How to File an Insurance Claim in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide

Most people only think hard about insurance the day something goes wrong. That is exactly when you need a clear head and a simple process to follow. Here is what actually happens when you file a claim in Nigeria, step by step, so you are not scrambling to figure it out during a stressful moment.

Step 1: Report it quickly

Time matters. Most policies expect you to notify your insurer or platform within a set window, often 24 to 72 hours after you discover the loss. Do not wait until you have "sorted everything out" before reporting. Call, message, or log the incident as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you insured through VaultCova, this starts with a message to Cova or a report logged directly in your vault. We pass the details to the underwriter carrying your risk and guide you on next steps.

Step 2: Secure the scene and your safety first

Before you think about paperwork, make sure everyone is safe. If there was a fire, flood, or burglary, do not enter a damaged building until it has been checked. Once it is safe:

• Do not throw away damaged items until they have been assessed or photographed, unless they pose a health risk.
• Take photos and short videos of the damage or the scene, from multiple angles.
• Note the date and time you discovered the loss.

Step 3: Report to the police for theft or burglary

If theft, burglary, or armed robbery is involved, a police report is usually required before an underwriter will process the claim. Go to the nearest police station as soon as possible, describe what happened, and request a copy of the report or a case reference number. Keep this document safe. Without it, most theft claims stall or get rejected outright, no matter how genuine the loss is.

For accidents or fire, you may also need a report from the fire service or evidence from witnesses, depending on what happened.

Step 4: Gather proof of ownership and value

This is the step that decides how smooth your claim will be. Underwriters need to confirm two things: that you owned the item, and what it was worth. Useful proof includes:

• Purchase receipts or invoices
• Bank or card statements showing the purchase
• Photos of the item, ideally from before the loss
• Serial numbers, IMEI numbers, or model numbers
• Warranty cards or registration documents for vehicles

This is exactly why keeping a running inventory matters so much. If you already have photos, receipts, and serial numbers saved in one place, this step takes minutes instead of days. See /resources/how-to-value-your-assets and /resources/how-to-keep-an-inventory-of-household-items for more on setting this up before you ever need it.

Step 5: Fill in the claim form

Your insurer or platform will ask you to complete a claim form describing what happened, when, where, and the estimated value of the loss. Be honest and specific. Vague or inconsistent descriptions slow things down and can raise questions during assessment. If you are unsure how to value an item, use replacement cost rather than guessing low, and let the underwriter's assessor guide the final figure.

Step 6: Assessment and excess

Depending on the size of the claim, the underwriter may send an assessor to inspect the damage or ask for more documents. This is normal and not a sign that your claim is being doubted. Remember that most policies carry an excess, the portion of the claim you pay yourself before the underwriter covers the rest. Also keep the average clause in mind: if the item or property was insured for less than its real value, your payout can be reduced proportionally. Keeping your declared values current avoids this shortfall.

Step 7: Payout

Once everything checks out, the underwriter processes payment, usually to your bank account. Timelines vary by insurer and complexity of the claim, but having complete documentation from the start is the single biggest factor in how fast this moves.

A few things that trip people up

• Filing late and missing the notification window
• No police report for theft claims
• No proof of ownership, especially for older items
• Declaring a lower value to save on premium, then facing a reduced payout under the average clause
• Disposing of damaged items before they are assessed

Start before you need to

The best time to prepare for a claim is now, not after a break-in or a fire. Log what you own in your VaultCova vault with photos, receipts, and serial numbers, so if the day ever comes, you are filing a claim in minutes, not chasing paperwork for weeks. Talk to Cova to get your vault started, it costs nothing to log, and you insure only when you are ready.