• By Raymond Momanyi

How to Verify an Insurance Company or Agent in Kenya

Insurance is built on trust. But trust should never be blind. 

Before paying for insurance in Kenya, you should confirm that the insurance company, broker, agent or intermediary you are dealing with is properly licensed and legitimate. This protects you from fake certificates, unlicensed sellers and painful surprises during claims. 

 
Some people buy insurance from anyone who offers the lowest price or fastest certificate.
 
That is risky.
 
If the seller is not licensed, the certificate may be fake, invalid or issued under wrong details. The client may only discover the problem during a police check, hospital visit, accident or claim.
 

 
Kenya’s insurance industry is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority, commonly known as IRA. IRA regulates, supervises and promotes development of the insurance industry in Kenya under the Insurance Act. It also publishes licensed insurance entities such as insurers, brokers, medical insurance providers and agents. 

How to Verify an Insurance Company

 
Before buying cover, check whether the insurer is licensed.
 
You can verify:
 

•  Licensed insurance companies 
•  Licensed medical insurance providers 
•  Licensed brokers 
•  Licensed insurance agents 
•  Claims settling agents 

IRA publishes lists of licensed entities, including licensed insurers and insurance agents. 

How to Verify an Agent or Intermediary

 
Ask for:
 

•  Business name 
•  IRA license details 
•  Physical office location 
•  Official phone numbers 
•  Official email address 
•  Website 
•  Payment instructions 
•  Policy documents 
•  Receipt or confirmation 

A genuine intermediary should not fear verification.
 

Red Flags to Watch

 
Be careful if someone:
 

•  Offers suspiciously low premiums 
•  Pushes you to pay very quickly 
•  Refuses to share business details 
•  Uses personal numbers only with no business identity 
•  Cannot explain the cover 
•  Gives certificates with wrong information 
•  Does not issue receipts 
•  Avoids policy documents 
•  Claims everything is covered 
•  Cannot support you after payment 

Mistakes to Avoid

 
Avoid:
 

•  Buying insurance through random social media inboxes 
•  Paying into unknown personal accounts 
•  Failing to verify certificate details 
•  Choosing price over legitimacy 
•  Ignoring policy documents 
•  Not confirming the insurer name 
•  Not checking your motor certificate details 
•  Waiting until claim time to verify 

Documents Needed When Buying from a Verified Intermediary

 
Depending on the cover, you may need:
 

•  ID or passport 
•  KRA PIN 
•  Logbook for motor insurance 
•  Passport details for travel insurance 
•  Dependants’ details for medical cover 
•  Business registration documents for corporate covers 
•  Tender documents for bonds 
•  Payment confirmation 

Insurance Wisdom

 
Before you buy insurance, verify the provider. A few minutes of checking can save you from a mountain of stress later.
 
Insurance should protect you — not expose you.
 
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