•The benzimidazole and Zn2+ intercalated clay particles were provided.•Active corrosion protection properties of the modified clays were studied.•Self-healing properties were observed by clay particles modified with inhibitors.•Clay particles modified with BIA+ and Zn2+ cations showed the best performance. The objective of this study is to develop and characterize the active protection properties of the benzimidazole (BIA) and zinc cations (Zn2+) intercalated sodium montmorillonite clay particles in an epoxy ester coating. The corrosion protection properties of the samples were studied by an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results obtained revealed that the Na+ cations presented in the galleries of clay were successfully exchanged with BIA+ and Zn2+ cations. The active corrosion protection properties of the samples were demonstrated by EIS analysis. Promising self-healing and active protection properties were demonstrated by clay particles modified with both BIA+ and Zn2+ cations.