Motor Claims in Ghana

Motor Claims: The Bread and Butter

Motor insurance accounts for the largest share of Ghana's non-life insurance market, and motor claims are the most frequent type of claim most insurers handle. Getting motor claims right is essential.

Ghana-specific challenges in motor claims include:

→Police reports: Obtaining a police accident report (Motor Accident Report Form) can be slow, especially outside Accra. Some station officers expect informal payments. Insurers need to build relationships with the MTTU (Motor Traffic and Transport Department) and help policyholders navigate the process.

→Repair quality: The informal 'fitting' culture means many repairs use second-hand or counterfeit parts. Insurers need approved repairer networks where quality is controlled, but must also be realistic: an insured driving a 15-year-old vehicle doesn't need brand-new OEM parts.

→Total loss valuation: Agreeing on the pre-accident value of a vehicle is often contentious. Ghana doesn't have a standardised vehicle valuation guide like the UK's Glass's Guide. Insurers should establish clear valuation methodologies and communicate them upfront.

→Third-party claims: When your policyholder causes an accident, the third party submits a claim against your policy. Third-party injury claims can involve court proceedings and are often the most expensive and complex motor claims.

Best Practice: The Motor Claims Checklist

For every motor claim, ensure the file contains:

→Completed claim form signed by the policyholder
→Copy of the driver's licence (was the driver authorised?)
→Police Motor Accident Report Form
→Photographs of all vehicles involved (take at the scene if possible)
→At least two independent repair estimates
→Pre-accident vehicle valuation (for total loss assessment)
→Third-party details if applicable
→Medical reports if bodily injury is involved
→Witness statements for disputed liability
→Towing and storage receipts

Missing documentation is the #1 cause of delays. Provide policyholders with this checklist at the point of sale, not at the point of claim.