BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Filing your motor insurance claim doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow the steps below:
1 Notification
The first thing to do is inform your insurance company as soon as an incident occurs. Let them know what happened and whether you were at fault or not. The longer you delay reporting, the more the claims process may be delayed. Prompt reporting helps speed things up.
2. Inspection
Once the claim has been reported, the insurance company will assign a loss adjuster or staff member to verify your claim.
3. Documentation
Gather all documents needed to support your claim, such as: your policy number, a valid means of identification, a police report (for theft or serious accidents), and receipts or repair estimates for the damage.
4. Fill and Submit the Claim Form
Your insurer will provide a claim form—either online, by email, or at their office. Complete and submit the form along with your supporting documents.
5. Assessment and Claim Payment
The insurance company will review your claim and supporting documents and may send a loss adjuster or assessor to inspect the damage. Once the assessment is complete, a discharge voucher will be issued to the vehicle owner.
After the discharge voucher has been signed and returned to the insurance company, the insurer will proceed with payment or arrange repairs based on your policy coverage and the agreed terms. Payment timelines may vary, but some claims are settled within 2–5 working days after approval, depending on the company.
If you have followed these steps and your claim is still being denied, you can file a complaint with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) via complaints@naicom.gov.ng or info@naicom.gov.ng.
You may also contact the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) by email at info@nigeriainsurers.org or submit a complaint through their website: https://nigeriainsurers.org/submit-a-complaint/
