Vehicle insurance, a mere formality

? Police negotiate claims

Just drive towards Accra from Circle, at the traffic light by the MTTU (opposite the Railways Station), young and old police officers are busy checking motorists for ?stickers? roadworthiness, motor insurance etc.

Many motorists without the stickers are ?arrested? and whatever happens is ?unknown? to this writer.

Is it mandatory to have the stickers pasted on the windshield of vehicles? Some commercial drivers have displayed lots of these stickers (insurance, roadworthiness, GPRTU, TUC, NPP, NDC , KLM, etc.) that it poses hindrances to the visibility of the driver endangering lives & property

My article of today is to find out if buying a motor insurance is a mere formality or indeed a process backed by the laws of the country.

In the informal sector, the benefits of motor insurance are not enjoyed and there seems to be no encouragements from the law enforcing bodies to this effect.

Case Study 1.

Two vehicles are involved in an accident, both parties may accepts certain responsibilities and make commitments to settle the issue. The insurance company or where applicable the police is not notified or involved.

Case Study 2.

Two vehicles are involved in an accident, both parties disagree and the police are called. The police in most cases play a ?judge? role and sides with one party to seek claims for damages without informing the insurance company.

Unsuspecting motorists sometimes have to heed to pressure, threats and intimidation from the police and the other party to pay unsubstantiated claims.

My questions are;

1. Is it the duty of the police to deal with claims of motorists in Ghana? 2. Are the insurance companies deliberately ignoring the effective & quick process of claims by unnecessary long delays & bureaucratic maneuvers? 3. Are motorists well educated on their rights and obligations in such events?

Notwithstanding the rightful prosecution of traffic violators by the law, it is highly improper for the police to take sides or even enter into any form of negotiations on claims, intimidation or harassment of motorists involved in traffic accidents. These seriously undermine the good spirit of motorists purchasing insurances. Additionally, insurance companies must educate their clients on their rights, procedures and actions. The relevance of taking insurance must be reflected on the good & prompt service delivery they offer at all times. Motor Insurance is not a fashion ? a necessity.

Nana Osei
Sankofa Television ? The Netherlands.

Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.