• By Raymond Momanyi

COMESA Yellow Card Insurance Explained

If you drive outside Kenya into other countries in the region, ordinary local motor insurance may not be enough. You may need a COMESA Yellow Card. 

This is especially important for private motorists, commercial vehicle owners, truckers, cross-border transporters, NGOs, tour operators and businesses operating across East and Central Africa. 

 
Many motorists assume that Kenyan motor insurance automatically covers them in neighbouring countries.
 
That assumption can be costly.
 
If an accident happens across the border and your cover is not recognized there, you may face legal, financial and logistical trouble.
 

 
The COMESA Yellow Card is a regional motor third-party insurance system. It is recognized as evidence of compulsory minimum third-party motor insurance cover in participating countries under the scheme. 

The COMESA Yellow Card system supports cross-border motor insurance and claims handling within participating countries. The digital Yellow Card platform lists countries where the cover is recognized, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others. 

Who Needs a COMESA Yellow Card?

 
You may need it if you drive to:
 

•  Uganda 
•  Tanzania 
•  Rwanda 
•  Burundi 
•  DRC 
•  Ethiopia 
•  Malawi 
•  Zambia 
•  Zimbabwe 
•  Other participating countries 

It is useful for:
 

•  Private cars 
•  Commercial vehicles 
•  Trucks 
•  Motorcycles 
•  Tour vehicles 
•  NGO vehicles 
•  Cross-border business vehicles 

What Does It Cover?

 
COMESA Yellow Card mainly provides third-party liability protection as required in the countries participating in the scheme.
 
It does not replace your comprehensive local motor insurance. If you want protection for your own vehicle damage, confirm whether your main policy provides cross-border extensions or separate arrangements.
 

Options to Consider

 
Before travelling, confirm:
 

•  Destination countries 
•  Travel duration 
•  Vehicle class 
•  Whether your local motor policy is active 
•  Whether you need annual or short-term arrangements 
•  Whether medical expenses extensions apply 
•  Whether your vehicle is private, commercial or motorcycle 

Mistakes to Avoid

 
Avoid:
 

•  Driving across the border without confirming insurance 
•  Assuming Kenyan cover is enough 
•  Buying the Yellow Card with wrong vehicle details 
•  Using expired documents 
•  Not checking participating countries 
•  Forgetting your logbook or ownership documents 
•  Waiting until border day to arrange cover 
•  Confusing Yellow Card with COMESA vehicle permit requirements 

Documents Needed

 
You may need:
 

•  Vehicle registration number 
•  Logbook copy 
•  ID or passport 
•  KRA PIN 
•  Existing motor insurance details 
•  Destination country or countries 
•  Travel period 
•  Vehicle class 
•  Payment confirmation 

Imana Wisdom

 
If you are driving across borders, do not gamble with insurance. A COMESA Yellow Card can make your journey smoother and safer from an insurance compliance perspective.
 
Plan before you travel.
 
Need help comparing insurance quotes in Kenya?
Talk to Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd or MyKava Travel & Insurance for motor, medical, travel, WIBA, PSV, business and personal insurance covers.

Call/WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402 | +254 113 619 635
Visit: www.imana.co.ke | www.mykava.co.ke