Car Insurance Excess in Kenya: Essential Guide to Types, Costs, Protector Covers & Real Examples

When most Kenyan drivers purchase car insurance, they often focus on premiums and overlook a crucial detail: insurance excess. Yet, this small clause can determine how much you will pay out of your pocket if an accident happens.

This guide breaks down car insurance excess in Kenya—what it is, the different types, how much it costs you, and how to protect yourself.

What Is Car Insurance Excess?

Car insurance excess is the amount of money you, the insured, must pay before the insurance company settles your claim.

It is your contribution toward the repair or replacement cost of your car after an accident.

👉 Example:

• Accident damage = KES 100,000
• Your excess = KES 30,000
• You pay KES 30,000, the insurer covers the balance of KES 70,000.

Why Do Insurers Charge Excess?

Insurance excess exists to:

• Discourage minor claims (scratches, dents, broken side mirrors).
• Encourage careful driving since you also share in the cost.
• Keep premiums affordable for all policyholders by filtering out small claims.

Types of Car Insurance Excess in Kenya

1. Standard Excess

• Most common type in Kenya.
• Charged as a fixed percentage of the car’s insured value (usually 2.5%–5%).

2. Voluntary Excess

• You agree to pay more in case of a claim, and in return, your premiums are reduced.
• Useful if you’re a confident, low-risk driver.

3. Young/Inexperienced Driver Excess

• Applied if the driver is under 25 years old or has less than 2 years’ driving experience.
• Higher risk means a higher excess.

4. Special Vehicle Excess

• Luxury cars (Mercedes, Range Rover, BMW), commercial vehicles, and PSVs (taxis, matatus, Ubers) often attract higher excess rates.

5. Theft or Total Loss Excess

• Applied when your car is stolen or written off.
• Usually higher than standard excess.

How Excess Works in Real Life

Scenario A: Small Accident

• Damage repair: KES 20,000
• Your excess: KES 30,000
  👉 You pay the entire repair yourself, as it falls below the excess limit.

Scenario B: Major Accident

• Damage repair: KES 500,000
• Your excess: KES 50,000
  👉 You pay KES 50,000, insurer covers the remaining KES 450,000.

Excess Protector Covers in Kenya

Many insurers offer an Excess Protector add-on for an extra fee.

• Covers part or all of your excess if you make a claim.
• Especially valuable for high-value cars and fleet owners.
• Adds only a small percentage to your premium.

👉 Example: If your excess is KES 50,000, an excess protector could reduce it to KES 5,000 or even zero when making a claim.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying Car Insurance

Do not just look at the cheapest premium. Ask your insurer:

• What is the standard excess rate?
• Is there an extra excess for theft or young drivers?
• Do you offer an excess protector cover?
• Does excess apply per claim or per year?

Final Word

Understanding car insurance excess in Kenya is just as important as knowing your premium. It can save you from shock during claims.

✅ Remember:

• Excess = your out-of-pocket cost before insurance pays.
• It varies by driver, car type, and claim type.
• You can reduce the risk with an Excess Protector cover.

The next time you buy car insurance, read the fine print. That “small clause” called excess could mean the difference between a stress-free claim and an expensive headache.

Remember!

Kifedha Insurance Agency can help you find the best car insurance with excess cover that actually protects your pocket. Contact us before renewing your policy. Contact us through our contact form, call us on +254791573231 or visit one of our branches across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties to explore your financial options.