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NEM INSURANCE PLC started insurance business in Nigeria in 1948 through the agency of Edward Turner & Co.

It became a Nigerian branch of NEM General Insurance Association Limited of London in 1965 and incorporated in 1970 as a Nigerian company in compliance with the Companies Decree of 1968..

Motor Insurance Works in Nigeria
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Motor Insurance Works in Nigeria

How Motor Insurance Works: A Detailed Guide to Vehicle Protection and Legal Compliance



Vehicle ownership in Nigeria requires a focus on financial safety. Motor insurance provides the necessary shield against road risks such as accident, other risks like theft, fire, flood, third party liabilities and riots. Strike and civil commotion. This legal contract ensures an owner avoids massive out of pocket expenses after accidents. Nigeria Insurance Industry Reforms Act 2025 (section 84) mandates specific insurance levels for every car on public roads. Understanding the process helps you protect your assets and follow national regulations.



Motor insurance functions through risk sharing. A vehicle owner pays a specific amount of money known as a premium to an insurance company. This premium goes into a large pool with payments from other drivers. When an accident happens, the insurance company uses funds from this pool to pay for repairs or replacements.



The contract commences on the starting date in the policy certificate and  issued a policy document. This document outlines the duties of the insurance company and the responsibilities of the owner/insured. Valid insurance removes the burden of sudden repair bills. This system provides stability to the transport sector and protects all road users.



Legal Requirements and the NIIRA 2025



The Nigeria Insurance Industry Act 2025 makes motor insurance compulsory in Nigeria. Every vehicle must have at least Third Party coverage. Law enforcement officers check for valid insurance certificates during routine stops Driving without insurance leads to fines or vehicle impoundment.



The Nigerian Insurance Industry Database(www.askniid.org)  serves as the central hub for verifying certificates. Genuine policies appear on this platform immediately. This digital verification prevents the use of fake documents. A valid policy ensures you remain on the right side of the law while driving in any state.



Different Levels of Motor Protection



Insurance providers offer various plans based on your budget and protection needs. Choosing the right plan depends on the value of your car and your risk tolerance.



Third Party Motor Insurance



This plan is the minimum legal requirement. This policy handles damage caused to other people. If you hit another car, the insurance company pays for the repairs of the other person. This coverage also handles medical bills for injuries to third parties and also compensates the family of accident victim. This plan does not pay for repairs to your own vehicle.



Third Party Fire and Theft



This intermediate plan adds extra layers of safety. This insurance includes all the benefits of the third party plan. This coverage also pays you if your car catches fire or if someone steals the vehicle. This option remains popular for owners with older cars who still want protection against total loss.



Enhanced Third Party Motor Insurance Policy



NEM Enhanced Third Party Motor Policy is an initiative of NEM Insurance Plc. designed to provide cover on third party liability with limited benefit on own damage for the insured.  The customers will have full cover for third party liabilities and as well have some benefits for his/her own damage.



The policy is designed to meet the needs of our customers who couldn’t afford the premium rate offering on full comprehensive or Third Party, Fire & Theft option



Comprehensive Motor Insurance



This plan offers the highest level of security. This insurance covers the third party and also protects your own vehicle. Comprehensive coverage handles accidental damage, fire, theft, flood and vandalism. This plan often includes extras like medical expenses for the driver and passengers. Owners of new or expensive vehicles prefer this all-inclusive protection.



How Premiums Are Calculated in Naira



Insurance companies do not use a single price for everyone. Premiums depend on the market value of the vehicle and the chosen plan.



Standard rates for comprehensive insurance usually sit at 5% of the car value. A vehicle worth 10,000,000 Naira requires an annual premium of 500,000 Naira. Third party insurance often has a fixed price depending on the vehicle category. Private cars pay a lower fixed rate compared to commercial trucks.



Risk factors also influence the price. High performance cars often attract higher premiums. Installing a tracking device often leads to discounts. Keeping a clean driving record helps you negotiate better rates during renewal.



Why NEM Insurance Leads the Motor Sector



NEM Insurance Plc maintains a strong presence in Nigeria since 1948. The company began as a branch of NEM General Insurance Association Limited of London. This history provides the company with deep technical knowledge of motor risks



The company currently sits as the number one motor insurance provider in Nigeria. In 2024, NEM recorded a insurance revenue  of 24.57 billion Naira in the motor category. During the same year, the company paid over 7.8 billion Naira in motor claims. This data proves their ability to handle large losses and support their clients. NEM was ranked number one in motor insurance business in year 2024 according to Nigerian Insurance Digest (NIA Annual Industry Statistics Publication)



NEM won the Almond General Business Insurance of the Year award for 2025. Total assets and shareholders’ fund for the company exceed 170billion Naira and 80billion naira respectively as at December 2025. Choosing a market leader ensures your claims get the attention they deserve. The financial strength of the company guarantees your payout even during economic shifts.



The Claims Settlement Process



Filing a claim is the most important part of the insurance experience. A fast process ensures you return to the road quickly.




  1. Notify the insurer: Inform the company immediately after an accident. Most providers require notice within 24 hours.

  2. Document the scene: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved.

  3. Obtain a police report: Get an official report if the accident involves serious injuries or death of a third party or theft.

  4. Submit the claim form: Provide full details of the incident and the estimated repair costs.

  5. Inspection: An insurance surveyor examines the car to verify the damage.

  6. Settlement: The company pays the repair shop directly or reimburses the owner after repairs.



Honesty during the application and claim phases ensures a smooth experience. Fraudulent claims lead to policy cancellation and legal action.



Common Exclusions and Policy Limits



Policies have specific boundaries. Knowing these exclusions prevents surprises during a claim.




  • Unlicensed driving: The insurance company rejects claims if the driver lacks a valid license.

  • Drunk driving: Accidents caused by intoxication are not covered.

  • Unauthorized use: Using a private car for commercial hire voids the policy.

  • Intentional damage: Owners cannot claim for damage they caused on purpose.

  • Mechanical and electrical breakdown: Standard insurance does not cover engine failures from poor maintenance.



Read the policy document to understand the excess amount. The excess is the small portion the owner pays before the insurance company takes over the rest. Buying an "excess buy back" rider removes this small cost. At NEM Insurance Plc, insured are not burden with any excess.



Digital Access and E-Insurance Features



Technology makes managing motor insurance easier for Nigerians. Owners no longer need to visit physical offices for every transaction.



NEM Insurance provides an e-insurance portal (https://einsurance.nem-insurance.com/V2/) for instant policy purchase. You input your vehicle details and pay through secure channels. The system generates your certificate immediately. This digital approach saves time and ensures your data remains safe. You can check your policy status on the NIID website anytime.



Secure Your Vehicle and Peace of Mind



Driving without protection is a massive financial risk. A single collision ruins your monthly budget or wipes out your savings. Comprehensive motor insurance turns these large risks into a small and predictable annual cost. NEM Insurance offers robust plans that meet the needs of every Nigerian driver.



The process is simple and transparent. Get a quote and protect your vehicle in minutes. Review the NEM motor insurance service and secure your asset today.



Final Steps for Vehicle Owners



Buying insurance is the first step in a larger safety plan. Maintain your vehicle to reduce the risk of accidents. Keep your insurance documents in a safe place. Set a reminder for your renewal date to avoid a gap in coverage.



Use this checklist to manage your policy:




  • Verify the sum insured matches the current market value of the car.

  • Confirm the policy covers your specific geographic area.

  • Save the emergency contact numbers of your insurer on your phone.

  • Check your certificate on the NIID portal to ensure validity.

  • .



Professional insurance protection allows you to drive with confidence. Choosing a provider with a long history of claim payments ensures your investment remains secure. Protect your mobility and your finances with a reliable motor policy. Secure your vehicle now by visiting the NEM motor insurance portal to start an application.



 



 


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