Frequently Asked Questions on Insurance & Consumer Protection
Should I know the Terms and Conditions of a contract that was not provided to me? Is it my duty to ensure the insurer gives me the contract?
Yes. While the insurer is obligated to provide the terms and conditions, it is also your responsibility to ask for and understand the contract you are signing.
Long-term insurance contracts (e.g. 20 years or life cover) remain unchanged unless amended by agreement.
Short-term insurance contracts (e.g. motor, household) are renewed annually and may change yearly based on risk factors. Always request your policy document if it hasn’t been provided.
Long-term insurance contracts (e.g. 20 years or life cover) remain unchanged unless amended by agreement.
Short-term insurance contracts (e.g. motor, household) are renewed annually and may change yearly based on risk factors. Always request your policy document if it hasn’t been provided.
Do I need to submit documents at claim stage even if they weren’t requested during application? Can I sign an application for someone else if I’m paying?
Yes, supporting documents are required at claim stage to prove the loss occurred under uncertain conditions. The insurer needs to ensure:
The risk was valid and not known beforehand.
The person claiming has the legal right to do so.
Signing for someone else? Only if you have power of attorney or a written mandate. Otherwise, the contract may be invalid.
The risk was valid and not known beforehand.
The person claiming has the legal right to do so.
Signing for someone else? Only if you have power of attorney or a written mandate. Otherwise, the contract may be invalid.
Can I sign a blank form and have the insurer complete it later?
Never sign blank documents.
Whether it’s for an application or a claim, you are legally bound by what is submitted. Always read and understand what you’re signing.
What proof is required to claim from someone else’s insurance policy? Will being a relative or heir in the will be enough?
No. Only the nominated beneficiary has the right to claim.
If no beneficiary is listed, the benefit is paid into the deceased’s estate account, to be distributed by the executor—not the heirs in the will.
Why does my cover lapse after missing just one premium?
Because premiums are paid in advance for future coverage.
If payment is missed, it means you are not covered for that upcoming period, and your cover will lapse as stated in your contract.
Why can’t I choose my own lawyer under legal cover policies?
Insurers usually have pre-approved legal service providers to manage costs and ensure uniform service. If this is part of the contract terms, you are bound by them.
Why am I not provided a legal practitioner if I’m the complainant in a criminal case?
Because the State provides a public prosecutor in criminal matters.
However, if the issue also involves a civil claim, then your legal cover might apply and provide a practitioner.
Why is the assessor’s report considered final for claims?
NAMFISA does not accept an assessor’s report blindly.
We analyse it in detail and only accept it if:
The report presents the most probable explanation, or
The complainant does not offer a credible counter-explanation.
What is NAMFISA doing to protect consumers from unethical agents?
NAMFISA runs ongoing Consumer Education Campaigns to:
Encourage reading and understanding of contracts,
Warn consumers not to blindly trust agents or brokers, and
Urge consumers to ask questions and understand all risks before committing.
Encourage reading and understanding of contracts,
Warn consumers not to blindly trust agents or brokers, and
Urge consumers to ask questions and understand all risks before committing.
"I believe that the true definition of wealth is loving what you have rather than what you don’t have."
— Celso Cukierkorn