Defi Defi • 2 months ago

GFA Insurance Proposes the Creation of a National Accident and Vehicle Information Register

GFA Insurance Proposes the Creation of a National Accident and Vehicle Information Register

GFA Insurance has proposed the establishment of a National Accident and Vehicle Information Register (NAVIR) as discussions around road safety intensify with the impending implementation of a points-based driving license system in January 2026. The Managing Director of GFA Insurance, Abdel Ruhomutally, argues that this national register would centralize the history of accidents and vehicles in Mauritius.

According to documentation provided to the Ministry of Transport, this register aims to address the shortcomings of the current system, which primarily relies on police reports that are often incomplete and require manual compilation from various sources.

The proposed register would incorporate data from insurance companies to provide a more accurate picture of accidents, driver behavior, vehicle history, and associated risks. In his letter, GFA Insurance emphasizes the need for a "modern and concrete response" to deal with the rising number of accidents and the laxity in road discipline. The insurance company also highlights the growing public demand for transparency and accountability.

Ruhomutally believes that while the points-based license is a step forward, it "will not prevent accidents." He points out that some offenses, although punishable, are not always linked to dangerous driving behavior. For instance, a driver smoking while driving may not cause an accident, whereas another driving at 90 km/h and disregarding traffic laws could lead to a serious incident. He argues that this distinction is not adequately reflected in the points system, which also hampers insurers' ability to effectively implement a bonus-malus system. "We keep saying that insurance costs have risen, but we do not mention that insurers cannot apply the bonus-malus because some drivers are not truly penalized."

The NAVIR project also focuses on economic aspects and consumer protection. GFA Insurance notes that the used car market is rapidly growing and that buyers often lack reliable information about vehicle histories. The register, accessible through the NLTA, would allow potential buyers to obtain a comprehensive report before making a purchase. "Very often, there are traps. With NAVIR, a buyer can request a vehicle history, benefiting both future buyers and insurers."

The document also proposes a funding model based on institutional subscriptions and consultation fees, which could generate around Rs 54 million annually for the state, according to projections.

Thus, NAVIR is presented as a tool aimed at reinforcing road discipline, enhancing transparency in the automotive market, and enabling better risk pricing. GFA Insurance clarifies that this is a proposal submitted to the authorities and not a formal recommendation. Ruhomutally assures that his insurance company is available to support any discussions on the matter, asserting that sustainable improvements in road safety require collective action among public agencies, law enforcement, and insurers.

NAVIR Explained

The National Accident and Vehicle Information Register (NAVIR), proposed by GFA Insurance, is envisioned as a national register that centralizes all data related to accidents and vehicle histories in Mauritius. Key aspects of the proposal include:

  • Centralization of Road Data: A unique register consolidating information from the police, the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA), and insurance companies to address incomplete or scattered reports.
  • Complete Vehicle History: Each vehicle would have an accessible file that provides information on past accidents, major repairs, and significant damages.
  • Decision-Making Tool for Buyers: The NLTA could provide, for a fee, a history report to individuals wishing to purchase a used vehicle.
  • Support Base for Bonus-Malus: Insurers could access more comprehensive data on driver behavior, facilitating more precise risk pricing.
  • Increased Transparency for the Pre-Owned Market: The sales of used vehicles would be secured, reducing fraud and "traps" related to undeclared damages.
  • Limited and Regulated Public Access: The register would be available to authorities, insurers, and, for a fee, to citizens wishing to obtain a vehicle history before purchase.
  • Sustainable Funding Model: The proposal includes a system of institutional subscriptions and consultation fees, with revenue potentially supporting the maintenance of the register.