As Kenya approaches the October–December rainy season, motorists are being urged to review their vehicle insurance and understand what protection their policies actually provide.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast above-average rainfall in parts of the country during the October–December 2026 season, increasing the possibility of flooding and difficult driving conditions in some areas.
Flooded roads can leave vehicles stranded, damaged or completely submerged, exposing motorists to potentially costly repairs.
This raises an important question for vehicle owners: does your insurance cover damage to your own car, or does it only protect you against claims from other road users?
What does comprehensive insurance cover?
Comprehensive motor insurance provides broader protection because it covers damage to the insured vehicle as well as certain third-party liabilities.
Depending on the policy and its terms, comprehensive cover can protect against accidental damage, theft, fire, malicious damage and damage resulting from an accident.
Britam, for example, says its comprehensive motor insurance also provides third-party liability protection for injury, death and damage to third-party property.
The insurer lists additional benefits including windscreen protection, cover for audio and video accessories, recovery and towing following an accident, and protection for items such as a spare wheel, jack and toolbox.
For motorists worried about flood-related losses, the important consideration is whether the specific policy covers the relevant damage and under what conditions.
A motorist should therefore check the policy wording rather than assume that every type of flood or water damage will automatically be covered.
What does third-party insurance cover?
Third-party insurance is more limited.
Its primary purpose is to protect the insured motorist against liabilities arising from injuries or property damage caused to other people.
Under Third Party Only cover, the insurer does not generally pay for damage to the policyholder’s own vehicle.
This means a motorist whose vehicle is damaged in an accident, stolen or affected by another covered event may have to meet the repair or replacement costs personally if the policy does not provide additional protection.
Third Party, Fire and Theft offers an intermediate option, providing third-party liability protection while also covering the insured vehicle against specified losses arising from fire and theft.
Why the distinction matters during heavy rains
For motorists in flood-prone areas, the difference between the two types of insurance can become particularly important.
A vehicle caught in floodwater can suffer damage to its engine, electrical systems, interior and other components. The cost of restoring such a vehicle can run into hundreds of thousands of shillings depending on the extent of the damage.
Motorists should therefore establish before the rainy season whether their policy covers water or flood-related damage, what exclusions apply and what excess they would have to pay when making a claim.
They should also avoid driving through flooded roads simply because they have comprehensive insurance. Insurance does not remove the need to take reasonable precautions or comply with policy conditions.
Paying for comprehensive cover
The cost of comprehensive insurance can also discourage some motorists from upgrading from third-party cover.
Britam’s MotiFlex product allows eligible customers to spread comprehensive motor insurance premiums through monthly, quarterly or semi-annual instalments rather than paying the entire premium at once.
Britam says the product retains protection for accidental damage, fire, theft, malicious damage and third-party liabilities, subject to applicable terms.
Ultimately, motorists should choose cover based on the value of their vehicle, how frequently they drive, their exposure to risks such as flooding and their ability to absorb unexpected repair or replacement costs.
Before the rains intensify, checking the policy document may be just as important as checking the condition of the tyres, brakes and windscreen.
