Nairobi, April 22 -- A surge in medical bills, road accidents and car thefts drove insurance claims above the Sh100 billion mark for the first time last year amid fears premiums could spike.

The latest Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) analysis shows medical claims rose 17.9 percent to Sh52.61 billion and compensation from accidents and stolen cars increased 12.4 percent to Sh40.1 billion.

This has continued the trend where motor and medical insurers go for years without underwriting profits, making them rely on investment income to avoid losses.

The jump in accidents and medical bills as well as a rash of fraudulent claims are expected to jack up insurance bills as insurers seek higher premiums to cover the losses.

Medical and car...