insurance may be available:
- From approximately KSh 2,000 for one month
- From approximately KSh 7,574 annually
Availability, pricing, passenger capacity and policy conditions vary by insurer.
A private motor certificate is not appropriate for a vehicle operating as a taxi or carrying fare-paying passengers.
Request a quotation through the PSV insurance page.
Third-Party insurance for matatus and buses
Matatus and buses carry higher passenger exposure than private cars or ordinary taxis. Premiums are commonly influenced by:
- Passenger seating capacity
- Vehicle type
- Route and operating area
- Short-term or annual cover
- Passenger liability
- Claims experience
- SACCO or fleet arrangements
- Driver and conductor information
- Underwriting requirements
Indicative matatu pricing may start from approximately:
- KSh 7,900 monthly
- KSh 87,000 annually
These figures are guides only. The vehicle’s seating capacity, classification and insurer terms determine the actual quotation.
Operators should compare more than the certificate price. Passenger liability, policy conditions and claims support matter enormously in the PSV sector.
Third-Party motorcycle and boda boda insurance
Motorcycles must be insured according to their actual use.
Common classifications include:
- Private motorcycle
- Commercial motorcycle
- Delivery motorcycle
- PSV motorcycle or boda boda
- Motorcycle fleet
Annual motorcycle Third-Party insurance may start from approximately KSh 3,560. Short-term options may begin from approximately KSh 1,000, where available.
The rider should also consider personal accident cover because Third-Party insurance does not automatically compensate the rider for their own injuries.
Learn more through the motorcycle insurance page.
Third-Party insurance for tuk-tuks
Tuk-tuks may be used privately, commercially or to carry fare-paying passengers. The correct classification, passenger capacity and operating use must be disclosed.
Premiums depend on:
- Private or PSV use
- Seating capacity
- Policy period
- Operating location
- Claims history
- Insurer underwriting terms
Request a personalised quotation through the tuk-tuk insurance page.
Third-Party insurance for school buses and institutional vehicles
School buses, college vehicles, church vehicles and institutional transport require proper classification and passenger information.
The insurer may request:
- Vehicle registration details
- Seating capacity
- Ownership documents
- Inspection or valuation
- Institution registration details
- Driver information
- Operating area
- Claims history
Institutions should also consider passenger personal accident, WIBA for employees and broader liability protection rather than relying entirely on the basic motor certificate.
Third-Party insurance for tractors and special vehicles
Tractors, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and special-purpose vehicles may require specialised underwriting.
The insurer needs to understand:
- Whether the vehicle operates on public roads
- Agricultural, construction or commercial use
- Attached implements
- Operator arrangements
- Area of operation
- Value of the vehicle or machinery
- Third-party exposure
Do not purchase a generic motor certificate before the vehicle and activity have been correctly classified.
Use the other insurance quotation form for specialised vehicles.
How much does Third-Party motor insurance cost in Kenya?
Indicative starting points include:
- Private car, one month: approximately KSh 1,500
- Private car, annual: approximately KSh 5,000–5,063
- Commercial vehicle, annual: approximately KSh 7,574
- PSV taxi, one month: approximately KSh 2,000
- PSV taxi, annual: approximately KSh 7,574
- Motorcycle, one month: approximately KSh 1,000
- Motorcycle, annual: approximately KSh 3,560
- Matatu, monthly: approximately KSh 7,900
- Matatu, annual: approximately KSh 87,000
These figures are indicative market observations and should not be treated as universal fixed tariffs. Premiums may change because of:
- Vehicle classification
- Passenger capacity
- Policy duration
- Insurer pricing
- Statutory levies and charges
- Previous claims
- Fleet size
- Underwriting requirements
- Optional benefits
For current pricing, request a personalised comparison through ImanaInsurance.com.
Annual versus short-term Third-Party insurance
Annual insurance normally provides cover for twelve months.
Short-term motor insurance may be available for selected vehicle categories and periods. It can assist customers who cannot immediately purchase an annual policy or who have a qualifying temporary need.
Before choosing short-term cover, compare:
- Total cost of repeated short-term policies
- Continuity of insurance
- Expiry dates
- Renewal requirements
- Eligibility
- Vehicle class
- Insurer terms
Repeated monthly policies may ultimately cost more than annual insurance. Short-term availability should also not be assumed for every vehicle or insurer.
Documents required for a Third-Party motor quotation
The required documents and information may include:
- National ID or passport
- KRA PIN
- Vehicle logbook or proof of ownership
- Vehicle registration number
- Make and model
- Year of manufacture
- Engine capacity
- Passenger seating capacity
- Vehicle use
- Previous policy details
- Claims history
- Inspection or valuation where required
- Company registration documents for corporate ownership
PSV and commercial vehicles may require additional operating or ownership documentation.
Providing inaccurate information can affect the validity of the cover and the handling of a claim.
How to buy Third-Party motor insurance online
The process is straightforward:
- Select the correct vehicle class.
- Share the registration number and vehicle details.
- Disclose exactly how the vehicle is used.
- Provide the required identification and ownership documents.
- Compare quotations and policy periods.
- Confirm the underwriting insurer.
- Verify official payment instructions.
- Pay the required premium.
- Receive the motor insurance certificate.
- Check all certificate and policy details immediately.
Confirm:
- Registration number
- Insured name
- Vehicle class
- Vehicle use
- Policy start date
- Expiry date
- Underwriting insurer
- Certificate number
Do not drive on the assumption that payment alone means the vehicle is insured. Wait for the certificate or formal confirmation of cover.
What happens after a Third-Party accident?
After an accident:
- Stop safely and protect life.
- Seek medical and emergency assistance.
- Notify the police where required.
- Exchange relevant driver and vehicle details.
- Take photographs of the scene, vehicles and damage.
- Record witness information.
- Notify the insurer or Imana promptly.
- Complete the required claim form.
- Submit the police abstract and other requested documents.
- Do not admit liability or negotiate privately without guidance.
Third-party claims may involve investigation, statements, medical reports, repair estimates, assessment and legal proceedings depending on the circumstances.
Read How to File a Motor Insurance Claim in Kenya or begin through the Imana claims request page.
The underwriting insurer—not the intermediary—investigates and determines the claim under the policy.
Will Third-Party insurance repair my vehicle?
Generally, no.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, your own Third-Party policy normally does not pay for its repair.
You may pursue recovery against another responsible party where legally appropriate, but recovery is not automatic. Liability, evidence, insurance status and the legal process matter.
If you want your insurer to consider accidental damage to your vehicle, compare Comprehensive insurance.
Does Third-Party insurance cover theft or fire?
Third-Party Only does not generally cover theft or fire damage to the insured vehicle.
A motorist seeking this protection should consider:
- Third Party, Fire and Theft; or
- Comprehensive insurance
The available option depends on the vehicle, insurer and underwriting requirements.
Does it cover the driver and passengers?
Third-Party insurance should not automatically be treated as personal accident insurance for the driver.
Passenger liability may apply according to the vehicle class, certificate, law and policy. PSV policies require particular attention to authorised passenger capacity and use.
Driver Personal Accident and Passenger Personal Accident benefits may be available separately or as extensions.
Review Personal Accident Insurance where additional accidental injury protection is needed.
Can Third-Party insurance be used outside Kenya?
A Kenyan domestic motor certificate should not automatically be assumed to satisfy insurance requirements in another country.
For cross-border driving within participating countries, motorists may need a COMESA Yellow Card.
The Yellow Card provides regional third-party protection within its recognised territory. It does not automatically repair the insured vehicle after accidental damage.
Confirm every country on the intended route before travelling.
Common mistakes when purchasing Third-Party insurance
Avoid these mistakes:
- Using private cover for taxi or commercial work
- Entering the wrong registration number
- Giving an incorrect passenger capacity
- Buying from an unverified seller
- Sending money to unconfirmed payment details
- Assuming your own vehicle is protected
- Forgetting the expiry date
- Driving before receiving the certificate
- Using a certificate belonging to another vehicle
- Failing to disclose material vehicle modifications
- Ignoring geographical limits
- Failing to report an accident promptly
- Admitting liability without insurer guidance
A cheap certificate becomes expensive when it does not match the actual risk.
How to compare Third-Party quotations
When quotations appear similar, compare:
- Underwriting insurer
- Vehicle classification
- Permitted use
- Passenger capacity
- Policy period
- Territorial scope
- Third-party property terms
- Passenger liability
- Optional personal accident benefits
- Claims-reporting requirements
- Total payable premium
- Documentation and service support
The cheapest quotation may be suitable, but only after confirming that it represents the correct vehicle and risk.
Why arrange motor insurance through Imana?
Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd is a digital-first insurance intermediary based at 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi.
Imana helps motorists:
- Identify the correct vehicle classification
- Compare quotations from trusted insurers
- Understand Third-Party and Comprehensive options
- Submit the required documents
- Obtain digital certificates
- Manage renewals and policy amendments
- Receive claims-notification and documentation guidance
- Arrange COMESA Yellow Card cover where required
Imana is not the underwriting insurer. The selected insurer accepts the risk, issues the policy and determines claims according to the policy terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is Third-Party Only motor insurance?
It is motor insurance that primarily protects against eligible legal liability to other people for bodily injury, death or property damage. It does not generally protect the insured vehicle itself.
Is Third-Party insurance compulsory in Kenya?
The applicable insurance against third-party risks is legally required for vehicles used on Kenyan public roads.
How much is annual private-car Third-Party insurance?
Indicative prices may begin from approximately KSh 5,000–5,063 annually. The current quotation depends on the insurer and applicable charges.
Can I buy one-month private-car insurance?
Selected short-term options may be available from approximately KSh 1,500. Availability and terms must be confirmed at the time of purchase.
How much is Third-Party PSV taxi insurance?
Indicative pricing may start from approximately KSh 2,000 monthly or KSh 7,574 annually, subject to insurer terms.
Does Third-Party insurance cover my vehicle after an accident?
Generally, no. Comprehensive insurance is the broader option designed to include eligible accidental damage to the insured vehicle.
Does Third-Party insurance cover theft?
No. Consider Third Party, Fire and Theft or Comprehensive insurance where theft protection is required.
Can I use private-car insurance for Uber or Bolt?
No. A vehicle carrying passengers for payment requires the appropriate PSV or taxi classification.
Does Third-Party insurance cover passengers?
Passenger protection depends on the vehicle class, certificate, policy and applicable law. PSV operators should confirm passenger liability and authorised seating capacity.
Can I purchase Third-Party insurance online?
Yes. Quotation, documentation, payment and certificate delivery can often be completed digitally after the requirements are satisfied.
What happens if my certificate contains the wrong registration number?
Report the error immediately and do not assume that the incorrect certificate protects the intended vehicle.
Who pays a Third-Party claim?
The underwriting insurer assesses eligible claims under the policy. Imana can assist with notification and documentation but does not make the final claims decision.
Get a Third-Party motor insurance quotation
Third-Party Only insurance may be basic, but buying it carelessly can create serious gaps.
The certificate must match:
- The correct vehicle
- The correct owner
- The correct usage
- The correct passenger capacity
- The correct insurance period
Do not buy a certificate merely to avoid police trouble. Buy a valid policy that accurately reflects how the vehicle is used.
Get started:
- Compare motor insurance quotations
- Request a motor insurance quote
- Explore the motor insurance authority page
- Learn about private car insurance
- Explore PSV insurance
- Explore motorcycle insurance
- Request claims support
- Contact Imana
- Call/WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402
About the author
Raymond Momanyi is the Founder & CEO of Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, a digital-first insurance intermediary based in Westlands, Nairobi. His work focuses on motor insurance, PSV insurance comparison, medical insurance, WIBA, business risk, digital insurance distribution and claims support throughout Kenya and East Africa.
Insurance disclaimer
This article provides general information and does not replace the Insurance (Motor Vehicles Third Party Risks) Act, the Traffic Act, a personalised quotation, certificate, policy schedule or policy wording. Premiums, benefits, limits, exclusions, vehicle classifications, policy periods and underwriting requirements vary by insurer and may change. Indicative prices are not guaranteed quotations. Claims are assessed by the underwriting insurer according to the issued policy, applicable law and supporting evidence.
