- Author: Raymond
- Category: Car Insurance
Can I Carry Passengers in My Private Car in Kenya?
Onyango, a proud owner of a sleek Mercedes GLC, meticulously maintained his vehicle, ensuring it was always in top condition. He had secured a comprehensive private insurance cover through Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, a decision that gave him peace of mind on his frequent drives. One Friday, embarking on a solo trip from Nairobi to his hometown of Kisumu, an idea struck him. The ever-present queues at the bus stages sparked a thought – why not offer a ride to a few people heading his way and make a little extra cash for fuel?
At the bustling Nairobi bus station, it didn't take long for him to find three eager passengers willing to pay a handsome fare for the comfortable and swift journey in his Mercedes. The trip was pleasant, the conversation lively, and the extra money in his pocket felt like a welcome bonus. The journey was smooth until the stretch between Kericho and Ahero. A sudden downpour reduced visibility, and in an instant, a collision with a swerving matatu left the front end of his prized GLC mangled.
Shaken but thankfully unharmed, Onyango and his passengers exited the vehicle to assess the damage. After ensuring everyone was safe, his thoughts turned to his insurance. He promptly dialed the number for Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd to report the incident.
"Imana Insurance, how can I help you?" a calm voice on the other end answered.
Onyango explained the circumstances of the accident, detailing the location and the extent of the damage. The agaent on the line was empathetic and efficiently began the process of filing a claim, asking for his policy number and personal details.
"Were there any passengers in the vehicle with you, Mr. Onyango?" the agent inquired.
"Yes, there were three," Onyango replied.
"And were they friends or family?" the agent continued, a standard question in the claims process.
A brief moment of hesitation hung in the air. "Well, they were passengers I was giving a lift to," Onyango stated, choosing his words carefully.
The agent, trained to be thorough, probed further, "Were these passengers fare-paying, sir?"
The question landed with a thud. Onyango, recalling the crisp banknotes he had received, knew he had to be truthful. "Yes," he admitted, a sense of unease beginning to creep in. "They contributed to the fuel."
The agent's tone shifted subtly, becoming more formal. He informed Onyango that while they would proceed with lodging the claim and appointing an investigator as per standard procedure, the fact that he was carrying fare-paying passengers in a privately insured vehicle could pose a significant challenge. He explained that a private motor insurance policy strictly covers the vehicle for social, domestic, and pleasure purposes. Using the car as a taxi or for any form of hire or reward constitutes a breach of the insurance contract.
Onyango's heart sank. The easy money he had made now seemed like the most expensive fare he had ever collected. He was faced with the daunting possibility that his claim could be rejected, leaving him to bear the hefty cost of repairing his Mercedes out of his own pocket. His call to Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, which he had made with the confidence of a fully insured motorist, had just become a lesson in the critical distinction between a private car and a public service vehicle.
Lesson?
If it’s not a friend or family member and you’re accepting fare—even as “fuel cost”—you’ve crossed into commercial territory. And that could mean trouble when it comes to insurance.
🛡️ Moral of the story:
Your car may be insured, but your actions must match the policy. If you’re earning from your trips, get a policy that covers it. Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd can help you get the right cover for the right purpose.
📍Visit us: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands
🌐 www.imana.co.ke | www.mykava.co.ke
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