Insurance Cars for Sale in Kenya: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on insurance cars for sale in Kenya, Jake. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of buying insurance cars and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Kenya has a thriving market for insurance cars, which are vehicles that have been written off by insurance companies due to accidents or other damages. While these cars may come with a lower price tag, they can also come with some risks, which we will discuss in detail.

Whether you are in the market for a budget-friendly car or looking to invest in a second vehicle, read on to learn more about insurance cars for sale in Kenya.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of what insurance cars are, how they work, and what you need to consider before making a purchase.

What are Insurance Cars?

Insurance cars, also known as salvage or written-off cars, are vehicles that have been deemed uneconomical to repair by insurers after sustaining significant damage. This damage could be the result of an accident, theft, or natural disaster.

After processing an insurance claim, the insurer takes ownership of the car and pays the owner a settlement amount. The insurer then sells the car at an auction to recoup some of its losses.

Insurance cars can be divided into different categories based on the extent of their damage. The categories range from A to D, with A being the most severely damaged.

Category A Cars

Category A cars are the most severely damaged and are considered scrap. These cars are not roadworthy and cannot be repaired. The only permissible action for Category A cars is to destroy them.

Category B Cars

Category B cars are also considered to be beyond repair. However, some parts of the car may be salvaged and used in other vehicles.

Category C Cars

Category C cars have sustained significant damage, but can be repaired. These cars can be roadworthy again after undergoing repairs and passing an inspection.

Category D Cars

Category D cars have sustained the least amount of damage and are the easiest to repair. These cars are roadworthy and can be driven once they have passed an inspection.

Advantages of Buying Insurance Cars

Now that we know what insurance cars are, let’s explore the advantages of buying them:

Lower Price Tag

One of the most significant advantages of buying insurance cars is the lower price tag. These cars can be up to 50% cheaper than their non-damaged counterparts.

Availability of Rare Models

Insurance cars can provide access to rare or hard-to-find models that may not be available on the new car market.

Customization Potential

Since insurance cars are typically sold as-is, buyers have the freedom to customize and modify their car to their liking without worrying about voiding a warranty.

Reduced Depreciation

Insurance cars have already experienced significant depreciation due to their damaged status, which means they will depreciate at a slower rate moving forward.

Disadvantages of Buying Insurance Cars

While there are advantages to buying insurance cars, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Hidden Damage

Despite undergoing an inspection, there may be hidden damage that is not immediately apparent to the buyer. This can lead to costly repairs or safety hazards.

Difficulty in Obtaining Financing

Some banks and lenders may be hesitant to provide financing for insurance cars due to their status as write-offs.

Higher Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies may charge higher premiums for insurance cars due to their increased risk of accidents or breakdowns.

Limited Resale Value

Insurance cars may have limited resale value, as potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a vehicle with a damaged history.

Table of Insurance Cars for Sale in Kenya

Make/Model
Year
Category
Price
Toyota Corolla
2016
C
KSH 500,000
Honda Civic
2015
D
KSH 450,000
Subaru Impreza
2018
B
KSH 700,000
Nissan March
2017
C
KSH 300,000

FAQs

1. Do I need to have insurance for an insurance car?

Yes, it is a legal requirement to have insurance for any vehicle being driven on Kenyan roads.

2. Can I get financing for an insurance car?

It may be more difficult to obtain financing for an insurance car, but it is not impossible. Some banks and lenders may require a higher down payment or charge higher interest rates.

3. How do I know if an insurance car is roadworthy?

All insurance cars must undergo an inspection by the National Transport and Safety Authority before being allowed on the road. It is important to verify that the car has passed this inspection before making a purchase.

4. Can I negotiate the price of an insurance car?

Yes, you can negotiate the price of an insurance car. However, keep in mind that the seller may not have much room to lower the price due to the already reduced value of the car.

5. What should I look for when inspecting an insurance car?

When inspecting an insurance car, look for signs of significant damage, rust, or wear and tear. Check that all systems, including brakes and lights, are functioning properly.

6. Is it worth it to buy an insurance car?

It depends on your individual situation and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly car or a rare model, an insurance car may be a good option. However, be aware of the potential risks and drawbacks.

7. Can I sell an insurance car?

Yes, you can sell an insurance car. However, keep in mind that the car may have a lower resale value due to its history as a write-off.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of insurance cars for sale in Kenya, you can make an informed decision about whether they are the right choice for you. Remember to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully and do your due diligence before making a purchase.

If you do decide to buy an insurance car, make sure to inspect it thoroughly and verify that it has passed all necessary inspections before taking it on the road.

We hope this guide has been helpful in answering any questions you may have had about insurance cars in Kenya. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Disclaimer

While insurance cars for sale in Kenya may provide a budget-friendly option for those in the market for a new car, there are risks and drawbacks to consider. As with any major purchase, it is important to do your due diligence and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

We do not endorse or recommend any particular seller or brand of insurance cars and encourage buyers to do their own research before making a purchase.