How to make an insurance claim in Ethiopia.

01

Stop and secure the scene

Do not move vehicles unless they are a danger to traffic. Turn on hazard lights. Call the police — a police report is mandatory for all motor claims in Ethiopia regardless of fault.

02

Collect evidence at the scene

Photograph all vehicles, the road, traffic signs and any injuries. Get the name, phone number, licence plate and insurance details of all other parties. Get contact details from any witnesses.

03

Get the police report

Obtain a copy of the police accident report (DA Form). This is required by all insurers. Do not accept a verbal police clearance — get the stamped document.

04

Notify your insurer within 48 hours

Call your insurer claims line within 48 hours of the accident. Provide your policy number, accident date, location and a brief description. Late notification can result in a reduced or rejected claim.

05

Submit the claims documents

Required documents: police report, your driving licence, vehicle registration (Libretto), insurance certificate, repair estimate from an approved garage, and completed claims form from your insurer.

06

Vehicle assessment and settlement

Your insurer will appoint a loss assessor to inspect the vehicle. For third-party claims, the insurer settles directly with the claimant. For comprehensive claims, repair is authorised at an approved garage or a cash settlement is offered.

01

Check if your hospital is on the panel

If your insurer operates cashless hospitalisation, confirm your hospital is on the approved panel before admission. Treating at a non-panel hospital means you will need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement.

02

Get pre-authorisation for planned procedures

For elective surgery or high-cost procedures, contact your insurer before treatment for pre-authorisation. Emergency admissions are usually covered without pre-authorisation but must be notified within 24 hours.

03

Collect original documents

Keep all original receipts, discharge summaries, prescription records and laboratory reports. Insurers in Ethiopia require originals — photocopies are typically not accepted for reimbursement claims.

04

Submit within the claims deadline

Most Ethiopian health insurers require claim submission within 90 days of treatment. Submit the completed claims form with all supporting documents to your insurer or employer HR department.

01

Secure the property and prevent further loss

Take immediate steps to prevent further damage — cover a damaged roof, board up broken windows, drain standing water. Failing to mitigate further loss can reduce your settlement.

02

Report to the authorities

For fire, report to the fire brigade and get their attendance report. For theft or vandalism, report to the police and get a police report. Both documents are required by all Ethiopian property insurers.

03

Notify your insurer immediately

Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the loss. Provide your policy number, the date and cause of loss, and an initial estimate of damage. Do not commence repairs without insurer approval.

04

Document everything before clearing

Photograph or video all damage before any cleaning or clearing. List all damaged or lost items with estimated values. Keep any damaged items until the loss assessor has inspected them.

05

Loss assessment and settlement

Your insurer will appoint a loss assessor. Get your own independent repair estimates. Once the assessment is agreed, the insurer will either authorise repairs directly or offer a cash settlement.