Third-party vs comprehensive insurance in Zambia

Short answerChecked 31 October 2026

The Road Traffic Act only requires a policy that covers your liability for the death of or bodily injury to other people (section 88). Anything more is a choice: a policy can add damage to other people's vehicles and property and, under comprehensive cover, damage to and theft of your own vehicle. What each policy includes is set by its wording, which every licensed insurer must lodge with the PIA's Registrar before use (Insurance Act 2021, section 23). Tulinde does not quote prices: no official tariff is published.

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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

What to compare, point by point
Passengers in buses and taxis
What does it cost?
FAQ
Sources

What to compare, point by point

Question to ask	Why it matters
Does it cover death and injury of other people, to at least the legal minimum?	That is the compulsory part (Road Traffic Act, s.86 and s.88).
Does it pay for damage I cause to other people's cars and property?	The Act does not require it; without it you pay the other owner yourself.
Does it pay for damage to my own car, theft and fire?	Only comprehensive or "third party, fire and theft" policies do.
What is the excess?	The part of each claim you pay yourself.
What are the exclusions?	Unlicensed driver, drink-driving, use for hire: read them before you sign.
When does cover stop if I pay late?	A general policy ceases if the premium is not paid within 30 days of the due date (Insurance Act, s.26).

Passengers in buses and taxis

Any contract for carrying a passenger in a public service vehicle is void in so far as it tries to remove or limit liability for the death of or injury to passengers (Road Traffic Act, section 92). A ticket that says "travel at your own risk" does not remove that liability (Road Traffic Act 2002).

What does it cost?

Insurers set their own rates; the PIA may ask for them and order an insurer to stop charging a rate below the pure risk premium (Insurance Act 2021, section 25). Neither the PIA nor RTSA publishes a motor tariff, so ask at least two licensed insurers or a licensed broker for a written quote with the same cover and excess. A 3% insurance premium levy applies on top (Levy Act).

Already insured?

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Next step

1. Find the cover that fits

Frequently asked questions

Is third-party insurance enough in Zambia?

It is the legal minimum: it covers your liability for death and injury to other people. It does not repair your own car.

How much is comprehensive car insurance in Zambia?

No official tariff exists; each insurer sets its own rate. Ask several PIA-licensed insurers for written quotes with the same cover and excess.

Can a bus company refuse liability for passenger injuries?

No. Section 92 of the Road Traffic Act voids any term that limits liability for death or injury of passengers in a public service vehicle.