No need to panic if you get involved in an accident during the Covid-19 curfew hours directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta last week.

This is the assurance given by the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), dismissing a lobby of insurance agents that warned motorists that they claims for accidents during curfew hours would not be settled.

“The motor vehicle insurance (motor vehicle private, motor vehicle commercial and motor vehicle (PSV) contract documents were standardized and came into effect on 1st February 2012. These are the approved documents for use by all companies transacting motor vehicle insurance,” reads the statement in part.

AKI clarified that one driving during the night curfew is not excluded from the cover policy, with their position against the isurance agents' lobby supported by the Insurance Regulatory Authority.

“As per the approved and standardized motor insurance policy documents, driving past and during curfew hours is not an exclusion in the current motor vehicle insurance covers. As such, insurance companies cannot reject motor vehicle claims based on timing.”

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However, the association noted that one’s claim will only be dismissed if there are other circumstances at play.

Matatus along Latema Road. PHOTO/COURTESY

The Association of Kenya Professional Insurance agents (AKPIA) had, in a statement, said they would not settle claims for accidents that occur 8pm-4am when movement is barred.

“Driving past curfew hours without essential services authorisation or valid emergency reasons could render your motor insurance claim invalid. Please AVOID DRIVING PAST 8:00PM/Curfew Hours and adhere to all other GOK/MOH COVID-19 guidelines,” AKPIA stated in the Sunday public notice.

AKI further said the offence of being outside past curfew time should be handled by police.

“Any motor insurance claim that arises during curfew hours cannot be dismissed based on the time of the accident. If you violate curfew hours, then the police will charge you with that violation,” AKI added.

The President last week ordered a cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado Kiambu and Nakuru counties and reviewed curfew to 8pm-4am in the zoned counties, while in the rest curfew hours remain 10pm to 4am.