Insurance in the Republic of the Congo

The insurance system of the Republic of the Congo is based on the regional insurance framework (CIMA), the CIMA Treaty, and the 2019 CIMA Code; CIMA is the regional body of insurance rules used in several African countries. The legal basis in the Congo includes Law No. 13-94 (Loi 13-94). The Ministry of Finance (Ministère des Finances) supervises the market through the financial-sector supervisory body (DGIFN) and the Direction des Assurances. The regional supervisory commission (CRCA) reviews the authorization and supervision of insurers, reinsurers, general agents (agents généraux), and brokers (courtiers). According to the available list, authorized providers include ARC, AGC, AAC, NSIA, SUNU IARD, and AMC. Statutory social security is based on Law No. 31-2011 (Loi 31-2011) and includes compulsory and non-compulsory systems. The National Social Security Fund (CNSS) primarily insures employees of private companies. Benefits include old-age and survivor pensions, family benefits, maternity benefits, and benefits for occupational accidents and diseases. Employers register employees, submit the required declarations, and pay contributions. According to the available CNSS information, contributions amount to 12 percent for old-age, disability, and survivor benefits, of which 8 percent is paid by the employer and 4 percent by the employee, 10.03 percent for family benefits, and 2.25 percent for occupational accidents and diseases. Public pensions are administered through the public pension system (CRF) and the public pension system (CPAE). The formal health-insurance scheme (RAMU), also referred to as the formal health-insurance scheme (CAMU), belongs mainly to the health system and is relevant here only as a distinction. Private insurers offer, among other products, life, motor, fire, transport, aviation, accident, liability, construction, and technical insurance. Group insurance, property insurance, agricultural insurance, and microinsurance (Microassurance) are also legally possible; there is no reliable information on the local market strength or nationwide availability of all these products. An offer or proposal (Proposition) does not yet bind the provider. The contract generally becomes binding through a policy (police) or a cover note. Before signing, the price, coverage, exclusions, insured amount, term, claims procedure, payment deadlines, cancellation, and limitation periods should be checked. The contract generally begins once the premium has been paid. Uniform public tariffs have not been established; the premium therefore depends on the product, risk, scope of coverage, and any deductible (franchise). Motor third-party liability insurance is compulsory for vehicle owners. It covers damage to third parties, including personal injury and property damage, and also applies to trailers and semi-trailers. Proof consists of an attestation and a detachable certificate; the documents must be issued no later than 15 days after the contract is concluded, while a temporary certificate should be free of charge. The Carte Rose motor-insurance card (Carte Rose) is used for cross-border traffic within the CEMAC regional system (CEMAC). For unknown, uninsured, or insolvent vehicles, CIMA law provides for the Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund (Fonds de Garantie Automobile); the current national payment procedure should be checked before making a specific claim. Construction projects may involve construction all-risks insurance and ten-year civil-liability insurance. Insured persons must pay premiums on time and provide complete and accurate risk information. An increase in risk or a new risk must be reported within 15 days. Claims should generally be reported immediately and within the period specified in the contract; the general minimum period is five working days, and the period is 48 hours in cases of theft or the death of livestock. A late report does not automatically result in loss of coverage if the insurer cannot demonstrate prejudice. The claim should be submitted in writing to the insurer, agent, or broker and should include, as appropriate, the policy, supporting documents, accident report, police report, or expert report. General contractual claims become time-barred after two years; claims arising from life insurance or accidental death may remain available to heirs for ten years. Motor-vehicle personal-injury claims are subject to additional periods for offers and payments. A standard contract may be cancelled after one year with at least two months' notice before the end of the year. Exceptions apply to life insurance, individual health insurance, construction insurance, and certain non-private risks. In the event of a change of residence or occupation, retirement, closure of a business, or a change in the matrimonial property regime, cancellation may be possible within three months; it generally takes effect one month after receipt and may result in a pro-rata premium refund. Cancellation may also be possible after a claim, with three months' notice and one month's advance notice. Contribution rates and practical procedures may differ between the CNSS, employer, insurer, and individual policy and should be checked against the current documents.