Guide to Choosing the Best Car Insurance Companies In Kenya in 2023. Having car insurance cover whether comprehensive or third-party is mandatory for any car owner in Kenya as per the regulations laid out by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) which is the Government body that governs insurance companies in Kenya.
As of January 2023, there were 59 registered insurance companies in Kenya. Partnering with the best insurance company can save you money and frustrations.
We took the liberty to analyze all 59 companies focusing on key areas like customer service, claim handling, customer loyalty, and policy rates. Using that data we were able to compile a list of the top 10 best car insurance companies in Kenya.
Top 10 Best Car Insurance Companies In Kenya
The following is a list of Kenya’s Top 10 best car insurance companies.
- CIC Insurance Kenya
- Jubilee Insurance Kenya
- Britam Insurance Kenya
- APA Insurance Kenya
- Heritage Insurance Kenya
- Madison Insurance
- Directline Insurance Kenya
- GA Insurance Kenya
- Amaco Insurance
- Takaful Insurance of Africa
Now, let’s take a closer look and uncover the gems in the long list above as we try to identify the best car insurance company in Kenya.
CIC Insurance Kenya
The CIC Group offers general insurance under its subsidiary CIC general insurance Ltd.
The group’s origin dates back to 1968 when it was a department within the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives. The department was then registered and licensed as a Co-operative insurance service limited in 1978 and later the company changed to the Co-operative Insurance Company of Kenya Limited in 1999, fast forward to 2010 the company then changed to CIC Insurance Group Limited. The change was in preparation for the de-merger of its life and general business operations.
Since then the company has established a strong presence in the country with branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nanyuki, etc, and the greater East African region in countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Malawi.
Their car insurance coverage includes comprehensive car insurance, third-party fire & theft, and third-party insurance. These insurance policies are available to both private and commercial vehicles.
That’s not all, their customers speak highly of their good customer service, speedy service delivery, transparent claim handling, and skilled personnel.
Their Contact Information
Address: CIC Plaza, Mara Road, Upperhill, Nairobi Kenya.
Telephone number: 0703 099 120
Email: callc@cic.co.ke
The Phone contacts, emails, and physical addresses for all their Kenyan branches can be found here.
Jubilee Insurance Kenya
Jubilee insurance company of Kenya commonly known as Jubilee insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jubilee holdings ltd a multinational Insurance holdings company with its headquarters in Nairobi.
The company offers general insurance through Jubilee general insurance limited. On May 04, 2021, Allianz became the majority shareholder in Jubilee general insurance business in Kenya, acquiring a 66% shareholding in the company.
The company has established a strong footprint in the country with branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Thika, Nyeri, etc.
As far as their car insurance coverage goes, they offer comprehensive, third-party fire & theft as well as third-party insurance, this extends to both private and commercial vehicles.
Their clientele lauds them for good customer support, excellent claim handling, and speedy service delivery.
In addition, policyholders get to enjoy, Free motor inspection and valuation, 24hrs towing services, accident and disability benefits, political violence, and terrorism benefit.
Their Contact Information
Address: Jubilee Insurance Center, Wabera Street
Telephone Number: +254 (0) 20 328 1000
Email: info@jubileekenya.com / talk2us@jubileekenya.com
Britam Insurance Kenya
Britam general insurance company Kenya Ltd is the company that offers general insurance services under Britam Holdings Plc.
The group’s operations commenced in Kenya in 1965 when they opened their 1st office in Nairobi.
Over the years the company has expanded its reach to the whole of the country with branches in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, etc.
Britams’ motor insurance offers Comprehensive insurance, third-party fire & theft as well as third-party insurance covers. These insurance policies are available for both private and commercial vehicles.
According to policyholders’ feedback, this company stands out with its hustle-free claim-handling process, swift service delivery, and excellent customer support.
Their Contact Information
Address: Britam center, Mara Ragati Rd, Nairobi
Telephone Number: 0705 100 100
Email: info@britam.com
You can find the nearest Britam branch to you here.
APA Insurance Kenya
APA insurance is a subsidiary of Apollo Investment Ltd. Established in 1977 Apollo became the 1st locally-owned insurance company. The company has achieved impressive growth over the years thanks to its commitment to service and confidence of policyholders and a sound management policy.
APA insurance came to life in 2003 after the merger of the general insurance business of Apollo insurance company and Pan Africa Insurance. The company has established dominance in the Kenyan insurance industry with branches across the country i.e. Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, etc.
Through its motor insurance product the company offers comprehensive insurance, third-party fire & theft, and third-party insurance. These insurance covers are available to both private and commercial vehicles.
Their well-organized claim handling process and speedy service delivery is indeed something worth appreciating. Different policyholders’ reviews posted about them online suggest that this company has good customer support and an effective service delivery network.
Their Contact Information
Address: Apollo Center, 07 Ring Road Parklands, Westlands
Telephone Number: 0722 276 556 / 0733 676 556
Email: info@apalife.co.ke
Their Kenyan branch locations and contact information can be found here.
Heritage Insurance Kenya
The origin of Heritage Insurance Company dates back to 1908 and 1924 when the Norwich Fire Insurance Society and the Legal & General Insurance Company commenced their operations in Kenya.
The two companies later merged in 1976 to form Heritage Insurance Company Limited. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Kenya Holdings Plc.
That’s not all, the company has seen massive growth over the years as they have many branches spread across the country in places like Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, etc
Under their motor insurance product, they offer comprehensive, third party fire & theft, and third-party insurance covers. These covers are available for both commercial and private vehicles.
What’s more, Heritage Insurance prides itself on its high claims-paying ability having won the prestigious Think Business General Insurer of the year award in 2018 to affirm this. The company is also AA rated by the Global Rating Company, this is one of the highest international ratings for insurers.
Policyholders laud the company for its skilled personnel, swift service delivery, and hustle-free claim-handling process.
Their Contact Information
Address: Liberty House, processional Way, Nairobi Kenya
Telephone Number: 0711 039 000 / 0734 101 000
You can find a Heritage Insurance branch near you here.
Madison Insurance
Madison Insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madison Group Limited. The group was incorporated under Kenyan laws in 1988 as Madison Insurance Company Limited (MICK).
In 2018 MICK demerged into two separate companies – Madison General and Madison Life.
Madison General underwrites general insurance business. Under their motor insurance product, they offer comprehensive, third-party fire and theft as well as third-party insurance covers. These insurance covers are available to both private and commercial vehicles.
The company has grown exponentially from combined gross written premiums of KES 100m in 1988 to combined Gross written premiums of 6.2 Billion as of Dec 2017. Some policyholders who review their service often have kind words to say about this Nairobi-based insurance company.
Their Contact Information
Address: Madison House Upper Hill Close
Telephone Number: 0709 922 444 / 0709 9222 000
Sms Number: 20286
USSD: *828#
You can find a Madison insurance branch here.
Directline Insurance
Directline Assurance better known as Directline Insurance was incorporated in 1998 and ventured into the PSV sector an industry that many players had avoided.
The company is proud to have a legacy as Kenya’s leading PSV insurer. Their vision is to become the insurer of choice in Kenya and the wider East African region.
In addition, the company believes in providing accessible insurance, continually innovating its products, promptly settling claims, and exceeding clients’ expectations in motor vehicle insurance.
Over and above PSV insurance covers the company also offers other motor insurance classes namely motor private and motor commercial. Under these classes, the insurance covers are available in 3 types – comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party insurance.
The company is lauded for its speedy service delivery, highly skilled personnel, and prompt claims settlement.
Their Contact Information
Address: Hazina Towers, 17th Floor, Monrovia street
Telephone Number: 0711 030 000/ 0730 130 000
Email: info@directline.co.ke
You can find a Directline Assurance branch near you here.
GA Insurance Company Ltd
GA Insurance Limited is one of the oldest insurance companies operating in Kenya underwriting all classes of general insurance. It was incorporated as a Kenyan insurance Company in 1979.
Over time the company has earned its standing as one of the most reputable insurance companies in Kenya.
Through its motor insurance cover the company offers comprehensive, third-party fire and theft and third party insurance. These insurance covers are available to both private and commercial vehicles.
The company boasts of good corporate governance and robust risk management practices. Policyholders laud it for its prompt service delivery as well as qualified personnel.
Their Contact Information
Address: 4th Floor, GA insurance house, Ralph Bunche Road, Nairobi
Telephone Number: 0709 626 000
You can find a GA insurance branch near you here.
Amaco Insurance
Africa Merchant Assurance Company Limited (AMACO) was incorporated in Kenya and licensed to transact general insurance business in the year 2000.
The company has a team of highly qualified, experienced, and dynamic staff who render personalized, efficient, and professional insurance services.
Under its motor insurance cover. It offers comprehensive, third-party fire & theft, and third-party insurance. These insurance covers are available to both private and comprehensive vehicles.
Different reviews from Policyholders laud the company for its good customer service, highly skilled personnel, and efficient service delivery.
Their Contact Information
Address: 4th floor, Nextgen Mall, Nairobi Kenya.
Telephone Number: 0202 220 4000
You can find an Amaco branch near you here.
Takaful Insurance Of Africa
Takaful Insurance of Africa Ltd (TIA) was founded in 2008 and licensed in 2011. The company is a pioneer of ethical and innovative products.
In addition, the company is operated on an ethical and moral foundation that intends to improve societal welfare and avoids prohibited activities involving exploitative interest, gambling, and excessive uncertainty.
It’s good to note that Takaful Insurance of Africa is based on sharia or Islamic religious law.
Under its motor insurance product, the company offers comprehensive, third-party fire & theft and third-party insurance. These Insurance covers are available to both private and commercial vehicles.
Takaful insurance was introduced as an alternative to those in the commercial insurance industry which are believed to go against Islamic restrictions on riba (Interest).
Lastly, policyholders laud the company for its abidance to Islamic laws, speedy service delivery, and prompt claim settlement.
Their Contact Information
Address: Renaissance corporate park, Elgon Road, Upperhill.
Telephone Number: 0703b808 010
Email: talktous@tafafulafrica.co.ke
you can find a Takaful Insurance branch near you here.
How To Choose The Best Car Insurance Company
The decision to choose the best car insurance company in Kenya will mostly be guided by 3 factors namely:
- Budget
- Class of Insurance Cover
- Claim settlement history
Budget
Different companies have different rates based on the different classes & types of insurance covers they offer. It’s therefore important to do a comparison between a few companies and see which company offers the best rates and the benefits attached to those covers.
As a rule of thumb do not always go for the cheapest, try and look at the benefits tied to each cover. There are also other ways you can get more out of your insurance coverage for example you will be charged a low excess percentage if your vehicle is fitted with an anti-theft device and a much lower fee if fitted with a tracking device.
To understand the type of benefits the insurance cover offers always ask for a policy document.
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Class of Insurance Cover
There are three main classes of insurance covers namely:
- Private Insurance
- Commercial Insurance
- PSV Insurance
Private insurance covers a motor vehicle that is used solely for social domestic and pleasure purposes and for own business profession.
Commercial insurance covers motor vehicles used for commercial purposes i.e lorries, vans, minibusses, trucks, tippers, heavy goods vehicles, etc.
PSV Insurance covers motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire and reward (fare-paying passengers).
Based on the use of the vehicle you will be required to secure an insurance cover under one of the above classes. Some companies provide all three classes of insurance others just two.
Claim Settlement History
A company with a good history of prompt and hustle-free claim settlement is a good company as the sole purpose of having an insurance cover is indemnity in case of risk therefore one should gravitate towards a company with a good history of claim settlement.
