Top 10 Car Insurance Companies in Kenya: 2025 Guide

Car insurance is a critical financial protection every Kenyan vehicle owner needs. Whether you drive a personal vehicle or manage a commercial fleet, choosing the right insurance provider can make a significant difference in your coverage quality, claims experience, and overall value. This guide examines Kenya’s leading car insurance companies, their offerings, and how to select the best policy for your specific needs.

Understanding Kenya’s Car Insurance Market

The Kenyan insurance industry has evolved significantly, with motor insurance representing one of the largest segments in the general insurance category. Before diving into specific providers, it’s important to understand the three main types of vehicle insurance available:

• Comprehensive Insurance covers damage to your vehicle from accidents, fire, theft, and third-party liabilities. This offers the most complete protection but comes at a higher premium.
• Third Party, Fire and Theft covers damage to third parties plus protection if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
• Third Party Only (TPO) is the legally required minimum coverage that only protects against claims made by third parties for bodily injury or property damage.

Now let’s examine Kenya’s top car insurance providers based on market share, product offerings, and customer satisfaction.

1. CIC Insurance Group: Market Leader in Motor Coverage

CIC Insurance Group stands as one of Kenya’s most established insurers, offering comprehensive motor insurance solutions across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Malawi.

Coverage Options and Premiums

CIC’s motor commercial insurance rates start at 5% for own goods vehicles with a minimum premium of Ksh 50,000, while general cartage vehicles start at 7% with minimum premiums of Ksh 100,000.

Their comprehensive coverage includes:

• Accidental collision or overturning
• Fire damage protection
• Malicious damage coverage
• Theft protection
• Third party liabilities

Unique Benefits and Features

CIC offers several free benefits that enhance their basic coverage:

• Emergency medical expenses up to Ksh 30,000 for vehicle occupants
• Towing and recovery services up to Ksh 50,000
• Authorized repair limit of Ksh 50,000

Additional Optional Covers:

• Political Violence cover (0.35% of sum insured, minimum Ksh 2,500)
• Excess protector (0.5% of sum insured, minimum Ksh 5,000)
• Geographical extension to COMESA countries via the Yellow Card system

What sets CIC apart is their focus on innovation and excellence in service delivery, which has earned them both national and international recognition.

2. APA Insurance: Comprehensive Solutions with Flexible Options

APA Insurance provides versatile motor insurance packages designed to meet various customer needs with an extensive network of service providers.

Coverage Highlights

APA offers three main types of motor insurance:

• Comprehensive Insurance
• Third Party, Fire and Theft
• Third Party Only

Their comprehensive plan covers damages from accidents, fire, flood, malicious damage, vehicle theft, and third-party liability. The geographical coverage extends throughout Kenya with optional extension to East Africa.

Extra Benefits

APA also offers optional add-ons including:

• Accidental Damage Excess Protector (0.25% of insured value)
• Accidental & Theft Excess Protector (0.5% of insured value)
• Loss of Use/Courtesy Car options (10 or 20 days coverage)
• Political Violence & Terrorism cover

Their cashless service through a wide network of garages makes APA particularly convenient for customers seeking hassle-free claims processing.

3. Britam Holdings: Pioneering Flexible Payment Options

Britam General Insurance has recently revolutionized the Kenyan car insurance market by introducing payment flexibility for comprehensive coverage.

Britam Motiflex: Making Insurance Affordable

In November 2024, Britam launched “Britam Motiflex,” allowing customers to pay premiums in flexible installments rather than large upfront payments. This innovation addresses a significant barrier to comprehensive coverage adoption in Kenya.

Customers can start with an initial payment as low as Ksh 4,000 and manage monthly premiums according to their budget.

Standard Coverage

Britam’s comprehensive motor insurance includes:

• Accidental damage protection
• Fire damage coverage
• Theft protection
• Malicious damage coverage
• Third-party liability protection

According to James Mbithi, acting Chief Executive at Britam General Insurance: “We understand that the annual premium for comprehensive insurance can be a significant upfront cost. Britam Motiflex is designed to make comprehensive coverage more accessible by offering flexible payment options.”

4. Directline: Specialists in PSV Insurance

Directline Assurance stands out as Kenya’s leading Public Service Vehicle (PSV) insurer, although they also provide strong personal vehicle coverage options.

Specialized PSV Coverage

Their specialized focus on matatus, buses, and taxis has allowed them to develop tailored solutions for this challenging segment of the market. Their comprehensive commercial vehicle policies include:

• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Quick claims settlement
• Specialized understanding of public transport challenges
• Accident scene management

Personal Vehicle Options

For private car owners, Directline offers comprehensive, third party fire and theft, and third party only options with competitive pricing and efficient claims processing.

5. Jubilee Insurance: Heritage and Innovation Combined

As one of Kenya’s oldest insurers (established in 1937), Jubilee Insurance brings decades of experience to their motor insurance offerings.

Comprehensive Motor Solutions

Jubilee offers motor insurance for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other road vehicles with primary protection against physical damage and third-party liability. Though specific details aren’t provided in the search results, Jubilee is known for:

• Competitive premiums for safe drivers
• Multi-car discounts for families
• Integration with their other insurance products (life, health, travel)
• Regional coverage options across East Africa

As they describe it: “This is insurance for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other road vehicles. Its primary use is to provide financial protection against physical damage.”

6. Heritage Insurance: Women-Focused Innovation

Heritage Insurance offers standard motor insurance policies plus specialized products targeting specific market segments.

Lady Heritage Car Insurance

Heritage stands out with their Lady Heritage car insurance, exclusively for women drivers. This innovative product recognizes that statistically, women drivers are involved in fewer incidents:

• Enhanced benefits package at discounted rates
• Full coverage for AA Kenya towing services
• Special SPA benefits
• Medical benefits

Standard Motor Insurance Options

Heritage also provides:

• Third Party Only car insurance
• Third Party Fire and Theft
• Comprehensive coverage
• Fleet solutions for businesses

Their corporate backing by a South African parent company and relationship with Stanbic Bank and Liberty Life Insurance provide Heritage with strong financial foundations.

7. ICEA LION: Extensive Protection Options

ICEA LION offers comprehensive motor insurance solutions for both commercial and private vehicles.

Coverage Categories

They provide four main categories of private motor insurance:

• Comprehensive
• Third Party Only
• Third Party Fire & Theft
• Motorcycle Insurance

Comprehensive Benefits

Their comprehensive coverage includes:

• Compensation for loss, theft or damage to the vehicle, accessories and spare parts
• Coverage for death of vehicle occupants (excluding the driver) and third parties
• Medical expenses for vehicle occupants after accidents
• Damage to third-party property
• Protection even when the vehicle is stolen or damaged

ICEA LION emphasizes that motor insurance is not just a legal requirement but crucial financial protection: “It ensures that you have compensation to repair or replace your motor vehicle in case of loss, theft or damage.”

8. Old Mutual Holdings: Customized Risk Management

Old Mutual offers personalized motor insurance solutions with strong emphasis on customer service and risk management.

Policy Features

Their comprehensive motor policies typically include:

• Accident damage protection
• Fire and theft coverage
• Third-party liability
• Personal accident cover for the driver and passengers
• Emergency roadside assistance

Value-Added Services

Old Mutual enhances their offerings with:

• Free valuation services
• Accident scene management
• Direct settlement with approved garages
• Discounts for claim-free driving records

9. AIG Kenya: Global Expertise with Local Understanding

AIG brings international insurance expertise to the Kenyan market with robust motor insurance options.

Key Strengths

• Backed by global financial stability
• Advanced risk assessment models
• Efficient digital claims processes
• Extensive reinsurance arrangements for large claims

Their policies typically offer competitive rates for drivers with clean records and modern vehicles with enhanced security features.

10. Monarch Insurance: Personalized Service Focus

Completing our top 10 is Monarch Insurance, known for their attentive customer service and personalized approach to motor insurance.

Customer-Centric Approach

Monarch emphasizes:

• Tailored coverage based on individual driving patterns
• Flexible premium payment options
• Quick claims processing
• Regular policy reviews and adjustments

Other Notable Mentions

While not in our top 10, these insurers offer quality motor insurance options in Kenya:

• Africa Merchant Assurance Company Limited (AMACO) provides competitive rates and specialized commercial vehicle coverage.
• Madison Insurance offers comprehensive personal and commercial vehicle policies with strong customer service reputation.

How Step by Step Insurance Partners with Top Providers

Step by Step Insurance works as an independent broker partnering with all the top insurance providers mentioned above. This partnership model creates several advantages for customers:

Customized Policy Matching

Rather than representing a single insurer, Step by Step Insurance analyzes your specific needs and matches you with the most suitable provider from their extensive network. This means you get:

• Unbiased recommendations based on your requirements
• Access to multiple quotes for comparison
• Expert guidance on policy selection
• Assistance identifying discounts and savings opportunities

Simplified Claims Assistance

When you obtain insurance through Step by Step Insurance, you gain an advocate for claims processing:

• They help prepare and submit claims documentation
• They follow up with insurers on your behalf
• They negotiate fair settlements when disputes arise
• They provide guidance through the entire claims process

Ongoing Policy Management

Step by Step Insurance provides continuous service beyond initial policy purchase:

• Regular policy reviews to ensure adequate coverage
• Assistance with policy renewals and adjustments
• Updates about new insurance products and options
• Support with documentation and compliance requirements

Factors to Consider When Choosing Car Insurance in Kenya

When selecting from Kenya’s top car insurance providers, consider these key factors:

Coverage Breadth and Limits

• Comprehensive vs. Basic Coverage: While third party only policies cost less, comprehensive coverage provides significantly better protection.
• Policy Exclusions: Carefully review what isn’t covered, as exclusions vary between insurers.
• Coverage Limits: Higher limits for third-party liability protect you from major claims.

Premium Costs and Payment Options

• Initial Premium: Compare base rates between providers.
• Payment Flexibility: Consider insurers like Britam that offer installment options.
• Discounts: Ask about no-claims bonuses, multi-car discounts, and loyalty rewards.

Claims Process Efficiency

• Settlement Speed: Research average claim settlement times.
• Documentation Requirements: Simpler processes mean faster claims.
• Cashless Garage Networks: Providers with extensive garage networks offer more convenient repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance mandatory in Kenya?

Yes. At minimum, third-party insurance is legally required for all vehicles on Kenyan roads under the Insurance Act, Cap 405. Driving without valid insurance is illegal and can result in fines and penalties.

What affects car insurance premiums in Kenya?

Multiple factors influence your premium costs:

• Vehicle value and type
• Driver age and experience
• Driving record and claims history
• Vehicle security features
• Geographic location and usage patterns
• Coverage type and optional benefits selected

How can I reduce my car insurance costs?

• Install approved anti-theft devices
• Maintain a clean driving record
• Increase your voluntary excess
• Consider third party coverage for older vehicles
• Ask about no-claims discounts
• Compare quotes from multiple providers through brokers like Step by Step Insurance

Conclusion

Kenya’s car insurance market offers diverse options to meet different driver needs and budgets. While CIC, APA, and Britam lead the market with innovative products and extensive coverage, each provider in our top 10 list brings unique strengths.

For personalized guidance in navigating these options, Step by Step Insurance provides valuable expertise in matching drivers with optimal coverage. Whether you prioritize comprehensive protection, affordable premiums, or specialized benefits, this guide should help you make an informed decision about your car insurance in Kenya.

Remember that the right car insurance isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s essential financial protection that provides peace of mind on Kenya’s roads.