Sometimes the fact that you have insurance is not even the problem, the issue is filing a claim. For more Nigerians than you would expect, this process feels quite unfamiliar and sometimes frustrating.

This guide explains how the insurance claims process works in Nigeria, from what should be done the moment an incident occurs to how the insurance is paid or reimbursed regardless of the kind of policy—health, life, auto, property, or business— you signed up for. 

1. Know and understand the policy 

Understand what policy you signed up for and what it entails. 

Key areas to check:

• Events or losses covered
• Exclusions (events not covered)
• Sum assured or claim limit
• Deductibles/excess
• Claim timeframes

Tip: Keep and Read an extra copy of your policy in digital or physical form. 

2. Notify Your Insurer Immediately

Once an incident happens, report it to your insurance company immediately—ideally within 24–48 hours.

You can notify them via:

• Phone call to the claims department
• Email (some insurers provide a claims-specific email)
• Online claims portal
• Physical visit to a branch

When notifying, clearly state:

• What happened
• Where and when it happened
• Who was involved

Tip: Save copies of your communication with the insurer. 

3. Collect All Required Claim Documents

Insurers won’t process a claim without supporting documents. These vary by policy type:

Auto Insurance:

• Police report
• Photos of vehicle damage
• Driver’s license and registration
• Repair estimate
• Insurance certificate

Health Insurance:

• Hospital report
• Medical receipts and diagnosis
• Admission and discharge summary
• NHIS/HMO ID

Life Insurance:

• Death certificate
• Beneficiary ID
• Completed claim form
• Burial permit

Property/Business Insurance:

• Inventory of stolen/damaged items
• Fire or police report
• Photos/videos of damage
• CAC registration documents

4. Ensure information filled in Claim Form is accurate.

Get the Nigerian insurance claim form from your provider via:

• Their office
• Company website (download)
• Email request

 Be honest and detailed. Exaggerated or false claims can lead to rejection or legal trouble.

Claim forms typically ask for:

• Policy number
• Details of the incident
• Witness information
• Bank account for payments

5. Submit the Claim Form and Documents

After filling the form and collecting documents, submit everything via:

• In-person at a branch
• Email (attach all scanned documents)
• Online claims portal

Ask for an acknowledgment letter or claim reference number to enable follow-up.

6. Expect a Claims Assessment or Inspection

Depending on your claim type, the insurance company may send a claims assessor or adjuster to:

• Inspect damaged property
• Interview you or witnesses
• Evaluate the losses

Tip: Cooperate fully. Don’t alter the scene until after inspection.

7. Claim Review and Approval

During this phase, your insurer will review:

• Whether the claim is valid
• If the requested amount is reasonable
• Whether there’s fraud or misrepresentation

This process may take a few days or several weeks, depending on:

• Complexity of the claim
• Type of insurance
• Responsiveness of both parties

Follow up regularly with your assigned claims officer.

8. Settlement of Approved Claims

A successful claim can be settled by 

• A cash payout for life, health, property, etc.)
• Authorizing repairs (motor, fire, or property damage)
• Replacing items (depending on policy terms)

 Always check the claim settlement amount against your policy.

If dissatisfied:

• Ask for a breakdown
• Dispute politely
• Request reevaluation with supporting documents

9. In the case of a rejected claim:

Not every claim is approved. Common reasons include:

• Policy exclusions
• Delayed or incomplete documentation
• Non-disclosure or false claims
• Claiming for non-covered events

Your rights:

• Request a written rejection letter
• File a complaint with your insurer’s customer service
• Escalate the issue to NAICOM Nigeria if unresolved

 To report to NAICOM, visit: www.naicom.gov.ng

10. Other tips

•  Always provide honest and accurate information.

• Get official reports (police, hospital, fire) when required

•  Don’t repair damage until the insurer assesses it

Conclusion

Regardless of your claim, following these steps increases your chances of a fast, fair claim settlement while saving you a lot of hassle. 

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