General News
Crucial Points to Note when making fire insurance claims
Almost everyone who has suffered damages to their property as a result of a fire insurance claim makes costly mistakes during and after the settlement. However, there is one very costly mistake that policyholders make time and time again without even knowing it. Most policyholders simply rely on their insurance company adjuster to inspect, evaluate and estimate their entire insurance claim without checking up on them. This can be the most costly mistake anyone could ever make in their quest to sort out a fire insurance claim. While it is bad enough to have your property destroyed by fire, relying on someone else to visit your property, inspect it, provide a proper value and then trust that they got it all correct is to say the least unthinkable. Yet, policyholders allow this to happen all across the country, day-in and day-out. For most people it’ is human nature to diligently review their dinner bill to be sure the waiter didn’t charge them for items they did not order. This is quite common among people. Yet, when it comes to making hundreds of thousands of naira claims, most people rely on the insurance company to do it for them, sometimes without question.
The reason why extra care is needed is because no one knows your property like you do and there is much to do to properly prepare and configure a fire insurance claim that in most instances, items are forgotten or missed during the process. This is more so, if you rely on your insurance company to do it for you. Your insurer may not know about your building, your property, or your contents inside such as furniture, clothing, etc. Furthermore, just because an insurance company adjuster visits your property for an inspection does not mean they are a professional contractor, builder or certified in fire and water damage restoration as the case may be. So they cannot be wholly relied upon to do the right assessment. In filing insurance claims, experience has shown that, in most cases, both insurance companies and policyholders unknowingly miss damages that are hidden from the naked eye. In almost all instances, it is a good idea to have a professional review your fire damage claim. Preferably fire insurance claims consultant or a fire consulting firm. Policyholders often believe that when the insurance company sends them a cheque and they deposit the money in their bank account that the claim is closed. On the contrary, this is often not the case. So it is essential that a review of your claim be made to see if you have been properly compensated during the claims process or even after the claim has been settled. It is worthy to note that the insured can still obtain more insurance proceeds even if your claim has been settled or your building has been demolished, on the ground that they were not properly assessed. To properly guide the insuring public on fire claims, there are some issues that must be taken into account. In this connection, there are tips before the claims, at the middle of the claims or even after the claims have been concluded. During Claim -During the claims, it is important to document your building damage. Take the time to inspect and document the damages yourself. Take photos of all damaged rooms in your building. Take overviews of the room and then take some close-up photos of the damaged ceilings, walls, floors, windows, doors, etc. of that room as well. While taking a walk around the building, ensure that before entering the next room, closet, or hall, that you take an overview. This will be an easy way to organize which photos belong to which rooms. For instance, in taking an overview of a living room, take photographs of the area from top to bottom, photos of ceiling, walls, windows, doors as well as the floor. Closed Claim -In case of a closed claim, obtain documents of your building. The insurance adjuster may have already taken photos of your building during their inspection. If you have no photos yourself, then request to have copies of all photos taken by the adjuster from the insurance company. You should also request the diagram/sketch that they used to calculate the square footage of your building. Also request the complete detailed estimate they have written to arrive at their numbers. This documentation will be useful for the fire insurance claim consultant you may choose, if the need arises.
During Claim -Document your contents damage. After you have concluded the inspection and photo session, it may also be useful to visit each room and closet once again to do an inventory of the contents. Take an overview photo of each piece of furniture, pair of shoes, shirts, pants, etc, and write each item down on a contents inventory form. Similar to the way you have photographed and organized your building damage photos, you should do the same with your contents. For instance, take overview photo of living room and list all the items on each wall until you get back to the doorway you began from. This way items will not be missed or forgotten. Once the living room inventory has been completed, move to the next room and start by taking an overview photo of the room. This helps you to organize what room the contents were located. Closed Claim -Obtain documents of your contents damage. Note that the insurance adjuster has taken photos of your contents during their inspection so if you have no photos yourself, or minimal photos, it could be disastrous. You should also request the complete detailed contents inventory they have written to arrive at their numbers. 3. During Claim –At this stage, it instructive that you review your policy. Fire victims must take the time to review their insurance policy. You must know the basics issues such as how much coverage you have on your building. How much coverage you have for your contents, how much coverage you have to stay in a hotel or to rent a home or furniture. Surprisingly, many people don’t know this, especially as in many cases, the policy may have been damaged in the fire. If this is the case, there is a way out which is to ask your agent for a certified copy of your full policy. Closed Claim -Obtain copy of your policy. Contact your insurance company and request a certified copy of your "FULL" insurance policy, including the Declarations page. This documentation will be useful for the fire insurance claim consultant you choose.
During Claim -Since the insurance company will have an adjuster who will inspect the property, inspect the damages and complete an estimate on the amount of loss, then it is important that you have the same process completed for yourself. So, learn to consult a professional yourself to checkmate the activities of your insurer and the adjuster. Closed Claim – If you have collected all the data as outlined above, you will have enough data on your claim to assist your hired professional to review it. A review of your claim will allow the fire insurance claim consultant to advise you appropriately. Not doing these may lead to a situation where the fire victim would be cheated out. This is especially so as the insurance company adjuster works for the insurance company, whereas the fire claims consultant works for you.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has explained why kidnappers and terrorists are not always traceable despite the country’s expanding digital identity infrastructure.
NIMC explanation pointed to a simple but significant gap in the system.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the agency said that: “A lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted, which means how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
Coker-Odusote spoke during an appearance on Channels Television, where she was asked to explain why criminals remain difficult to trace despite the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage policy.
She said criminals frequently frustrate investigations by using mobile phones belonging to their victims, instead of their own registered lines.
“We already know the NIN is the foundational identity for the security architecture, but a lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted. Which means, how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
She also suggested that some criminal elements involved in kidnapping operations may not even be captured in Nigeria’s identity database.
“There is a theory that it may be possible that these kidnappers are not Nigerians and are brought into the country 48 or 72 hours before a kidnapping takes place specifically for that purpose. I’m not insinuating anything, but if that were the case, they naturally would not be captured in our database,” she added.
The comments have revived questions about whether expectations placed on the NIN-SIM linkage have exceeded what the system was designed to deliver.
The NIN-SIM linkage exercise was introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with NIMC to strengthen identity management, eliminate anonymous SIM ownership and support national security.
Over the years, the exercise resulted in millions of subscribers linking their SIM cards with their National Identification Numbers, while telecom operators also deactivated millions of lines that failed to comply with regulatory directives.
Earlier, the NCC maintained that the policy was aimed at improving the integrity of Nigeria’s SIM registration database, strengthening identity verification and supporting security agencies in criminal investigations.
The regulator also described the exercise as an important component of the country’s digital economy and national security framework.
Telecommunications operators have consistently maintained that while they play a critical role in implementing the NIN-SIM linkage policy, they are not responsible for tracking criminals.
Quest Merchant Bank recently hosted the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a high-performance workplace culture and advancing people-centric leadership practices.
The Study Mission serves as a collaborative learning platform that brings together Great Place to Work® Certified organizations to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen workplace cultures.
The event welcomed Human Resources leaders and representatives from FITC, Princeps Credit Systems, Tonic Technologies and Esentry Limited for an engaging and insightful session focused on building thriving workplace cultures, promoting continuous learning, and advancing employee-centric practices that drive organizational success.
Speaking at the event, Tolulope Dayo-Peters, Head of People Management, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in building sustainable workplace cultures.
“We are delighted to host the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission. At Quest Merchant Bank, we believe building a great workplace is an ongoing journey rooted in trust, purposeful leadership, and a genuine commitment to our people.
“We are pleased to share the practices that have shaped our culture and look forward to more opportunities to learn and collaborate with like-minded organizations.”
Also speaking at the event, Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director/CEO, Quest Merchant Bank Limited, highlighted the critical role workplace culture plays in driving long-term business success.
“We recognize that a strong workplace culture is fundamental to sustainable business success. Creating an environment where our people are empowered to grow, innovate, and perform at their best enables us to consistently deliver value to our clients and stakeholders. We are proud to support initiatives like the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission that encourage organizations to learn from one another and collectively raise the standard of workplace excellence in Nigeria.”
The Study Mission reinforced the importance of collaboration among organizations committed to creating exceptional employee experiences.
By providing a platform for open dialogue, peer learning, and the exchange of practical ideas, the initiative enabled participants to explore innovative approaches to employee engagement, organizational culture, leadership development, and talent management while strengthening a growing community of employers dedicated to workplace excellence.
Hosting the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission further strengthens Quest Merchant Bank’s position as a thought leader in workplace culture and talent management.
It also enhances the Bank’s employer brand and demonstrates its unwavering commitment to creating an environment where employees can grow, innovate, and achieve their full potential.
Quest Merchant Bank remains committed to championing initiatives that promote learning, innovation, and people-centric leadership. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, the Bank continues to contribute to the advancement of exceptional workplace cultures and the future of work across Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has warned of possible floods in parts of Adamawa, Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Borno states within the next seven days.
According to information posted on NIHSA X handle, the Agency announced medium flood advisory in force for the next 7 days across Adamawa, Bauchi, and 11 other States.
“Localised inundation is forecast along the main channel; named communities below sit on the projected footprint. Stations: Saminara on the Karam river, Waya Dam Site on the Waya river, Amber on the Amber river.
“Adamawa; Lemsa, Lamurde, Numan Exposure: 147 comm. 49 schis 40 hith 6 mkts17 relig. Bauchi-Bauchi, Ningi, Shira. Exposure: 4 comm. Kaduna; Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaura, Kauru, +6 more. Exposure: 1 comm.
“Borno-Gubio, Mobbar. Exposure: 680 comm. 8 schls 6 hith 5 mkts 21 relig. Edo-Akoko-Ed, EtsakoEa, EtsakoWe, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmw, OviaNort, OviaSo.. Exposure: 3 comm.
“Imo-Aboh-Mba, Oguta, Ohaji/Eg, Okigwe, Owerri North, Owerri West. Exposure: 3 comm. 7 more states affected and severity LGAs”.
NIHSA advised people in the affected areas to “do NOT cross flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water on foot or by vehicle.
“Clear drainage channels and river-mouth blockages; avoid building or living in the floodplain and move people, livestock and valuables from the floodplain to pre-identified higher ground,” NIHSA stated.
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