By Precious D. Freeman
The Board of Directors of the Liberia Insurance Association (LIA), headed by Ethel Knuckles, has praised the Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Sirleaf Tyler, for its dedication to upholding the rule of law and enhancing public safety through rigorous enforcement of insurance regulations.
The LIA, which represents licensed insurance companies operating in Liberia, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Transport to discuss ongoing initiatives and outline both short-term and long-term strategic goals.
The Board includes CEOs from Mutual Benefits Assurance, Sunu Assurances, Activa Insurance, Insurance Company of Africa, and SAAR Insurance, reflecting a broad coalition committed to improving the insurance landscape in Liberia.
During the visit, Madam Knuckles took the opportunity to commend Minister Tyler and his team for their recent enforcement of Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance.
According to her, the Liberia Vehicle and Traffic Law, insurance is mandatory before vehicle registration.
However, previous administrations had not strictly adhered to this requirement, which compromised public safety and complicated responses to traffic accidents.
She added that many motorists were driving without the legally required insurance, leading to unresolved expenses and legal issues when accidents occurred.
The enforcement exercise covered all vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, and tricycles, ensuring comprehensive compliance across all forms of transportation.
LIA boss further that the Boakai Administration has made significant strides in 2024 through the Ministry of Transport by enforcing this existing law, thereby enhancing transportation safety across Liberia.
Reports indicate a notable decrease in accidents and fewer instances of uninsured drivers causing problems.
The LIA commended Minister Tyler for upholding the insurance mandate, which has been a legal requirement for over 40 years.
Despite initial public misconceptions and misunderstandings about the enforcement, the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to the law.
“The diligent execution of this insurance enforcement exercise is a testament to Minister Tyler’s dedication to public safety and the rule of law,” said Madam Knuckles. “This initiative not only ensures that motorists are adequately insured but also significantly boosts revenue generation for our member companies, contributing to a more robust and financially stable insurance sector.”
The LIA emphasized that these laws are designed to protect the public and ensure traffic safety, which are essential components of national growth and development.
During the discussions, the Association and the Ministry also explored the digitization of vehicle insurance. Both parties agreed that automating the validation process, as other countries have done, is crucial to avoid embarrassing compliant drivers and reducing traffic delays caused by manual checks.
The LIA has committed to implementing digitization within 6 to 9 months, aiming to secure government revenues while minimizing traffic congestion.
Options under consideration include QR codes and SMS verification, which are less prone to compromise compared to manual document verification.
This digitization effort will streamline the insurance verification process, making it more efficient and reliable.
Both the LIA and the Ministry are dedicated to this collaborative effort, which represents a significant step forward in improving public safety and operational efficiency in Liberia.
The commitment to enforcing vehicle insurance laws and embracing modern technology underscores a shared vision for a safer, more accountable, and prosperous transportation environment in Liberia.
