Insurer backs database to tame fraud

Stakeholders from the insurance industry are imploring the government to enforce the sharing of information on insured motor vehicles through a centralized database to curb fraud.

UAP Old Mutual Group General Insurance GM James Wambugu said data provision on insured motors should be made compulsory.

“We provide a lot of data to various government agencies as a standard equipment. I think providing data on which vehicles are insured in the country should be made mandatory,” Mr. Wambugu said.

Mr. Wambugu further added that the Integrated Motor Insurance Database System (IMIDS) launched by the Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI) is a major boost to the industry but calls for the permanent adoption of the system.

“Next, enabling the supplying of data to the IMIDS as a mandatory and legal exercise, not just a voluntary exercise,” he added.

The IMIDS enables an insurer to audit the status of motor vehicle insurance essentially cutting fraud in the motor-vehicle industry.