Photo: Nikiwatanze, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Motor insurance in Rwanda
Compulsory third-party cover and what it pays
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What the law requires
The BNR lists motor insurance as "a legally mandated insurance in Rwanda, covering damages or losses related to vehicles, including third-party liability for injuries or property damage caused to others" (BNR FAQ).
Law n° 029/2025 governs compensation for insured and uninsured accidents. It defines a "motor vehicle without a known insurer" as one that has not been identified, is not covered by compulsory third-party liability insurance, or was stolen (article 2) (Law n° 029/2025).
The Insurance Law leaves compulsory insurance to special laws (Law n° 030/2021, article 184) (Law n° 030/2021).
Who pays after an accident
| Case | Who pays the victims | Law n° 029/2025 |
|---|---|---|
| The vehicle has a known insurer | That insurer | Article 9(1) |
| The vehicle is unidentified, uninsured or stolen | The compensation authority (Special Guarantee Fund), then recovers from the owner | Articles 9(2), 10 |
| Uninsured vehicle that caused the accident | Impounded until the owner repays the Fund plus the impoundment fee | Article 13 |
Details: road accident compensation.
Buying motor cover
- Buy only from an insurer on the BNR list or through a licensed broker. Brokers and agents may not hold premiums: you pay the insurer directly (BNR FAQ).
- Until the policy is signed the insurer gives you a cover note stating its start and end dates (Law n° 030/2021, article 107).
- For a fixed-term policy the insurer must warn you in writing 30 days before it expires (article 109).
- Third-party only or wider cover: see third-party vs comprehensive.
Already insured?
Next step
Frequently asked questions
Is car insurance compulsory in Rwanda?
Yes. The BNR calls motor insurance legally mandated, and Law n° 029/2025 refers to compulsory third-party liability insurance; a vehicle without it that causes an accident is impounded until the owner repays the Special Guarantee Fund (article 13).
What happens if I am hit by an uninsured vehicle in Rwanda?
The Special Guarantee Fund compensates you, provided the accident was reported to the traffic police or the sector administration within seven days and to the Fund within two years (Law n° 029/2025, article 9). Hotline 1045.
Where can I check that a motor insurer is licensed?
On the National Bank of Rwanda's list of licensed insurers. See check an insurer.
Sources
- National Bank of Rwanda — Frequently asked questions: understanding insurance in Rwanda (June 2025)
- Law n° 029/2025 of 20/10/2025 on accident compensation — Official Gazette n° Special of 21/10/2025 (Special Guarantee Fund copy)
- Law n° 030/2021 of 30/06/2021 governing the organisation of insurance business — Official Gazette n° 29 of 02/08/2021 (Gazettes.Africa archive)
- Special Guarantee Fund (Ikigega Cyihariye cy'Ingoboka) — official website: compensation of victims of unidentified or uninsured vehicles, hotline 1045
- National Bank of Rwanda — List of licensed insurers (updated January 2025, the latest list published, checked 31 October 2026)