What You Need to Get A Car Insurance

Did you know that an insurance policy is a legal contract? As with all other contracts, there are some documents you need to present to a car insurance company in order to get a policy. Here are the documents you need have before talking to a car insurance agent.

1. National ID Card (or other official ID)

Insurance companies will ask you for a form of identification before they process your motor insurance policy application. Usually they’ll ask for a national ID because it’s the most popular form of identification available in Kenya. You can also use other government issued forms of identification such as your Kenyan passport. Foreigners are required to have an alien ID issued by the Kenyan government. Otherwise, you passport should be a sufficient for of ID for purposes of insurance.

2. Log Book

You also need to carry your logbook as you go to see your insurer. The logbook is proof of ownership and will be required whenever you make a claim. The logbook is also important for the insurance company because it provides details of the car, such as make and model, engine capacity, age, carrying capacity, etc. These elements are used to calculate the value of premiums you will be required to pay.

3. Valuation Report

For the first time you buy insurance, the car insurance company will require you to provide them with a valuation report. In many cases, the will provide you with a list of affiliated valuers who will then carry out an independent assessment of the value of the car, and thereafter send the report to the insurance company. Its probably better to get that list from your insurer rather than going to look for a valuer yourself, because you will be charged less as a client of the insurance company. Some insurance companies will require a new valuation periodically to adjust the value of the total sum assured, factoring in wear and tear, and depreciation.

4. The car insurance Proposal form

The insurance company will also expect you to fill out a motor insurance proposal form. This form is the one used to assess your risk levels. An underwriter will examine it and will calculate the premiums you need to pay for the risks you would like to be covered. Most companies have the insurance proposal form on their websites for easy download. It is however advisable to fill the form in the presence of an insurance agent to ensure you get full clarity on the matters it raises, and a full understanding of the consequences of each of your responses. Giving false information on your proposal form can void your insurance.