Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Victims of the violent protests that followed Tanzania’s contentious general elections are now facing challenges in receiving compensation from insurance companies, with many being excluded from policy payouts, according to reports from insurance experts and affected families.
The protests, which erupted after the October 29 election results were announced, led to widespread destruction, with businesses, vehicles, and property being damaged during the civil unrest. However, a number of victims whose assets were destroyed are now finding that their insurance policies do not cover damage caused by riots or civil commotion.
Insurance experts have explained that many policies in Tanzania specifically exclude riot and civil unrest from the list of covered risks, leaving many people without financial recourse. This has sparked outrage among the affected individuals, some of whom had expected their insurance to provide them with relief in the wake of the violence.
“I never imagined that I would be excluded from my own policy after such a devastating event,” said one business owner, whose shop was looted and destroyed during the protests. “I’ve been paying for my insurance for years, and now I’m told that I’m not covered because of the nature of the damage. This is a terrible situation for people like me who have already lost so much.”
The lack of coverage for riot-related damages highlights a significant gap in Tanzania’s insurance industry, with critics calling for reforms to ensure that citizens are adequately protected in cases of political violence and civil unrest.
“This exclusion clause in many insurance policies needs to be addressed,” said an industry insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “It leaves victims in a vulnerable position, especially in times when the country is going through political turmoil. The industry needs to find a way to better serve its customers during these critical times.”
While the exclusion of riot damages is common in many insurance markets, the scale of the recent protests has raised new questions about the need for reform. Insurance companies are now under pressure to review their policies and potentially expand coverage to include damages caused by civil disturbances.
Experts also emphasize that there is a growing demand for more comprehensive insurance products that can better accommodate the specific risks associated with political instability, especially in countries like Tanzania where elections often lead to tensions and violence.
“Riot and civil unrest are risks that need to be factored into the cost of insurance policies, particularly in a politically charged environment like Tanzania,” said another expert. “Insurance companies have to take into account the realities of the local context if they want to remain relevant and responsible.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, victims are encouraged to seek legal advice and consider filing claims under other relevant sections of their insurance, such as property damage or theft, in an effort to recover some of their losses.
As the country navigates the aftermath of the election unrest, there is hope that this issue will prompt broader discussions about insurance reform in Tanzania, leading to a more inclusive and supportive system for those affected by such crises.
