Car insurance in Botswana — MVA Fund vs private

Short answerChecked 31 October 2026

In Botswana, injuries and deaths on the road are covered by the MVA Fund, financed by a levy on every litre of petrol and diesel (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act No. 15 of 2007, section 17). The Fund is not liable for damaged property. Damage to your car and to other people's cars and property is covered only by a voluntary motor policy from one of the general insurers licensed by NBFIRA — or paid out of your own pocket. Buy only from a licensed insurer, agent or broker.

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Your situation is different? Ask.

Answers come from the law, the regulator and the insurers' own documents, with the source under each answer. General information, not advice.

What excess will I pay on a claim?Am I covered if I use the car for business?What should I check before I renew?

On this page · 5 sections

Two layers: the MVA Fund and your own policy
Before you buy a motor policy
The general insurers in figures
FAQ
Sources

Two layers: the MVA Fund and your own policy

	MVA Fund	Private motor policy
Who pays for it	Everyone, through the fuel levy	You, through a premium
Injuries and deaths in Botswana	Yes, within the caps of the Act	Only if the policy adds such cover
Damage to your car	No	Depends on the policy you choose
Damage to other people's cars and property	No	Depends on the policy you choose
Theft, fire, hail	No	Depends on the policy you choose

Sources: MVA Fund Act, section 17; MVA Fund FAQ. Caps and deadlines: the MVA Fund.

We found no Act that requires the owner of a Botswana-registered car to buy a motor policy; a lender or a lease can make one a condition of the agreement, so read yours.

Before you buy a motor policy

Check the insurer on NBFIRA's list of licensed general insurers (insurance companies in Botswana), and the agent or broker too: "Only licensed insurance agents are allowed to sell and service insurance policies" (NBFIRA).
Tell the truth on the proposal form: "Your claim may not be paid if you have given false, incorrect or incomplete information" (NBFIRA consumer education).
Ask for a summary of the policy and a copy of the policy document, never sign blank documents, and know your grace period for late premiums (same page).

Compare the levels of cover: third-party vs comprehensive in Botswana.

The general insurers in figures

The 11 general insurers that reported to NBFIRA wrote P1,732 million of gross premium in 2022 and incurred P482 million of claims, all classes together (NBFIRA Annual Report 2023, Appendix 4). NBFIRA does not publish a motor-only figure in that table.

Already insured?

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Next step

1. Find the cover that fits

Frequently asked questions

Is car insurance compulsory in Botswana?

Injuries and deaths on the road are covered by the MVA Fund through the fuel levy. We found no Act that obliges owners of Botswana-registered cars to buy a motor policy, but a lender can require one. Damage to vehicles and property is only covered by a private policy.

Does the MVA Fund pay for damage to my car?

No. It pays only for injury and death: medical care, loss of income or support, funeral expenses and incidentals.

How do I know a motor insurer is licensed in Botswana?

Look for the insurer named on your policy schedule on NBFIRA's list of licensed general insurers, or call NBFIRA on +267 310 2595 / 368 6100. See check an insurer.