Motor insurance may be an added expense to vehicle owners, but the fact remains that it is a safety net that few can do without. Given the fact that car accidents happen nearly every day, smart drivers prefer to take a cover. Ranging from car-crashes, to rear-ending to outright head on collisions, vehicle insurance saves not only money, but also lives.

As such, insurance providers offer a wide variety of services aimed to meet their customers’ needs. A basic cover can only go so far. Comprehensive insurance may seem like the best possible option despite the fact that it has its own limits. But just how comprehensive is comprehensive?

What They Cover

Basic covers insure the car against theft, minor vehicle damage, windscreen damage and stolen or damaged entertainment systems. Comprehensive covers cater for damages caused by unforeseeable incidences like riots and fire. Some companies like APA Insurance have a comprehensive cover for natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. APA also has a comprehensive cover for your tyres and your passengers.

UAP Insurance covers car tracking services, personal accident insurance, 24 hour road rescue, emergency medical expenses. A Standard cover from UAP charges annual premiums at a minimum cost of KES 20,000. For a Comprehensive Gold cover, insured parties pay an additional vehicle tracking fee of KES 25,000 as well as an Automobile Association (AA) cover of KES 4000.

Insurers only cover a small percentage of property damage caused by the policy holder. UAP covers 2.5% of expenses for damages amounting to a minimum of KES 30,000 and a maximum of KES 100,000.

It is important to note that premiums vary depending on the value of the vehicle. Expensive cars will cost more to insure than their cheaper counterparts.

What You Can Claim

For most insurance companies, there is a no-claims bonus for drivers who have had no damages for a certain period of time. APA and UAP give a fraction of the insured value every year after a specified period with no claims. UAP gives an incremental 10% after the first two years with no claims. This means that the first year after the no-claims period earns the policy holder 10% of their scheme. The second year earns them 20% while the third pays 30% and the fourth gets them 40%.

Windscreen damage is usually covered up to a certain limit. Some insurers pay only a small percentage of the damage expenses for anything above that limit. For instance, if replacing your windscreen costs KES 40,000 a company like UAP will pay up until the KES 30,000 limit. The insurer will then pay only 10% of the excess. This amounts to a cover of KES 31,000 out of expenses worth KES 40,000.  APA offers a maximum hospitalisation limit of KES 100,000.

Hospitalisation refers to when your car is in the garage.

Accidental damage caused to other drivers is usually covered for up to 5% of the damage caused. This applies to both basic and comprehensive insurance. UAP covers damages for anything above KES 35,000. Policy holders pay for anything below this amount. Some companies, like Gateway Insurance, reduce their premiums based on the driving distance covered with no claims.

Jubilee policy holders with comprehensive covers can make claims for stolen keys or stolen spare tyres.

What They Don’t Cover

Have you ever left something like your laptop in the back seat of your car? What about a tool-kit in the boot? You may want to think twice about storing important and expensive items in your vehicle because insurance only covers the actual parts of the car.

The same thing applies to upgrades and tune ups. Anything that is not quoted by the insurance company as a legitimate repair may have dire consequences for the policy holder.  If you choose to pimp your ride, expect to lose some if not all of your cover. According to an article by the Kenya Insurance Review, modifying your vehicle can lead to lost or wasted premiums. In the event that your new muffler scratches another vehicle, you will pay for all the damages.

A music system that was not initially part of the vehicle will not be replaced if it is lost or otherwise damaged beyond repair. Custom alloy rims are also out of the question. If your brakes fail to stop your vehicle, you may be forced to provide proof that the modifications are not to blame. Failing to do so may cause the insurer to cancel your subscription.

In some cases, you can get your last deposit back. Some insurers are not so lenient. UAP can withhold all your accumulated deposits if you nullify your contract by what can be termed as illegally upgrading your vehicle.

If you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your insurance company is not liable for any damages. In fact, it is their duty to report you to the proper authorities. Making unwarranted claims is not only illegal, but it can also lead to cancelled subscriptions and lost deposits. In some cases, a judge can revoke your license, making your insurance policy useless.

What’s more, insurers hardly ever pay out claims for cases of wear and tear.  Vehicle maintenance is the owner’s responsibility. Servicing can be done as long as the insurance company is notified about any changes.

Jubilee, for instance, does not offer this cover. It also steers clear of tyre damages unless the wheels were affected by damages caused to other parts of the vehicle.

Damages caused by misappropriation of the vehicle and overloading are not covered. This means that you can’t use your vehicle for drag racing, nor can you use it to transport goods beyond its carrying capacity. Others like APA don’t cover damages caused from instances where the car is borrowed by other uninsured drivers.

So unless you want to pay for the repairs yourself, abide by the regulations in your insurers contract.