How to Check If an Insurance Company Is Legit in Ghana

Fake insurance policies are a real problem in Ghana. From unlicensed brokers operating in church premises to counterfeit motor stickers sold on the streets, the risks are serious. Here is an ASJ practical guide to protecting yourself.

Introduction

Imagine you buy a motor insurance policy. You pay your premium. You get your sticker. You feel safe. Then you have an accident. You file a claim. The insurance company tells you they have no record of your policy. The agent you paid has disappeared. The “insurance company” does not even exist.

This is not a hypothetical story. The National Insurance Commission (NIC) has arrested officials of unlicensed brokers operating from transport terminals . It has shut down companies issuing fake policies at cheaper prices in the Eastern Region . Fake insurance stickers have been a persistent problem across the country .

The good news is that the NIC has put systems in place to help you verify whether an insurance company or broker is legitimate. This article explains how to do that.

The One Official Source: The NIC Website

The National Insurance Commission (NIC) is the government body that regulates all insurance activities in Ghana. It is the only source that can tell you whether an insurance company, broker, or agent is licensed to operate.

The NIC publishes a list of all licensed insurance entities on its website: www.nicgh.org .

The Commission has advised the public to verify the authenticity of any insurance entity before doing business with them . Only businesses that appear on the list have been licensed to do business with the public .

What the List Contains

The list includes:

• Life Insurance Companies – companies that offer life assurance policies

• Non-Life (General) Insurance Companies – companies that offer motor, fire, property, and other general insurance

• Reinsurance Companies – companies that insure insurance companies

• Insurance Brokers and Loss Adjusters – intermediaries who help you buy insurance or assess claims

Important: The lists available online are snapshots from specific dates. The NIC urges the public to visit the Commission’s website for periodic updates .

How to Check Motor Insurance Online

For motor insurance, there is an additional tool that makes verification very easy.

The Motor Insurance Database (MID)

The NIC introduced the Motor Insurance Database in January 2020 to combat fake motor insurance stickers . The MID is a central system that records all valid motor insurance policies issued in Ghana .

The system allows security agencies and the public to check the validity of vehicle insurance instantly. All insurance policies have been synchronized to a national database, which can be accessed simply with any mobile phone .

USSD Code: *920*57#

This is the quickest way to check a vehicle’s motor insurance.

• Dial *920*57# on any phone

• Select the option to check insurance

• Enter the vehicle’s number plate

• You will instantly receive an SMS with the name of the insurance company, the policy type (Comprehensive or Third Party), and the expiry date

This code works for passengers too. The NIC says passengers can verify if a vehicle has valid insurance before they board .

QR Code on Insurance Stickers

Motor insurance stickers issued since 2026 have a QR code. You can scan it with your smartphone camera. It should redirect you to the official National Insurance Commission website or confirm the policy’s validity .

What to Check Before Buying Insurance

1. Verify the Company or Broker

Before you pay any premium, check the NIC website. Confirm that the company or broker is on the list of licensed entities in good standing .

2. Look Out for Red Flags

Be suspicious of:

• Anyone offering insurance at prices much lower than other companies

• Agents who cannot provide proper documentation

• Companies not listed on the NIC website

• Brokers operating from unusual locations (like church premises or bus terminals)

3. For Motor Insurance: Use the MID

After purchasing motor insurance, you should receive a text message confirming the policy’s validity . You can also dial *920*57# immediately to verify that the policy has been recorded.

4. Understand That Claims Require Documentation

The NIC has noted that delays in claim payments are often due to policyholders not submitting the required documents . Make sure you understand what documents you need and keep them safe.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you think you have dealt with an unlicensed company or agent, you should contact the National Insurance Commission.

The NIC has encouraged individuals to report any insurance-related challenges to the Commission for swift redress . Filing complaints is free of charge .

The NIC has a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) that works with the Ghana Police Service to crack down on illegal operators . When illegal operators are caught, they are handed over to the police for prosecution .

Why This Matters

Buying insurance from an unlicensed company is dangerous. You pay your premiums, but when you need to make a claim, the company may not exist or may refuse to pay.

The NIC has warned that insurance policies issued by unlicensed companies are invalid . People who buy from them will not have a claim should anything happen to them .

Checking the legitimacy of an insurer takes only a few minutes. It can save you from losing your money and your protection.

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I check if an insurance company is legit in Ghana?
Visit the National Insurance Commission (NIC) website at www.nicgh.org and check the list of licensed insurers. Only companies on that list are authorised to operate.

2. What is the NIC website for checking insurance companies?
The official NIC website is www.nicgh.org. The Commission publishes lists of licensed life insurers, non-life insurers, reinsurers, and brokers.

3. How do I check if my motor insurance is valid?
Dial *920*57# on any phone, select the option to check insurance, and enter the vehicle number plate. You will receive an SMS confirming the policy details .

4. What is the Motor Insurance Database (MID)?
The MID is a national system introduced in January 2020 to record all valid motor insurance policies. It allows the police and the public to verify insurance instantly .

5. What happens if I buy insurance from an unlicensed company?
The NIC has warned that policies issued by unlicensed companies are invalid. If you have an accident, your claim will not be paid, and your insurance will not protect you.

6. How do I report a fake insurance company?
You can file a complaint with the National Insurance Commission free of charge. The NIC has a Special Investigation Unit that works with the police to crack down on illegal operators .

7. Do insurance brokers need to be licensed?
Yes. Insurance brokers and loss adjusters must be licensed by the NIC. You can check if a broker is legit on the NIC website.

8. Why are there fake insurance companies in Ghana?
Fraudsters operate illegally because they can sell policies at cheaper prices and disappear with premiums. The NIC continuously cracks down on these illegal operators.

9. Can I check insurance with a QR code?
Yes. Motor insurance stickers have a QR code. Scan it with your smartphone to verify the policy’s authenticity .

10. Is the list of licensed insurers updated regularly?
The NIC publishes lists periodically and urges the public to visit its website for updates

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on August 17, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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