As Kenya accelerates its shift toward green mobility, Britam General Insurance has launched a groundbreaking Electric Vehicle (EV) insurance cover, designed to address the unique needs of EV owners.
Announced on August 20, 2025, this product supports Kenya’s goal of having EVs constitute 5% of new vehicle registrations by 2025, as outlined in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure’s Draft National e-Mobility Policy.
But what does this mean for your battery and wallet? Let’s break down the key features, benefits, and why this insurance is a game-changer for EV drivers in Kenya.
Why Britam’s EV Insurance Matters
Electric vehicles are transforming Kenya’s roads, with registrations soaring from 2,694 in 2023 to 9,047 by May 2025, a 150% year-on-year increase.
Electric motorcycles dominate, making up nearly 90% of the EV fleet. However, high battery costs, limited repair infrastructure, and charging challenges have slowed adoption.
Britam’s tailored insurance tackles these hurdles head-on, offering peace of mind and financial protection for both fully electric and hybrid vehicle owners, including privately used electric motorcycles.
Key Features of Britam’s EV Insurance
Britam’s EV insurance is packed with features that address the specific risks of owning an electric vehicle. Here’s what stands out:
- Battery Protect Cover Extension: The battery and electric motor system are the most expensive components of an EV. Britam’s policy safeguards these critical parts, reducing the financial burden of repairs or replacements. This is a lifeline for owners, as battery replacements can cost thousands of dollars.
- Personal Charging Equipment Coverage: Many EV owners charge at home or work. Britam covers damage, theft, or malfunction of personal charging equipment, ensuring you’re not left stranded or out of pocket.
- Out-of-Charge Recovery Service: If your EV runs out of power, Britam provides towing to the nearest charging station, a practical solution given Kenya’s still-developing charging infrastructure.
- Comprehensive Protection: Beyond EV-specific risks, the policy includes standard motor insurance benefits like coverage for accidental damage, theft, fire, flooding, malicious damage, political violence, and terrorism. You also get access to courtesy vehicles, road rescue, and excess protection.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Premiums are affordable, with options for lump-sum payments or monthly instalments, making it easier to fit into your budget.
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How It Benefits Your Wallet
Owning an EV in Kenya comes with unique financial considerations. Britam’s insurance is designed to keep costs manageable:
- Lower Repair Costs: EV repairs require specialised expertise due to high-voltage systems. Britam’s policy connects you to qualified repairers, minimising unexpected expenses. For context, EV maintenance is generally cheaper than traditional vehicles; EVs require servicing only every 25,000 kilometres, often just checking brake pads, compared to conventional cars needing oil changes and more every 5,000 kilometres (costing Ksh 8,000–10,000 annually).
- Affordable Premiums: Flexible payment options ensure you can spread the cost, making insurance accessible even for budget-conscious drivers.
- Government Incentives: Kenya’s green energy grid (90% renewable) and policies like 10% excise duty on EV imports and VAT exemptions make EVs cheaper to run. Britam’s insurance complements these savings by covering risks that could otherwise derail your budget.
- Charger Protection: With most EV owners charging at home, covering charging equipment prevents costly replacements, further protecting your wallet.
Supporting Kenya’s Green Future
Britam’s commitment goes beyond insurance. The company has installed three EV charging stations with six ports and a 183-panel solar carport at its Nairobi headquarters, reinforcing its sustainability goals.
Kenya’s EV market is growing, with electric buses and boda-boda conversions in pilot stages, and the country ranks seventh in Africa for EV adoption.
By offering tailored insurance, Britam is helping drivers embrace cleaner transport without financial worry.
Why This Insurance Is a Game-Changer
Unlike traditional motor insurance, Britam’s EV cover addresses the unique challenges of electric vehicles. The Battery Protect Cover Extension is a standout, as batteries are the heart of an EV, and their replacement costs can be prohibitive.
The out-of-charge recovery service tackles the fear of being stranded, while coverage for charging equipment reflects the reality of home-based charging.
Combined with comprehensive protections and flexible payments, this policy makes EV ownership more accessible and secure.
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Is Britam’s EV Insurance Right for You?
If you own or plan to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle, including an electric motorcycle, this insurance is worth considering.
It’s tailored to Kenya’s growing EV market, offering practical solutions for real-world challenges. Whether you drive a Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, or Neta V, Britam’s cover ensures your investment is protected while supporting Kenya’s low-carbon future.
Get Started Today
Ready to protect your EV and your wallet? Visit Britam’s official website for more details or to get a quote. With Kenya’s EV market charging ahead, Britam’s insurance is a smart step toward secure, sustainable driving.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
