Motor insurance cover valid under curfew hours - IRA

Public and private vehicles along Moi Avenue in Nairobi heading out of the city centre on December 5, 2020. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NMG

By ELIZABETH KIVUVA
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Motorists will be able to receive claims if involved in an accident past curfew hours, the insurance regulator has clarified putting to rest earlier reports by the industry players.

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) said driving after curfew hours does not warrant motor vehicle insurance policyholders any exclusion from their existing policies.

This comes after a notice by the insurers’ lobby warned vehicle owners – personal cars, commercial and public service vehicles – that they would not receive any settlement for accidents during curfew hours.

“As per the authorised and standardised motor insurance policy documents, driving past and during curfew hours is not an exclusion in the current motor vehicle insurance covers,” IRA said.

“As such, insurance companies cannot reject motor vehicles claims on the basis of timing.”

Following Friday’s government directives expanding curfew hours to start at 8pm from the previous 10pm to 4am to contain the surge in coronavirus infections, the insurers warned that driving during curfew hours could render motor insurance claims invalid.

But IRA said it has not received any request by insurers to change the terms of the policy standards.

“Insurance companies are not charged with enforcing the Covid-19 containment measures. For those found contravening the set directives, relevant law enforcement agencies will take necessary action,” IRA warned the insurers.