Mirai General Insurance is boosting the uptake of digitised Motor Third-Party (MTP) insurance following the national digital transformation agenda.
Last year, the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA), in partnership with insurers and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), fully digitised Motor Third-Party insurance.
The digital system replaces paper labels with instant, verifiable electronic certificates linked to vehicle number plates. It enables real-time verification by traffic authorities through QR codes, reducing fraud, improving compliance, and streamlining renewals.
Last year, First Insurance Company Limited (FICO) rebranded to Mirai General Insurance to strengthen its provision of reliable insurance services across the country. As one of the oldest companies in the industry, with 33 years of experience, it offers general insurance, commonly referred to as non-life insurance.
“We don’t do life insurance; we focus on non-life. Under non-life is motor insurance, including third-party cover, which is the focus of this story. We have been issuing physical stickers for over 30 years,” said Joseph Nsubuga, Chief Executive Officer of Mirai General Insurance.
Since the rebranding, the business environment has changed significantly, with the company now issuing digital or electronic stickers effective this year.
“All stickers are now electronic. We are no longer using physical stickers on windscreens. In terms of coverage, everything remains the same, whether digital or physical,” Nsubuga said.
He explained that the difference with the digital stickers lies in proof of insurance. The physical sticker no longer applies. Customers do not need to carry cash to the office, as everything is done online. Once payment is made, the e-sticker is sent directly to the client’s phone.
Merits of the digital sticker
Nsubuga said the Digital MTP system offers tamper-proof certificates, replacing physical stickers with secure digital records that are accessible by traffic police.
“The stickers provide instant verification, where traffic authorities use QR codes or online systems to immediately confirm policy validity,” he said.
It also offers anti-counterfeit measures, as the platform integrates with the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Works and Transport, significantly reducing fake insurance stickers.
Under the law, Motor Third-Party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles and covers legal liability for third-party bodily injury, death, or property damage.
“The digital stickers offer convenience for both the insurer and the client. On the client’s side, it is easy to obtain the sticker wherever they are. There is no need to visit the office for a physical sticker; you receive it on your phone, even while at home,” he said.
With the digital stickers, clients simply visit the company website, follow the prompts, and obtain the e-sticker at their convenience.
“With the new electronic stickers, you may not even need to physically interact with us. It is easier and faster to get serviced. You do not need to wait for the sticker as long as you have made payment,” he added.
He said the digital system provides assurance and peace of mind, as clients make payments directly themselves and immediately receive confirmation and the e-sticker.
“You use your phone to pay, receive a payment confirmation message, and then receive the e-sticker. You can rest assured that what you have is genuine. There are no fake stickers as we previously experienced with physical ones,” he said.
He noted that many opportunists previously exploited the physical sticker system, but the digital platform has eliminated such practices.
The system offers peace of mind because once a client has a genuine sticker, they are assured that in the event of a claim, they will be compensated since their cover is authentic.
Difference between the two stickers
The difference between the e-sticker and the physical sticker is mainly in visibility. The digital sticker is not physically displayed, but the details remain the same as those that appeared on the physical version.
There are two unique identifiers on the sticker: the vehicle registration number and the chassis number, both specific to a particular vehicle.
Uptake
The company conducted a campaign to sensitise clients on the transition to digital Motor Third-Party insurance and how the new system operates. According to Nsubuga, the uptake has been positive.
He said that for clients without internet access or smartphones, the company works with over 200 agents across the country to assist them.
“Working in partnership with the Insurance Regulatory Authority, we are sensitising motorists through billboards and digital advertisements across various media platforms,” he said.
“Our agents are doing an excellent job because they reach out directly to the people and deliver this message,” he added.
He said one of the key factors that differentiates the company from others is its nationwide presence.
“Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we take services to them, including in remote areas. We reach out to everyone who wants to be served,” he said.
“We want clients to feel value for the premiums they pay. That is why, in the event of a claim, we aim to settle within 24 hours after receiving the signed discharge voucher,” he added.
Clients only need to reach out to any of the company’s agencies for assistance, where agents guide them through the payment process and issuance of the e-sticker.
He urged motorists to embrace the technology, noting that the earlier they adapt, the better. He added that digitalisation will extend beyond motor insurance to other products, such as home insurance, which can also be purchased online without visiting an office.
He said drivers may no longer need to present proof of third-party insurance to traffic officers, as authorities can verify insurance status instantly by entering the vehicle number plate into their systems.
