Car insurance is a cornerstone of responsible vehicle ownership in Kenya. Beyond meeting legal requirements, it safeguards against financial losses from accidents, theft, or third-party liabilities. Here’s why choosing the right insurer is essential:
- Legal Compliance: Driving without at least third-party insurance can result in fines or imprisonment, as mandated by Kenyan law.
- Financial Protection: Covers repair costs, medical expenses, and legal liabilities, preventing unexpected financial burdens.
- Peace of Mind: A reliable insurer ensures quick claims processing, reducing stress during emergencies.
- Tailored Coverage: Top companies offer flexible plans for private cars, commercial vehicles, and public service vehicles (PSVs) like matatus.
With Kenya’s rising accident rates and motor vehicle fraud, partnering with a trusted insurer is more important than ever. This guide ranks the best providers based on data from IRA reports, customer reviews, and industry insights.
Types of Car Insurance in Kenya
Understanding the types of car insurance available is the first step to choosing the right policy. Kenya’s insurance market offers three primary options, each catering to different needs and budgets:
- Third-Party Only (TPO): The legal minimum, covering damages or injuries to third parties caused by your vehicle. It does not cover your own vehicle or personal injuries. Average cost: KES 7,574–15,108 per year.
- Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT): Extends TPO coverage to include protection against fire damage and vehicle theft, offering a middle ground for budget-conscious drivers.
- Comprehensive Insurance: The most extensive coverage, protecting against accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, and third-party liabilities. Premiums typically start at 3% of the vehicle’s value for cars under five years old. Additional benefits may include roadside assistance, towing, and personal accident cover.
Other specialized policies include:
- Motor Trade Insurance: Designed for businesses like dealerships or garages, covering vehicles in transit or under repair.
- Fleet Insurance: Consolidates coverage for multiple vehicles under one policy, ideal for businesses.
- Personal Accident Cover: Optional add-on providing compensation for injuries or death to drivers and passengers.
Top 10 Best Car Insurance Companies in Kenya for 2025
Based on market share, financial stability, claims efficiency, customer satisfaction, and innovation, here are the top 10 car insurance companies in Kenya for 2025:
1. Jubilee Insurance
Overview: Established in 1937, Jubilee Insurance holds a 17% share of Kenya’s general insurance market, making it a market leader. Known for its flexible, tailor-made policies, Jubilee offers comprehensive, third-party, and specialized covers like Jubilee Lady Auto for female drivers.
Why It Stands Out:
- Market Dominance: Controls 9.8% of motor insurance premiums.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Includes free vehicle valuation, towing, and disability cover.
- Customer Feedback: Praised for fast and transparent claims processing.
- Digital Tools: The JForce app simplifies policy management.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Third-Party Insurance
- Jubilee Lady Auto (for women drivers)
Best For: Private car owners and female drivers seeking premium coverage.
Contact: Jubilee Insurance Center, Wabera Street, Nairobi. Tel: +254 20 328 1000, Email: info@jubileekenya.com.
2. CIC Insurance Group
Overview: Founded in 1968, CIC Insurance is a cooperative insurer with a 7.1% market share. It excels in serving both commercial and private vehicles, with unique offerings like CIC Lady Auto for female drivers.
Why It Stands Out:
- Accessibility: Strong presence across Kenya and East Africa.
- Claims Efficiency: 26% liability claims settlement rate, triple the industry average.
- Benefits: Includes roadside assistance, trauma counseling, and key replacement.
- Innovation: Offers microinsurance for budget-conscious clients.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance
- Third-Party Fire & Theft
- CIC Lady Auto
Best For: SMEs, commercial vehicle owners, and female drivers.
Contact: CIC Plaza, Mara Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Tel: 0703 099 120, Email: callc@cic.co.ke.
3. APA Insurance
Overview: A merger of Apollo and Pan Africa Insurance, APA Insurance is a leader with an 11.45% share in health insurance and strong motor offerings. Its APA Rescue service enhances emergency response.
Why It Stands Out:
- Financial Stability: Backed by Apollo Investments.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes motor trade and fleet insurance.
- Customer Service: Highly rated for emergency response.
- Innovation: Streamlined claims via digital platforms.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance
- Third-Party Liability
- Motor Trade Insurance
Best For: Fleet operators and private car owners.
Contact: Apollo Center, 07 Ring Road, Parklands, Westlands. Tel: 0722 276 556, Email: info@apalife.co.ke.
4. Britam Insurance
Overview: Part of Britam Holdings, Britam offers a wide range of motor insurance products across East Africa. Its Britam Motiflex plan, launched in 2024, allows flexible premium payments.
Why It Stands Out:
- Regional Reach: Operates in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- Claims Handling: 16% liability claims rate, nearly double the market average.
- Benefits: Free roadside rescue and windscreen damage cover.
- Digital Innovation: Britam Connect app for easy policy access.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Third-Party Insurance
- Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Best For: Drivers seeking affordable, tech-driven solutions.
Contact: Britam Center, Mara Ragati Road, Nairobi. Tel: 0705 100 100, Email: info@britam.com.
5. Heritage Insurance
Overview: With roots in the early 20th century, Heritage Insurance specializes in private vehicle coverage and has won multiple awards for service excellence.
Why It Stands Out:
- Awards: Recognized as one of Kenya’s best insurers.
- Coverage: Includes loss of spare parts, keys, and windscreen repairs.
- Claims Process: Straightforward and swift, per customer reviews.
- Customer Focus: Strong reputation for personalized service.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Private Vehicle Insurance
- Third-Party Fire & Theft
- Windscreen and Towing Services
Best For: Owners of private vehicles, especially luxury cars.
Contact: Liberty House, Processional Way, Nairobi. Tel: 0711 039 000.
6. Directline Assurance
Overview: Directline specializes in PSVs and commercial vehicles, offering tailored policies for matatus, taxis, and private cars. It’s a preferred choice for 95% of PSV operators.
Why It Stands Out:
- PSV Expertise: Covers high-risk matatus and app-based taxis (Uber, Bolt).
- Affordability: Competitive premiums for commercial vehicles.
- Claims Efficiency: Streamlined process for quick settlements.
- Market Niche: Dominates the PSV sector.
Key Products:
- PSV Insurance
- Comprehensive Commercial Insurance
- Third-Party Only
Best For: PSV and taxi operators.
Contact: Hazina Towers, 17th Floor, Monrovia Street, Nairobi. Tel: 0711 030 000, Email: info@directline.co.ke.
7. Old Mutual
Overview: Part of the Old Mutual East Africa Group, Old Mutual offers motor insurance alongside life and pension products, catering to both private and commercial vehicles.
Why It Stands Out:
- Financial Education: Helps clients understand policy terms.
- Coverage Options: Includes roadside assistance and medical expense cover.
- Customer Satisfaction: High retention rates due to reliable service.
- Digital Tools: User-friendly online platforms.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance
- Third-Party Insurance
- Commercial Vehicle Coverage
Best For: Drivers seeking integrated financial solutions.
Contact: Old Mutual Tower, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Tel: 0709 922 444.
8. ICEA Lion
Overview: With origins in 1895, ICEA Lion provides comprehensive motor insurance with a focus on innovation and customer care.
Why It Stands Out:
- Experience: Over a century of industry expertise.
- Claims Settlement: Swift and personalized, per customer feedback.
- Digital Platforms: Easy policy management via apps.
- Product Range: Includes optional add-ons like tracking services.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance
- Third-Party Fire & Theft
- Car Tracking Services
Best For: Families and businesses seeking reliable coverage.
Contact: ICEA Lion Centre, Chiromo Road, Nairobi. Tel: 0711 071 000.
9. Invesco Assurance
Overview: Invesco is a key player in the PSV sector, insuring 95% of matatus in Kenya. It also offers comprehensive and third-party covers for private and commercial vehicles.
Why It Stands Out:
- PSV Dominance: Preferred by matatu owners for tailored policies.
- Affordability: Competitive rates for high-risk vehicles.
- Claims Process: Efficient handling for commercial clients.
- Market Share: Strong presence in the transport sector.
Key Products:
- PSV Matatu Insurance
- Comprehensive Private Car Insurance
- Third-Party Insurance
Best For: Matatu owners and commercial vehicle operators.
Contact: Invesco Centre, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi. Tel: 0709 900 000.
10. GA Insurance
Overview: Acquired by I&M Bank Group in 2006, GA Insurance offers comprehensive and third-party motor insurance for private, commercial, and motorcycle owners.
Why It Stands Out:
- Diverse Offerings: Covers motorcycles and electric vehicles.
- Financial Backing: Strong stability via I&M Bank.
- Customer Service: Reliable support, per reviews.
- Green Insurance: Supports eco-friendly vehicles.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance
- Third-Party Motorcycle Insurance
- Electric Vehicle Insurance
Best For: Motorcycle owners and eco-conscious drivers.
Contact: GA Insurance House, Ralph Bunche Road, Nairobi. Tel: 0722 205 111.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Insurance Company
Selecting the best car insurance provider requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Financial Stability and Reputation: Choose a financially strong company to ensure claims are paid promptly. Check IRA reports and customer reviews for insights.
- Coverage Options and Flexibility: Look for insurers offering tailored plans, such as excess buy-back or roadside assistance, to suit your needs.
- Claims Process Efficiency: Opt for companies with a reputation for quick, hassle-free claims processing. Online claiming and 24/7 helplines are a plus.
- Technology Integration: User-friendly apps and online platforms simplify policy management, renewals, and claims tracking.
- Price Competitiveness: Compare quotes to balance cost and coverage. Avoid choosing solely based on low premiums, as this may lead to inadequate protection.
Emerging Trends in Kenya’s Car Insurance Industry for 2025
The motor insurance sector in Kenya is evolving rapidly, driven by technology and changing consumer needs:
- Telematics and Black Box Insurance: Companies like Jubilee and Britam use driving data to adjust premiums, rewarding safe drivers.
- Digital Platforms: Mobile apps like Britam Connect and JForce streamline policy purchases and claims.
- Green Insurance: GA and CIC offer coverage for electric vehicles, aligning with sustainability trends.
- Microinsurance: Affordable, short-term policies cater to low-income drivers.
- Fraud Detection: AI tools help reduce motor insurance fraud, a persistent issue in Kenya.
How to Choose the Best Car Insurance Company
Follow these steps to select the right insurer:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider your vehicle type, driving habits, and budget.
- Compare Quotes: Request quotes from multiple providers to find the best value.
- Read Reviews: Check customer feedback on platforms like Pesabazaar and Bowman for insights.
- Verify Financial Stability: Use IRA reports to confirm the insurer’s ability to pay claims.
- Check Additional Benefits: Look for perks like roadside assistance, towing, or no-claims discounts.
Tips for Reducing Car Insurance Premiums
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Earn no-claims discounts by avoiding accidents.
- Bundle Policies: Combine car insurance with home or health insurance for discounts.
- Choose Higher Deductibles: Opt for a higher excess to lower premiums, if affordable.
- Install Security Features: Anti-theft devices or tracking systems can reduce rates.
- Pay Annually: Avoid monthly installment fees by paying premiums upfront.
Choosing the best car insurance company in Kenya is a critical decision that impacts your financial security and peace of mind on the road. Providers like Jubilee Insurance, CIC Insurance, and APA Insurance lead the market with their comprehensive coverage, efficient claims processes, and innovative solutions. By understanding your needs, comparing quotes, and considering factors like financial stability and customer service, you can find the perfect policy for your vehicle. Stay informed about emerging trends like telematics and green insurance to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities.
