How To Check Car Insurance In Ghana
What is the purpose of Car insurance in Ghana? Car insurance in Ghana serves to provide financial protection against potential losses from accidents, covering damages to third-party property and injuries/deaths to people, as well as potential damage to the insured vehicle itself, with mandatory Third-Party insurance covering only third-party liabilities and comprehensive policies offering broader vehicle protection. It protects the driver and vehicle owner from unforeseen financial burdens, ensuring peace of mind and adherence to the law.
What are the requirements needed to check for car insurance in Ghana?
Chassis & Engine numbers
(must match DVLA records). needed to check for car insurance in Ghana?
Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) – proof of ownership.
Logbook / Car Papers from DVLA.
Personal Identification
Valid ID:
Ghana Card, Passport, Voter’s ID, or Driver’s License.
Ghana Card (for TIN) – now compulsory for all formal registrations.
Driver’s License
Must be valid and not expired.
For commercial vehicles, the driver must have the correct driving class/grade.
Roadworthiness Certificate
Issued by DVLA after vehicle inspection.
Ensures the car is fit for use before insurance can be issued.
Type of Insurance Policy
You’ll need to decide which coverage you want:
Third-Party Only → minimum legal requirement, covers damage/injury to others.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft → adds cover for fire damage & theft.
Comprehensive → covers third-party plus damage to your own car.
Vehicle Details
Car make, model, year of manufacture.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Number plate.
Use of a vehicle (private, commercial, taxi, bus, etc.).
Payment
Insurance premium fees (cost depends on: vehicle type, usage, engine capacity, and policy chosen).
Payment can be made via:
Mobile Money (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo).
Banks & insurance company branches.
Insurance agents/brokers.
How To Check Car Insurance In Ghana?
Using a USSD Code (Shortcode)
This is the most common and accessible method. You will need the vehicle’s registration number.
Dial the shortcode: The official USSD code is 92057#.
Follow the prompts: A menu will appear from the NIC’s MID service. You will be asked to enter the vehicle’s registration number (e.g., “GT-7771-17”).
Receive a response: The system will instantly provide you with the vehicle’s insurance details, including:
Whether the vehicle is insured.
The make and model of the vehicle.
The name of the insurance company.
The policy’s inception and expiry dates.
This method is useful for a driver to check their own vehicle’s status, or for a passenger to verify the insurance of a commercial vehicle before boarding it.
Scanning the QR Code
All new, valid motor insurance stickers issued since the implementation of the MID have a unique QR code.
Use a QR code reader: You can use a QR code scanner on your smartphone.
Scan the sticker: Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on the insurance sticker.
View the details: The scanner will pull up the vehicle’s insurance details directly from the MID, similar to the information received from the USSD code.
This method is commonly used by law enforcement, such as the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, during roadside checks to quickly verify a vehicle’s insurance status.
What are the benefits of car insurance to a Ghanaian Driver?
Legal Requirement and Compliance
The most immediate benefit is that car insurance is a legal requirement in Ghana. According to the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1958, it is mandatory for every vehicle owner to have at least a Third-Party insurance policy. Driving without this minimum cover can lead to legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Having a valid insurance policy ensures you are always on the right side of the law.
Financial Protection
Car accidents can be financially devastating. Insurance acts as a safety net, protecting you from significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Third-Party Liability Coverage:
This is the most fundamental benefit. If you are at fault in an accident, your Third-Party policy covers the cost of injuries, death, and property damage to the other person involved. This means you won’t have to bear the financial burden of repairing their car or paying their medical bills.
Own Vehicle Damage (Comprehensive Insurance):
While Third-Party insurance only covers the other person, a Comprehensive insurance policy provides much broader protection. It covers the costs of repairing or replacing your own vehicle in the event of an accident, fire, or theft. This is particularly valuable for new or expensive cars, as it shields you from the high costs of repair or a total loss.
Theft and Fire Coverage:
For those with a Third-Party Fire and Theft policy or a Comprehensive policy, the insurance will compensate you if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. This is a crucial benefit in a country where vehicle theft can be a concern.
Personal Accident Benefits:
Many policies, even the basic Third-Party one, offer some level of personal accident benefit. This provides compensation for injuries sustained by you, the driver, and other occupants of your vehicle in an accident.
Peace of Mind
Driving on Ghana’s roads can be unpredictable. Having car insurance gives you confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances.
Stress Reduction:
In the unfortunate event of an accident, an insurance policy transfers the financial and logistical burden to the insurer. You don’t have to worry about the immediate costs of towing, repairs, or legal liabilities, allowing you to focus on your well-being.
Access to Support Services:
Many insurance companies offer additional benefits with their comprehensive plans, such as 24-hour towing services, roadside assistance, and even courtesy cars while yours is being repaired.
Confidence in Legal Compliance:
The National Insurance Commission’s (NIC) Motor Insurance Database (MID) allows you to easily verify your insurance’s authenticity. This gives you the assurance that your policy is valid and recognized by law enforcement.
What are the safety tips every Ghanaian driver must comply with in Ghana?
Defensive Driving and Situational Awareness
Be Patient and Tolerant:
Road conditions in Ghana can be challenging. Avoid aggressive driving, road rage, and ignoring provocations from other road users. Patience is a key attribute of a good driver.
Stay Alert and Focused:
Avoid distractions such as using a mobile phone, texting, eating, or engaging in intense conversations while driving. Your full attention must be on the road.
Anticipate the Unexpected:
Always be prepared for hazards. This includes pedestrians, hawkers, and animals that may suddenly cross the road. Drive with a defensive mindset.
Share the Road:
Be mindful of other road users, including motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Give them a wide berth and be respectful.
Vehicle Maintenance and Readiness
Ensure Your Vehicle is Roadworthy: Before every trip, especially long journeys, perform a basic check. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators), engine oil, and water levels.
Keep Your Documents Current:
Always have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and the vehicle’s roadworthiness certificate. Driving with expired or fake documents is a serious offense.
Use Safety Equipment:
Your car should be equipped with a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and an advance warning triangle to be used in case of a breakdown.
Compliance with Traffic Laws and Signals
Obey Speed Limits:
Speeding is a leading cause of accidents in Ghana. Always drive within the posted speed limits. Reduce your speed in built-up areas, near schools, markets, and in poor weather conditions like rain or fog.
Always Use Seatbelts:
It is mandatory for both the driver and all passengers, including those in the back seat, to wear seatbelts. Seatbelts are proven to significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in a crash.
Never Drink and Drive:
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime. Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver or use public transport. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%.
Heed Traffic Lights and Signs: Pay close attention to traffic lights, stop signs, and other road markings. A yellow light means you should slow down and prepare to stop, not speed up to beat the red light.
Specific Safety Practices
Use Your Indicators:
Always signal your intentions before changing lanes, turning, or pulling over. This is a simple but critical way to communicate with other drivers and prevent collisions.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance:
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is the “three-second rule.” This gives you enough time to react and stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
Be Cautious at Night:
Driving at night can be more dangerous due to poor visibility. If possible, avoid long-distance night driving. Ensure your headlights are clean and properly aligned.
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