Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi
15 min read
04 Dec
04Dec

Motor insurance is mandatory in Ghana, yet many drivers unknowingly pay more than they should. From choosing the wrong policy to buying insurance in a rush, small mistakes can lead to inflated premiums or inadequate protection when accidents happen. With the rising cost of living and increasing vehicle ownership, understanding how to get the best value for your motor insurance is more important than ever.Below are practical strategies to help Ghanaian drivers spend wisely and still stay protected on the road.

1. Know the Type of Insurance You Really Need

Not every car needs comprehensive insurance. Ghana’s insurance market offers three main options:

  • Third Party Only — covers damage you cause to others. Cheapest and legally required.
  • Third Party, Fire & Theft — adds protection if your car is stolen or catches fire.
  • Comprehensive — covers your car plus third-party liabilities.

Many drivers overpay because they buy comprehensive when a mid-level option would have been enough. Always match your policy to the value and usage of your vehicle.

2. Compare Prices 

Premiums vary from insurer to insurer depending on risk assessment, vehicle type, age and claims history.
Yet most drivers in Ghana renew without checking alternatives.Comparing policies can reveal better prices, fewer exclusions, or lower excess (the out-of-pocket amount you pay during a claim). A few minutes of comparison can save you hundreds of cedis annually.

3. Value Your Vehicle Correctly

Insuring your car above its market value leads to unnecessary premium increases.
Insuring it below market value also puts you at risk that insurers will reduce your claim during settlement.Use the true market value based on:

  • Year of manufacture
  • Brand/model
  • Condition
  • Depreciation rate

This ensures fair premiums and fair payouts.

4. Check for Discounts You May Be Missing

Some insurers provide:

  • No-claims bonus
  • Safe driver discounts
  • Corporate/fleet discounts
  • Multi-year policy options

These can significantly reduce your premium. But most drivers never ask, and insurers rarely volunteer the information.

5. Read the Fine Print Before Paying

Hidden costs can quietly inflate what you pay over time. Pay attention to:

  • Excess fees
  • Approved garages
  • Exclusions (e.g., flood damage, riots)
  • Towing limits
  • Personal accident benefits

The cheapest policy is not always the best value.

6. Renew Your Insurance Early

Last-minute renewals can force you into poor decisions or inflated rates. Early renewal:

  • Gives you time to compare
  • Prevents illegal driving due to expired insurance
  • Avoids penalties or emergency charges

A planned renewal is always cheaper than a rushed one.

7. Use Digital Platforms to Avoid Agent Markups

Some drivers overpay simply because they depend entirely on roadside agents or middlemen.
Digital insurance platforms allow you to:

  • Compare options
  • Buy instantly
  • Renew without queues
  • Receive verified electronic stickers

They eliminate price manipulation and ensure transparency.

Stay Protected Without Overpaying: Why Maya Helps

If you want a straightforward way to avoid inflated premiums, Maya makes it simple.
You can compare insurers, buy motor insurance, and renew your policy online without queues or agent interference. You see the real prices, understand what’s included, and make a confident choice.Saving money on insurance shouldn’t be difficult, and with Maya, it isn’t.

References

  • National Insurance Commission (NIC), Ghana — Motor Insurance Guidelines
  • Motor Insurance Database (MID), Ghana
  • Insurance Act, 2021 (Act 1061)
  • Ghana Insurers Association (GIA) publications
  • Consumer Insights from digital insurance platforms in Ghana
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