Common Car Insurance Myths in Kenya: What You Should Know

One thing about Kenyans, they love stories. And every time a similar story is told, a new lie is added to make it juicy. The same happens with car insurance conversations.

This is one of those things that everyone talks about, but few people truly understand. As a result, myths and misconceptions about car insurance in Kenya are all over the place. 

And the thing is, believing these myths could cost you big time—whether it’s through higher premiums or insufficient coverage when you need it most.

So, what’s true and what’s not? Here are a few myths debunked by yours truly, Peach Cars.

1. Myth: Third-Party Insurance Covers Everything

A lot of people in Kenya assume that third-party insurance covers everything related to their car. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Fact:
Third-party insurance only covers damage or injury you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. If you’re involved in an accident that’s your fault, it will pay for the damage done to the other car or medical bills for the injured party. However, any repairs to your car? That’s all on you.

So if your car gets damaged in an accident or stolen, third-party insurance won’t help at all. If you want more protection, consider comprehensive or third-party, fire, and theft insurance.

Pro Tip: If you drive an older car, third-party insurance might be enough, but newer or more expensive cars will need comprehensive coverage to avoid costly repairs or replacement.

2. Myth: Comprehensive Insurance Covers Everything No Matter What

People hear the word “comprehensive” and assume it means you’re covered for literally everything. Spoiler alert: It’s not that simple.

Fact:
While comprehensive insurance does provide broad coverage—damage to your car, fire, theft, and accidents—it doesn’t cover every single situation. Some things are excluded, like wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns. So if your engine fails, don’t expect your insurer to pay for a new one.

You’ll also need to consider the excess, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before the insurer steps in. Always check the terms of your policy so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.

3. Myth: Older Cars Don’t Need Insurance

Many Kenyan drivers believe that if they’re driving an older car, they don’t need insurance, or that the car is too cheap to insure.

Fact:
Regardless of the age of your car, insurance is required by law. If you’re caught driving without at least third-party insurance, you could face hefty fines or even jail time. 

Plus, older cars are just as likely to get into accidents as newer ones. So, insurance isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a financial safeguard.

Third-party insurance is often the best choice for older cars, but you should always weigh the cost of repairs or replacements before making your decision.

Pro Tip: Older cars with hard-to-find spare parts might still benefit from a comprehensive policy, especially if repairs could end up costing more than the car’s value.

4. Myth: You Only Need Insurance if You’re a Bad Driver

If you’re a “good” driver, why waste money on insurance? Seems like a valid question, yes. But this is a misconception.

Fact:
Even if you’re the best driver in Kenya, you can’t control what other people do on the road. Accidents happen, and sometimes through no fault of your own. That’s why having insurance is crucial, regardless of how careful you are.

It’s not just about avoiding accidents either. What if your car is stolen or vandalized? Insurance protects you from a wide range of risks, not just road accidents.

Myth 5: Your Insurance Will Always Cover Personal Items Stolen from Your Car

Picture this: you leave your laptop or phone in your car, and someone breaks in and steals it. Your first thought might be, “No worries, my car insurance will cover this.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Fact:

Most car insurance policies in Kenya don’t cover personal items stolen from your car. Your insurance will take care of the damage to the car (like a broken window), but not the stolen items.

If you want coverage for personal belongings, you’ll need a separate personal property policy or an add-on to your car insurance.

Pro Tip: Avoid leaving valuable items like electronics or handbags visible in your car. It’s an invitation for thieves, and insurance won’t help you replace them.

Myth 6: You Don’t Need Car Insurance if You Rarely Drive

Maybe your car spends more time in the garage than on the road. Does that mean you can skip out on insurance?

Fact:
Even if you rarely drive, insurance is still required by law in Kenya. Accidents, theft, and other risks can happen anytime, whether you’re driving every day or once a month. 

Plus, cars sitting idle for long periods can still get damaged by weather, fire, or theft.

If you’re not driving much, you might want to look into lower-premium options or adjust your coverage. Just don’t assume you can ditch insurance altogether.

Myth 7: Insurance Covers Any Driver of Your Car

Imagine lending your car to a friend, and they get into an accident. Does your insurance cover them? Many Kenyans believe that if they’re insured, anyone can drive their car and still be covered.

Fact:
Not true. Most policies in Kenya only cover the named driver or specific drivers listed on the policy. If someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance might not pay for the damages unless they’re named on the policy.

Always check with your insurer to confirm who’s covered to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

Conclusion: Get the Facts Right with Peach Cars

Car insurance in Kenya can seem complicated, especially with so many myths floating around. But by separating fact from fiction, you can make smarter decisions and ensure you’re fully protected on the road. Whether you’re considering comprehensive insurance or just sticking with third-party coverage, knowing the truth behind these common myths will help you avoid costly mistakes.

At Peach Cars, we believe in helping you understand the ins and outs of car ownership, from buying a vehicle to getting the right insurance. If you’re ready to upgrade your car or need more advice on car insurance, visit us today. We make the car buying and insuring process smooth and stress-free!