Contractors All Risks (CAR) Insurance
Comprehensive single-policy cover for construction projects — contract works, plant, materials, and third-party liability under one wording.
Contractors All Risks (CAR) is the all-in-one policy that should sit on every Kenyan construction project — large or small. It combines property cover for the works under construction, plant and machinery on site, materials, and a third-party liability section, all under a single wording with a single excess. Most main contracts now require CAR with the employer (the client) named as a co-insured.
Vike places CAR for residential, commercial, industrial, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects across Kenya — and increasingly in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda where Kenyan contractors operate. We tailor sum insured, project duration, maintenance period, and DSU (Delay in Start-Up) extensions to the specific contract — so the cover matches the bill of quantities and the contract's risk allocation.
What It Covers
Permanent works under construction up to the contract value
Temporary works, formwork, and falsework
Construction plant and machinery on site (cranes, excavators, mixers)
Construction materials on site or in transit to site
Third-party bodily injury and property damage from the works
Existing surrounding property (subject to terms)
Maintenance period (12 months standard, extendable)
Delay in Start-Up (DSU) for revenue-generating projects (extension)
Who It's For
Main contractors and sub-contractors on building and civil projects
Real estate developers and project owners
Civil engineering contractors — roads, water, energy projects
Specialist contractors — MEP, fit-out, marine works
Government and parastatal project owners requiring contractor CAR cover
Types We Cover
Each profile is rated and underwritten differently. Talk to us so we can match your specific situation.
Project-Specific CAR
Single policy for one named project for the duration of the contract plus maintenance period. The standard structure for any project above KES 50M.
Annual / Open CAR
A standing policy for contractors doing many smaller projects in a year. Each project is automatically covered up to a maximum project value and declared at year-end. Cleaner administration for active builders.
Erection All Risks (EAR)
Sister policy for plant erection and heavy installation projects — power plants, factories, telecoms towers. Different perils profile and testing/commissioning provisions.
CAR with DSU
Adds Delay in Start-Up cover: pays the project owner's lost revenue / debt service costs if an insured loss delays handover. Critical for revenue-generating projects (hotels, malls, factories).
Real-World Scenarios
Fire destroys formwork and partially complete structure
CAR settles the cost of reinstating the works to their pre-loss condition, including debris removal and architects' fees. Without CAR, the contractor bears the loss directly under the construction contract.
Tower crane damages a neighbouring building
Third-party property damage section handles the neighbour's claim — repairs, alternative accommodation if required, and consequential losses (subject to wording). The contractor's relationship with neighbours and the local authority survives the incident.
Heavy rain causes collapse of partly built retaining wall
Storm and flood are standard CAR perils. The insurer settles the reinstatement of the wall and any damaged formwork. Design defects are typically excluded — we coordinate CAR with Engineering PI on every project of size.
Optional Benefits & Add-ons
Delay in Start-Up (DSU) cover
Surrounding property and existing structures
Extended maintenance period (24 or 36 months)
Marine cargo extension for imported plant and materials
Off-site storage of materials
Cross-liability between named insureds (employer / contractor / sub-contractors)
Availability varies by underwriter. Our advisors will confirm what is available on your chosen policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
You May Also Need
Quotes from Kenya's leading underwriters
Ready to get covered?
Our advisors will compare quotes and find the best fit for you — at no extra cost.
Get a Contractors All Risks Quote
