EVERY year on June 2nd, Tuma Dandi is reminded of the accident that changed his life forever. What was once an ordinary day in 1994 turned into a nightmare when a motorbike crash in Kigoma Region left him paralyzed.

At just 20 years old, he had no idea about insurance claims or compensation and 26 years later, he has yet received any financial support.

Dandi’s story is not unique. Many road accident victims in Tanzania are left without compensation due to lack of awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and complex insurance policies that seem designed to benefit companies rather than individuals.

A lifetime struggle

Dandi’s spinal injury at the thoracic 9 (T9) level drastically altered his life. With no knowledge of his rights, and without support from an insurance company, he was forced to rely on his family. 

“Had I known about insurance claims, I would have taken action,” he says, wiping away tears. He urges policymakers to simplify the claims process and ensure accident victims get the support they need.

Boniface Tumbu, another victim, shares a similar struggle. In 2015, while traveling from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, he lost his right leg after a tragic accident. 

Boarding a passenger bus after a short tea break in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, a front tire crushed his leg, leading to amputation. The cost of his medical treatment was high, with daily trips to the hospital draining his family’s savings. Despite spending millions on assistive devices and treatment, he has received no compensation.

“Insurance companies use technicalities to avoid payments. The process is frustrating and the policies are unclear,” Tumbu told The Guardian.

The harsh reality of insurance claim

According to Principal Legal Officer at the Traffic Police Headquarters, Deus Sokoni, nearly 75 percent of road accident victims in Tanzania never receive compensation. The process is costly, time-consuming and particularly difficult for rural residents. 

“Many victims give up because they cannot afford to follow through with their claims,” Sokoni explains, emphasizing the need for urgent legal reforms to make insurance claims more accessible.

Assistant Lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania, Mariana Makuu, highlights another issue: even when vehicles are properly insured, victims receive minimal compensation that barely covers medical expenses.

 “The process takes too long, while victims need immediate financial support for treatment and recovery,” she says.

Legal loopholes 

High Court Advocate John Seka points out that Tanzania lacks specific laws that sets a minimum compensation amount for road accident victims. Courts rely on the Law of Torts, allowing insurers to negotiate lower settlements. “Victims often feel short-changed,” he says, calling for a law that guarantees fair compensation, similar to workplace injury benefits.

Under the Motor Vehicle Insurance Act of 2002, accident victims can file claims against vehicle owners, drivers, or insurance companies. However, they must provide medical expenses, proof of injury, and evidence from a traffic case proving driver negligence—requirements that discourage many from pursuing claim.

Several organizations, including the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA) and the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), are pushing for changes in insurance policies to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve.

In response to growing concerns, former Minister for Home Affairs Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba revealed that insurance companies paid 7.3bn/- in compensation to 1,538 accident victims in 2018. However, this covered only 10 percent of those affected, leaving the majority without financial support.

“Many people don’t know how to follow up on their claims, despite laws outlining the process,” Nchemba admitted. Victims can pursue compensation through civil lawsuits, but they must act within three years of the accident.

For accident victims, compensation is not just financial—it is a matter of justice. Many families are left struggling with medical bills and lost income. 

Amir Kiwanda, President of the Tanzania Insurance Brokers Association (TIBA), stresses the need for insurance consultants to guide victims through the process. 

“Many victims don’t understand the required procedures and documents, making it easy for insurance companies to avoid payments,” he says.

Unless insurance laws are reformed, countless accident victims will continue to suffer in silence. The stories of Dandi and Tumbu serve as a wake-up call—justice must not only be served but delivered on time.