TIPS FOR BEST MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IN NAIROBI,KENYA

So, you've joined Nairobi's biker gang – no, not the leather-clad, chain-swinging kind, but the brave souls who've chosen the two-wheeled freedom machine to move from point A to B.

Now picture yourself zipping through Nairobi traffic, feeling like a superhero weaving between cars, when suddenly – a matatu decides to create its own lane. AGAIN!.

Before you curse in three different languages, let's talk about something less exciting but way more important than your near-death experiences: motorcycle insurance. Because let's face it, in a city where traffic rules are more like suggestions, you and your two-wheeled freedom machine needs more protection than your grandmother's china.

Lets take an indepth look at the different types of motorcycle insurance and what you need to know to make an informed decision.

1. Personal Accident Cover
   One essential type of insurance for motorcycle riders is personal accident cover. This type of insurance focuses on covering medical expenses if you are involved in an accident. It's often seen as an add-on to existing medical insurance and is vital for anyone riding a motorcycle, considering the potential risks on the road.
2. Medical Insurance
   Medical insurance covers a broader spectrum of medical expenses, arising not just from accidents but also from various health issues. In case you are injured while riding, having medical insurance ensures that your treatment costs are taken care of without putting a financial strain on you.
3. Comprehensive Insurance
   For more complete protection, comprehensive insurance offers coverage for damage to your motorcycle caused by accidents, theft, vandalism, adverse weather conditions like floods, and even animals. However, it’s important to note that this insurance does not extend to damages caused to other people or vehicles in an accident.

The best option is to have medical insurance, personal accident cover and comprehensive insurance all in place so that as many scenarios as possible are covered.

Examples of Insurance Companies
Some of the leading insurance providers in Kenya that offer motorcycle insurance include:

• Sanlam
• Britam
• AIG
• Takaful

These companies provide diverse plans, so it’s essential to evaluate their policies carefully before making a decision.

Key Considerations When Choosing Motorcycle Insurance
Before committing to an insurance plan, there are a few crucial aspects you should examine in the policy document:

1. Coverage Limits
   Coverage limits define the financial protection you or your family receive in case of death, disability, sickness, or accidents. Ensure that the policy covers adequate amounts, especially for severe incidents that could lead to extensive medical costs or long-term disabilities.
2. Deductibles
   The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For instance, a medical cover that promises to pay up to KES 1 million for hospital bills may require you to cover the first KES 90,000. This initial payment is the deductible, so it's important to understand how much you will need to pay upfront.
3. Add-on Benefits
   Add-ons provide extra protection beyond the core coverage. They typically come at an additional cost and can include benefits such as critical illness plans, roadside assistance, key replacement, air ambulance services, and even maternity cover. While optional, these add-ons can offer peace of mind in unexpected situations.
4. Claim Payment Ratio
   Evaluating a company’s claim payment ratio is critical to determining its reliability. This ratio indicates the number of claims paid out compared to the number of claims filed. A higher ratio suggests better claim settlement processes. You can access reports on claim payment ratios from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) website. Companies with good ratios often offer additional perks, such as:

• Replacement vehicles during repairs after accidents
• Roadside assistance
• No-claims bonuses
• Multi-policy discounts
• Discounts for installing safety features in your motorcycle

These extras, combined with responsive customer service and efficient claim settlement, should be a priority when selecting an insurer.

Being Part of a Motorcycle Support Group
Another great way to stay informed and receive help as a motorcyclist is by joining support groups with fellow bikers. Groups like African Motorcycle Diaries on Facebook are excellent platforms to get advice, share experiences, and even find rescue services in emergencies.

Steps to Follow After a Motorcycle Accident
In case of an accident, follow these steps to ensure that you and your motorcycle are covered:

I. Seek medical attention immediately – You might be unconscious or seriously hurt, so it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
II. Understand that motorcyclists often face bias – Unfortunately, this bias can extend even after an accident with some law enforcement officers who sometimes assume the rider is at fault in accidents, and even to insurance companies that may charge higher premiums based on these misconceptions. However, if you have a medical report proving you were unconscious or sustained major injuries, your claim should still be payable even if your bike goes missing after the accident.
III. Insure valuable items – If you have a helmet, phone, or any item worth more than KES 10,000 (like a laptop or watch), ensure they are insured because they might get lost during the accident.
IV. Take photographs – If possible, take pictures of the accident scene for evidence. If you're unable to, ask someone to do it for you.
V. Carry identification tags – Having an ID tag, such as a PBAK sticker, can help identify you. Keeping identification in a wallet might not help if it’s stolen during the incident.
VI. Ensure you have an active NHIF card – Motorcyclists face a higher risk on the road, so having a National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) card can be a lifesaver in case of serious injury.
VII. Notify your insurance and police immediately – After receiving medical treatment, report the accident to your insurer and the police. Full documentation is crucial for a claim.
VIII. Driving license and insurance – Although it's not compulsory, having a driving or riding license can prevent a 5-10% fine on the claim's value.
Always wear protective gear – Wearing the right gear, such as helmets, jackets, and gloves, ensures you’re safer on the road.
Conclusion
Having the right motorcycle insurance can protect you from significant financial strain in case of an accident or unforeseen event. Ensure you choose a policy with good coverage limits, reasonable deductibles, and optional add-on benefits tailored to your needs. In addition, being part of a motorcycle support group and understanding the steps to take after an accident will ensure you’re fully covered and protected while enjoying your rides.

Stay safe, and always review your policy documents carefully before selecting an insurer.

Having no insurance on your bike is like wearing flip-flops to a lion chase – technically possible, but deeply unwise.

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