Introduction to COMESA Yellow Card Insurance
Yellow Card insurance under COMESA is a regional motor vehicle insurance scheme designed to facilitate smooth and secure cross-border road transport among participating African countries. It provides compulsory third-party liability cover for motorists traveling across borders within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. The scheme was established to remove the need for motorists to purchase separate insurance policies at each border, thereby reducing travel delays, administrative burdens, and overall costs.
The COMESA Yellow Card has become a critical instrument in promoting regional trade, tourism, and mobility by ensuring that vehicles moving across member states are legally insured and compliant with host country requirements.
What the COMESA Yellow Card Covers
COMESA Yellow Card insurance primarily covers third-party liability. This includes bodily injury or death of third parties, as well as damage to third-party property arising from a road traffic accident caused by the insured vehicle while operating in another participating country. The coverage applies only within the countries listed on the Yellow Card and only for the period stated on the policy.
It is important to note that the Yellow Card does not cover damage to the insured vehicle itself, theft, or comprehensive risks. Motorists seeking full protection must arrange additional insurance separately. The policy strictly satisfies legal insurance requirements for cross-border travel within the COMESA region.
Countries Covered Under the COMESA Yellow Card
The COMESA Yellow Card scheme is recognized in multiple Eastern and Southern African countries. These typically include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eswatini, and others participating in the scheme. Coverage is valid only in countries specifically indicated on the Yellow Card document, and motorists must confirm participating countries before travel.
Because participation may change, travelers are advised to verify current coverage with authorized insurers or national bureaus before crossing borders.
Requirements for Obtaining COMESA Yellow Card Insurance
To obtain COMESA Yellow Card insurance, the vehicle owner must present valid local motor insurance, vehicle registration documents, and the owner’s identification. The vehicle must be roadworthy and legally registered in its home country. Yellow Cards are issued by authorized insurance companies or national insurance bureaus in participating countries.
The insurance can be issued for varying durations, ranging from short-term cover to annual policies, depending on travel needs. Once issued, the Yellow Card must be carried at all times during cross-border travel and presented to customs, immigration, or traffic authorities upon request.
Importance of Yellow Card Insurance for Cross-Border Trade
For traders, transporters, and logistics operators, COMESA Yellow Card insurance is essential for uninterrupted regional operations. It ensures compliance with insurance laws across multiple jurisdictions, reduces border processing time, and lowers operational costs by eliminating the need to purchase multiple local third-party policies.
The scheme also enhances road safety and victim compensation by ensuring that accident victims in host countries are protected and compensated under a recognized regional insurance framework. This builds trust among member states and supports the free movement of goods and services.
Benefits of COMESA Yellow Card Insurance
One of the main benefits of the Yellow Card scheme is cost efficiency. Motorists pay a single premium instead of purchasing insurance at every border. It also simplifies travel logistics by providing a standardized insurance document recognized across participating countries.
The scheme improves legal certainty, as motorists are protected against third-party claims under the laws of the host country. For businesses, it reduces risk exposure and administrative complexity, making cross-border transport more predictable and compliant.
Limitations and Compliance Considerations
While COMESA Yellow Card insurance offers essential third-party cover, it has limitations that motorists must understand. Coverage is restricted to listed countries and does not extend beyond the policy period. Any accident outside participating countries or after policy expiry is not covered.
Failure to carry a valid Yellow Card can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or denial of entry at border points. Motorists must ensure that details on the card, including vehicle registration and travel destinations, are accurate and up to date.
The Role of COMESA Yellow Card in Regional Integration
COMESA Yellow Card insurance plays a strategic role in advancing regional integration by supporting cross-border mobility and trade facilitation. It aligns with broader regional objectives under COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area by reducing non-tariff barriers and harmonizing transport regulations.
As trade volumes increase and regional infrastructure improves, the Yellow Card scheme is expected to remain a cornerstone of efficient road transport across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Conclusion
COMESA Yellow Card insurance is a vital requirement for motorists and businesses engaged in cross-border travel within the COMESA region. By providing legally recognized third-party cover, it simplifies travel, reduces costs, and enhances compliance across multiple countries. Understanding its coverage, requirements, and limitations enables travelers and businesses to operate confidently and legally while contributing to safer and more integrated regional transport systems.
