There are different reasons many Nigerians buy cars. It can be a milestone to support you and your family as a business investment or for personal use. But after you must have bought a car/inspected it, it does not mean you can go ahead and drive it on public roads. 

There are some important documents you need to have in your vehicle.

Like in other parts of the world, cars on Nigerian roads are subject to routine and mandatory inspection by law enforcement officers. During these checks, some car documents are required to be subject to assessment. 

If you wish to find out some of the important documents you should have in your car, you are reading the right blog. So let us dive into it!

1. Drivers License

It is the most crucial document needed to drive in any part of Nigeria. When issued to any individual, it certifies that such individual is mentally and physically fit to drive on Nigerian roads. This license is put in place to deter anyone from getting behind the wheel, which may endanger other road users. To get a drivers license, you must be at least 18 years old, and must have visited the designated issuing authority typically the FRSC, as well as completed a form of assessment. When driving, one must have a valid driver’s license in possession at all times. A learner’s permit can also be issued in its place for new drivers who are learning to drive whilst they perfect their driving skills.

2. Vehicle License or Registration:

This is another important document you need to have in your car at all times, and you should not forget to renew it whenever it expires. This car document simply means your vehicle is duly registered under Nigerian laws. Vehicle license/registration has a validity period of one year. 

3. Certificate of road worthiness

While registering your car, a certificate of roadworthiness is issued at the vehicle inspection office. This certificate confirms your vehicle’s compliance with all safety requirements, and is worthy of being driven on Nigerian roads for a stated period. For your safety and that of others, it is important to have this document as it ensures vehicles on Nigerian roads are in good condition for commuting.

4. Certificate of car Insurance

It is a requirement by the law that you drive only insured cars on Nigerian roads. The minimum insurance for every vehicle is to have at least third-party motor insurance cover, which is typically priced at just 5,000 Naira. A comprehensive insurance policy however, remains the best option as it provides a more extensive cover for theft, bodily injury, or physical damage, that is, not just for the third party but for your car as well. While these two coverages provide different coverage options, in the event of damage suffered during a collision, your insurer can help you mitigate financial risks as covered by your policy option.

5. Proof of Ownership/Change of Ownership

This document is to verify the ownership of the car, and is also issued by the Vehicle Inspection Service Office usually called the VIS/VIO.

 6. Commercial Vehicle Licence

If your car is used for commercial purposes, you must have documents such as a hackney permit. Such licenses typically indicate that such a vehicle is allowed to move freely and transact with passengers around the country. However, since most states in Nigeria have also gone ahead to establish state-owned traffic management agencies, you need to have a state-issued ID known as a LASDRI card in Lagos.

Finally, beyond the fines and penalties that are associated with not having any of these car documents, for your safety and the safety of other road users, it is important to have these documents. There is peace of mind that comes with knowing you have all your car documents intact while commuting.

How many of these terms do you already know? Or which car insurance terms would you like us to discuss? Tell us in the comments. In the meantime, you can look through our glossary of insurance terms.

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If you have questions relating to your insurance policies and do not understand the technical jargons, we can assist you with a FREE POLICY REVIEW to ascertain the level of cover you have and how to achieve more with your insurance policy. We are just a chat away on WhatsApp.

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Acknowledgment

Team Insure Africa