The Experts Answer:
For many motorists and matatu owners concerned about financial losses and vehicle damage during unrest, a pressing question is this: does comprehensive motor insurance in Kenya pay out for damage caused during strikes, riots, protests or demonstrations?
In Kenya, comprehensive motor insurance is the broadest form of cover available for private vehicles and commercial fleets. It typically includes:
- Own damage cover: repairs or replacement for your vehicle after an accident
- Third-party liability : damage or injury you cause to others
- Fire and theft protection
- Often windscreen and accessory limits as part of the benefit package
However, there are important limitations to note when it comes to unrest related to demonstrations or strike action.
Do Standard Comprehensive Policies Cover Damage from Strikes, Protests, or Civil Unrest? Not necessarily, unless specific extensions are included
A standard comprehensive policy does not automatically cover damage caused by strikes, riots, civil commotion, political unrest or acts of terrorism.
Comprehensive cover is primarily designed for accidental loss or damage arising from everyday vehicle use, not extraordinary events. For example, the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) has noted that standard comprehensive insurance may not cover damage linked to terror acts or extreme public disorder unless the policy specifically includes terrorism or political risks.
What extensions do pay for unrest damage?
To protect against damage caused by demonstrations, strikes, riots or similar perils, vehicle owners must add one or more of the following to their policy:
- Riot, Strike & Civil Commotion Cover– specifically covers loss caused by crowds, scenes of public disorder, vandalism or related criminal acts.
- Political Violence and Terrorism (PVT) Cover – protects against damage arising from politically-motivated violence, sabotage, insurrection, or terror.
These extensions typically cost additional premiums, but are crucial in contexts where protests or unrest are a real risk.
In some policies, riot and civil commotion may already be included, but this varies and must be confirmed in the contract wording.
What about fire damage during protests or strikes?
Comprehensive motor insurance in Kenya normally includes fire cover meaning accidental fires such as electrical faults or fuel-related incidents are usually covered.
However, fire caused by riots, demonstrations, or civil unrest is treated differently.
If a vehicle is:
- set on fire by a mob,
- burnt during a protest, or
- damaged by arson linked to civil disturbance,
then a standard comprehensive policy may not pay unless the policy specifically includes:
- Riot, Strike & Civil Commotion (RSCC) cover, and in some cases,
- Political Violence & Terrorism (PVT) cover.
Without these extensions, insurers may classify such fire damage as arising from civil commotion or political violence, which is commonly excluded under standard comprehensive terms.
Practical Advice for Motorists
1. Check your insurance policy wording.
Don’t assume “comprehensive” means everything is covered. Look specifically for:
- Riot/Strike/Civil Commotion extension
- Political Violence & Terrorism (PVT) extension
2. Confirm with your insurer whether unrest damage is included.
If it isn’t, you can often add it at renewal or by endorsement.
3. In the absence of insurance cover, seek police reports promptly.
For claims related to public disorder, a police abstract is usually required to support a claim.
4. Understand exclusions.
Even with extensions, there may be policy conditions, such as deductibles, limits or excluded scenarios that affect payouts.
In times of strikes, demonstrations and rising road risks, guessing what your insurance covers can be costly. AA Insurance Brokers offer independent, professional advice to help motorists and fleet owners choose the right protection.
Call AA Insurance Brokers (+24720940636) today for:
- Guidance on whether your policy covers riot, strike and civil commotion
- Advice on comprehensive, third-party and commercial vehicle insurance
- Help arranging policy extensions such as political violence or terrorism cover
- Support with claims processing and documentation
- Risk assessment for private vehicles, matatus and fleet operators
- Access to insurance solutions from multiple underwriters