Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive covers your vehicle against accidental damage, theft, and fire, plus third-party liabilities. Third-Party only covers damages and injuries you cause to others.

Yes, comprehensive policies usually include specific limits for windscreen and audio equipment damage without affecting your no-claims discount.

Report to the police immediately to get an abstract, take photos of the scene, do not admit liability, and notify Cemes Insurance within 24 hours.

Yes, standard comprehensive policies include a free towing limit to the nearest authorized garage.

Coverage is typically restricted to national borders, but you can request a geographical extension (Comesa Yellow Card) for neighboring countries.

No, the commercial motor policy covers the vehicle itself. You need a separate Goods in Transit policy for the cargo.

Yes, if declared. Passenger Liability cover is mandatory for Public Service Vehicles.

Standard motor policies do not cover business downtime, but you can purchase a Loss of Use extension.

Coverage applies as long as the driver is authorized by the company and holds a valid license for that specific vehicle class.

Yes, we offer discounted premium rates for businesses insuring multiple commercial vehicles under one master policy.

Dependents include your legal spouse and children (biological or legally adopted) up to 18 years, or 25 years if they are full-time students.

Maternity cover is typically offered as an optional rider with a specific sub-limit and a waiting period of 10 to 12 months.

Yes, dental and optical benefits can be added as optional extras alongside the core inpatient cover.

Yes, routine immunizations (KEPI guidelines) and well-baby checkups are covered under the outpatient benefit.

Notify Cemes Insurance in writing within 30 days of birth, providing the birth notification, to have the newborn added to the policy.

Corporate group schemes typically require a minimum of 10 primary members (employees) to qualify for group rates.

Yes, for corporate schemes of a certain size, pre-existing and chronic conditions are often covered up to the full inpatient limit.

Medical check-ups are generally waived for standard group limits but may be required for high-level management opting for exceptionally high cover limits.

Yes, we offer a "buy-up" option where employees can pay an additional premium to increase their limits or add dependents.

HR simply sends a monthly debit/credit schedule. Premiums are pro-rated for joiners, and refunds are processed for leavers.

This policy is specifically designed for individuals aged 60 and above.

Yes, conditions like hypertension and diabetes are covered, usually subject to a specified waiting period for new members.

Yes, a routine medical evaluation is usually required at inception to establish the baseline health status for applicants over 65.

Some Seniors plans include a small co-payment for outpatient visits to help manage utilization and keep premiums affordable.

Yes, major surgeries and specialized treatments are covered up to the inpatient limit, subject to the policy's specific sub-limits.

Yes, Coop Care is a tailored product exclusively designed for registered members of participating SACCOs and Cooperatives.

Typically, the cover extends to the principal member, spouse, and direct children. Extended family requires separate individual policies.

Yes, Coop Care usually provides a bundled package covering both inpatient hospitalization and routine outpatient visits.

You have access to a wide, countrywide panel of Cemes-accredited hospitals and clinics tailored for the Coop Care network.

Premiums are conveniently deducted directly through your Sacco via check-off or from your Sacco savings account.

It is a life assurance product that allows you to save systematically over a chosen term to guarantee funds for your child's future education.

Cemes waives all future premiums, and the policy remains active, guaranteeing the targeted payout when the child reaches the maturity age.

Yes, partial withdrawals are allowed after a specified minimum period (usually 3 years), though it may affect the final maturity value.

Yes, you can opt for an annual premium escalation clause, which increases your contributions and final payout to combat inflation.

The policy offers a grace period (usually 30 days). If missed beyond that, it may be converted to a paid-up policy with a reduced final benefit.

You can cover yourself, your spouse, children, parents, and extended family members like parents-in-law.

Yes, there is typically a 3 to 6-month waiting period for natural deaths. Accidental deaths are covered immediately upon policy inception.

We commit to paying out valid claims within 48 hours of receiving all required documentation (burial permit/death certificate).

Yes, funeral policies generally do not require medical underwriting and cover deaths resulting from pre-existing conditions after the waiting period.

The maximum entry age for parents or extended family is usually 75 to 80 years, depending on the specific plan tier.

Yes, you can seamlessly transfer your accumulated benefits from a previous employer's scheme or another individual retirement benefits scheme.

Yes, contributions to registered pension schemes are tax-deductible up to the legal limit, reducing your overall PAYE burden.

You can access your funds upon reaching the retirement age (usually 50-60 years), or earlier if you emigrate permanently or face medical incapacitation.

Your nominated beneficiaries will receive the full accumulated value of your pension fund.

Yes, under current regulations, you can assign a portion of your accumulated pension benefits to secure a mortgage facility.

You can start with a low monthly contribution or a one-off lump sum. Specific minimums depend on the chosen investment fund.

Returns depend on the fund chosen. Money market funds offer stable, predictable returns, while equity funds fluctuate with market performance.

Most unit trust funds are highly liquid, allowing you to withdraw your funds within 3 to 5 working days without penalties.

We charge a transparent, standard annual management fee. There are generally no entry or exit fees for our standard investment products.

Yes, you can switch your portfolio between equity, balanced, and fixed-income funds as your risk appetite changes.

Yes, it reimburses non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled due to illness, or covers essential items if your flight/baggage is significantly delayed.

The policy covers foreign hospital bills, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. We provide a 24/7 global emergency assistance hotline.

Standard travel insurance excludes extreme sports (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving). You must purchase an "adventure sports" add-on.

Yes, medical expenses and trip cancellations related to a positive Covid-19 diagnosis are covered under our updated travel plans.

Yes, frequent travelers can purchase an annual policy that covers an unlimited number of trips (usually up to 90 days per trip) within a year.

You can choose. "Buildings cover" protects the structure, while "Contents cover" protects your furniture, electronics, and clothing.

Yes, a comprehensive domestic package includes a WIBA section to cover liability for domestic staff like maids and gardeners.

Yes, if you have specifically listed the laptop under the "All Risks" section, it is covered worldwide, inside or outside the home.

Yes, standard home insurance covers damage caused by fire, floods, earthquakes, and storms.

Policies usually have an unoccupancy limit (e.g., 30-45 consecutive days). If the house is empty longer than that, coverage may be suspended unless you notify Cemes.

Yes, Marine Cargo insurance is typically "warehouse to warehouse," covering the inland transit at both ends of the sea/air voyage.

General Average is a maritime law where all cargo owners share the cost if cargo is jettisoned to save the ship. This policy covers your share of that liability.

Yes, piracy is generally covered under standard Institute Cargo Clauses (A).

Document the damage immediately, note it on the delivery receipt, take photos, and notify Cemes and the shipping carrier within 3 days.

No, standard marine policies do not cover loss of market or financial losses caused by shipping delays.

An accident is defined as a sudden, unforeseen, and involuntary event caused by external, visible, and violent means.

The policy pays out a lump sum based on a predetermined scale of injuries (e.g., loss of a limb or eyesight).

Yes, the policy reimburses medical expenses incurred directly due to the accident up to a specified limit.

Standard non-professional sports are covered. Extreme or professional sports (like motor racing) require a special extension.

Yes, Personal Accident policies provide worldwide coverage, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It can cover both. You must specify whether you are insuring "Own Goods in Own Vehicles" or using third-party carriers.

Yes, standard comprehensive transit policies cover loss due to violent theft, hijacking, and collision.

Goods are generally covered, provided the vehicle is parked in a secure, locked, and guarded compound. Unattended street parking is usually excluded.

Most general merchandise is covered. High-risk items like explosives, livestock, or cash require specific declarations or different policies.

Goods are typically settled based on the invoice value at the time of dispatch, plus freight charges if applicable.

Standard Cash in Transit covers money on the move. You need a "Cash in Safe/Premises" extension to cover money kept overnight.

Yes, the policy stipulates a "Limit per Carrying." If you exceed this amount without notifying us, the excess is not covered.

It depends on the declared limits. High-value transits will have a strict policy condition requiring professional armed security.

Theft by employees (infidelity) during transit is covered, provided the theft is discovered within a specific timeframe (usually 48 hours).

Coverage is usually restricted to normal business hours unless an "Out of Hours" extension is specifically agreed upon.

Yes, Kenyan law requires all employers to have WIBA insurance to cover employees against accidental injury or death at the workplace.

The policy pays a lump sum equivalent to 96 months (8 years) of the deceased employee's basic salary to their dependents.

Yes, it covers diseases contracted specifically due to the nature of the employee's work (e.g., respiratory issues from factory dust).

Yes, the policy covers medical expenses up to a standard limit (currently KES 100,000 per employee), which can be enhanced upon request.

Standard WIBA only covers employees while they are engaged in company business. Commuting is not covered unless using company-provided transport.

It protects your business against legal claims and compensation costs if a product you manufacture, sell, or distribute causes injury or property damage to a consumer.

Standard product liability does not cover recall costs. You need a specific "Product Recall" extension for those expenses.

Yes, the policy covers the legal defense costs incurred in defending against covered claims.

Yes, if you are the local distributor or importer, you can be held strictly liable, making this cover essential.

The standard jurisdiction is local. If you export goods, you must declare the destination countries so the geographical scope can be extended (especially for North America).

It is essential for individuals serving as trustees, committee members, or directors of pension funds, charities, or trusts.

It covers personal liability for financial losses caused by wrongful acts, errors, or omissions committed in the capacity of a trustee.

No, the policy strictly excludes deliberate fraud, criminal acts, or intentional dishonesty. It covers negligence and administrative errors.

Yes, the policy advances legal defense costs incurred while defending a claim of a wrongful act.

By law, insurance cannot cover punitive fines or penalties imposed by regulators (like RBA or KRA), but it covers the legal costs of the investigation.

It covers legal costs for disputes related to employment, contracts, property damage, and personal injury claims.

You must generally use a lawyer from the Cemes-approved panel. If you wish to use your own, they must agree to our standard fee rates.

Yes, there is a maximum "Limit of Indemnity" per claim and an annual aggregate limit stated in your policy schedule.

No, the policy only covers legal events and disputes that originate after the policy inception date.

It may cover initial defense costs for certain regulatory or driving offenses, but it does not cover defense for deliberate criminal acts like theft or assault.

WIBA is a no-fault, statutory compensation. Employers Liability kicks in if an employee sues you under Common Law for negligence resulting in their injury.

Yes, they are usually bundled as "WIBA + EL". WIBA pays the statutory minimum, while EL protects you from massive civil lawsuits.

Generally no. Sub-contractors should have their own coverage, though labor-only sub-contractors acting directly under your supervision may be included if declared.

No, Employers Liability is strictly for bodily injury or disease. Harassment claims require Employment Practices Liability (EPL) insurance.

Yes, the policy will state a specific limit of indemnity for any one occurrence and an aggregate limit for the year.

It covers your business against claims from third parties (public/customers) for bodily injury or property damage caused by your business operations.

Yes, slip-and-fall incidents on your premises are the most common claims covered under Public Liability.

No, standard policies exclude "property being worked upon." If you are a plumber fixing a sink, the sink itself isn't covered, but the floor you flooded is.

No, injuries to your own employees are strictly covered under WIBA and Employers Liability, not Public Liability.

Yes, if declared, it covers injuries or damage caused by your employees while working at a client's premises.

Yes. Standard policies often exclude "Terrorism and Political Violence." PVT is a specific cover for sabotage, terrorism, mutiny, rebellion, and coup d'états.

Yes, malicious damage and looting directly associated with strikes, riots, or civil commotion are covered.

Only if you have purchased the Business Interruption extension alongside the physical damage PVT cover.

No, claims are assessed based on the policy definitions, not solely on government declarations.

You can extend PVT to cover specific commercial or private vehicles, but it must be explicitly added to the schedule.