Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
COMESA / Yellow Card Insurance COMESA / Yellow Card Insurance
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 63
Question COMESA / Yellow Card Insurance
Howdy folks

Has anyone managed to purchase COMESA / Yellow Card Insurance before they hit Africa or can it only be purchased when you get there?

Lots of talk on the HUBB about the usefullness of it but none on where it can be purchased....

Thanks

Niallo
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: South Africa
Posts: 56
Any news?
Hey Niallo

I've been looking into this too, haven't found anything out, have you since this post?

I've asked the AA in South Africa, who referred me to a crowd in the UK called 'Locktin' but it turned out to be a dead end as they don't offer it anymore.
__________________
Trans Africa 2008: africanenduro.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 63
Not yet
Howdy Mark - just saw that post now...

Have just started looking into it.

I think you might need an address in SA for those boyz to sort you out. Will let you know how I get on

Niall
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Valid in: ANG; BOT; BUR; DRC; DJI; EGT; ERI; ETH; KEN; LES; MAL; MOZ; NAM; RSA; RWA; SOM; SUD; SWA; TAN; UGA; ZAM; ZIM.

You can't buy it in SA and so if you start there either buy in Zim or Zam.

The COMESA is not valid in the country in which you buy it. Therefore you have to buy LOCAL 3rd party insurance first - the COMESA is then an extension of this policy.

the only contact I have is in Kenya: Ring Mary Githinji at the AA in Nairobi - give her all your car details - tell her how long you want it to last and when you want it to start. She'll then sort out your local insurance and COMESA. Organise collection/payment with her...she is an honest broker, please pay her my regards.

MARY M. GITHINJI
BRANCH MANAGER-AA OF KENYA
SARIT CENTRE 2ND FLR-WESTLANDS
TELEFAX:+254 020 4449676
TEL: 3753481/3743196,0726 829851,0733 745692
EMAIL:mary.githinji@aakenya.co.ke
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Has anyone since been able to arrange this before they get to Africa? we will be entering from Syria/Jordan/Egypt. Does anyone know if you can buy it in any of these countries?

Thanks
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: South Africa
Posts: 56
I wasn't able to arrange any in advance, but had no problems at all without it

(that was about 10 months ago)
__________________
Trans Africa 2008: africanenduro.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
The COMESA yellow card is only a replacement for buying 3rd party insurance everytime you enter a country at approx. 50 bucks a pop. Basicly it is alot cheaper than buying it individually on a long multi-country road trip. It also saves time at borders changing forex and getting squeezed. I have been specifically asked for it by police in TZ and Zambia and i always buy it as it just makes life easier.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Feb 2009
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Two days ago I was told the Comesa YC insurance is not valid in Egypt - even though the card says it is. I was told this in Wadi Halfa, Sudan - I'm in Aswan today and will know in another couple days when the bike gets here and I can get it through customs.

I entered South Africa in June - spent 4 months riding around SA, Namibia and Botswana and nobody asked about insurance (even got stopped a few times by the police for "infractions" and no one asked).

I was required to get insurance crossing into Mozambique - and the insurance agents at the border crossing all claimed ignorance about Comesa. Same at Malawi border. Finally in Tanzania they were able to provide Comesa YC - but then crossing into Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan, no one mentioned anything about insurance, cared if I had any.

I think its all a scam - all the insurance. Anyone ever see details of the "policy". What's covered? What's the limits? Or, what's excluded? (Ans: everything, especially if your a foreigner! but I'm such a cinyc ).
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
That may be because you're on a bike. A fully loaded 4x4 full of well fed whitey, in their air conditioned cocoon, will look a darn sight more "shakedownable" than a slightly soiled, solitary, biker.

I have travelled between Kenya and SA many times and I have oftened been asked for insurance (and often COMESA by name in TZ, ZW and ZM) by police road blocks. When you#re driving a vehicle you will often be asked for insurance during the border clearing process and sometimes you won't get your gate pass without it - think this happened to me in Botswana.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Feb 2009
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bundubasher View Post
...a slightly soiled, solitary, biker.
I resemble that remark, except I'm not "slightly soiled" - I'm way soiled. But at least I've washed my riding gear in the past year - unlike a cerain Irish guy riding this way (I won't mention any names) in a Black BMW Ralley suit.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 14 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
In SA, Nam and Bots 3rd party insurance is covered by road tax and as a levie on petrol so you are paying it without knowing it.

Coming from the North the first place you can buy Comesa is in Addis. They won't ask for it in Metema or Shehedi but just don't ask them either. Once in Addis go to "Africa Insurance"(one of the big insurance companies in town) or something like that and they will direct you on where to go.

I actually got through Ethiopia and all the way down to Nairobi without it. At Mojale I asked the customs guy and he said I can't get it at the border but can ride through and buy it in Nairobi. Bought it from an insurance company 200m from Jungle Junction. (Ask Chris for directions). This will though cost you more in the end because insurance for Kenya is much more expensive than Ethiopia I am led to believe.

Again I think the Comesa does indicate Egyp but their agreement with the "Development Zone" was not agreed or withdrawn or something like that so it might not count. Anyway I'm sure the Egyptians will find a way of sucking that money out of you one way or another.
__________________
If there's a will there's a way so I will anyway!
http://www.buyaikhaya.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 23 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Liechtenstein
Posts: 18
where to buy comesa in southern africa
Hey folks,

we travelled down the african westcoast by 4x4.
For the east-coast-part of our trip we're now trying to buy the "comesa Yellow Card" .

Does anybody know where it's possible to get?

The South African AA just sells Insurance for Mocambique and Sambia, but not the whole thing. Is it possible to buy the Yellow Card in MOZ or in Sambia - and, where?

Cheers,
robin
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 23 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Not sure about Moz although they are a signaturary.

Jupiter Insurance Bulawayo
Zimsure Bulawayo or Harare

Any major insurer in Francistown or Gabs in Bots.

Ditto in Livingstone.

Just ask any local.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 24 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Comesa
I have been asked for insurance and for Comesa in particular on many occassions, defo take it out as Bundubasher says, saves time and hassle.

Beware Moz border, they will deny knowledge and say they are no longer a signatory but stick to your guns and they wi give in - worked for me

ChrisC
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 24 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Comesa
I have been asked for insurance and for Comesa in particular on many occassions, defo take it out as Bundubasher says, saves time and hassle.

Beware Moz border, they will deny knowledge and say they are no longer a signatory but stick to your guns and they wi give in - worked for me

ChrisC
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help! I need to take the ferry from Tangier to Barcelona, but no green card insurance monkii North Africa 6 2 Jan 2008 22:32
Green Card Insurance - for Croatia (HR) Global Rider Europe 5 27 Mar 2007 17:05
Green card insurance for driving through Europe - URGENT INFO NEEDED Ants BK Trip Paperwork 5 31 Jul 2006 14:58
Comesa Yellow Card Insurance Matt Roach sub-Saharan Africa 9 3 Apr 2006 23:38
Green card insurance pco98 Trip Paperwork 1 11 Apr 2005 06:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top