By: Mariama K Bojang
Ebrima Nyass, head of Prime Insurance Company Serrekunda branch has called on insurance companies to unite and also uphold one tariff for operations.
He made this remarks in an exclusive interview with Insurance Briefs, calling on insurance companies to engage the regulators to support insurance companies fully and treat them equally like the banking sectors.
“As insurance companies, we need to stick to the same tariff and to make sure that we have the same premium charges. The insurance companies are here to help to protect lives and properties of the people but it is a misconception by the public thinking that the insurance is a waste of money”, Nyass pointed out.
He added: “Lack of awareness and in-depth insurance knowledge is not helping. In other countries they have what we called Independent Insurance commission that is responsible for all insurance bodies.”
According to him, countries are making billions but here in the Gambia, “we are lacking behind due to lack of proper regulation.”
He further noted that goods and passengers from Banjul to Barra need to be insured because those vessels are carrying people’s lives and properties but most of them are not insured they should make the marine insurance compulsory.
He urges the general public to acquire adequate insurance knowledge whether you are renting or you own a house, stressing that majority of Gambia’s insurance cover only the third party most especially the vehicle or the house while leaving behind valuable materials.
He also observed that in the new Gambia the crime rate is growing and there is no need to rely on third party insurance and the best way-out is general insurance that cover all.