Photo: Zairon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Motor insurance in Namibia
Car insurance in Namibia
The MVA Fund and voluntary motor cover
Short answerChecked 31 October 2026
Namibian drivers do not buy a compulsory third-party policy: injuries and deaths on the road are covered by the MVA Fund under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act 10 of 2007, financed by a levy on fuel. The Fund does not pay for damage to vehicles or property. That is covered only by a voluntary motor policy from one of the 14 short-term insurers on NAMFISA's register — or paid out of your own pocket.
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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 | 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 |
The MVA Fund's caps and claim deadline are on the MVA Fund page.
What NAMFISA warns drivers about
- A person driving your vehicle, owner or not, is bound by the terms of your policy. The only exception is a driver who was not authorised to drive it (NAMFISA, motor vehicle insurance).
- An insurer may reject a claim when the driver was over the legal alcohol limit or made a false statement about the accident (same page).
- "Repudiation of motor vehicle claims" is one of the complaint types NAMFISA lists, and leaving the scene of an accident before traffic officers or medical staff arrive is one of the root causes it names (NAMFISA Annual Report 2025).
Before you buy a motor policy
- Check that the insurer is a short-term insurer on NAMFISA's register, and that the agent or broker is registered too.
- Ask for the benefits, exclusions, waiting periods and excess in writing, and the total cost including commission: NAMFISA lists these among your rights (rights and responsibilities).
- Read the cancellation notice period the insurer sets, and expect the written policy, usually within 30 days (same page).
Compare the levels of cover: third-party vs comprehensive in Namibia.
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Frequently asked questions
Is car insurance compulsory in Namibia?
Drivers do not buy a compulsory third-party policy. The MVA Fund, financed by a fuel levy, covers injuries and deaths on the road. Damage to vehicles needs a voluntary policy.
Does the MVA Fund pay for damage to my car?
No. It pays only for injury and death: medical care, injury grant, loss of income or support and funeral costs.
Why was my motor claim rejected?
NAMFISA names drink-driving above the legal limit and false statements about the accident as grounds an insurer may rely on. Ask the insurer for the reason in writing and, if you disagree, complain to NAMFISA. See complaints.
Sources
- Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act 10 of 2007 (Government Gazette No. 3970, 28 December 2007) — MVA Fund copy
- MVA Fund — Frequently asked questions
- NAMFISA educates — Motor vehicle insurance
- NAMFISA educates — Short-term insurance: rights and responsibilities
- NAMFISA — Registered institutions and intermediaries (register retrieved 31 October 2026)
- NAMFISA — Annual Report 2025 (figures at 31 December 2024)