Ho, Oct. 2, GNA - The poor patronage of a public lecture on the importance of insurance policies in the Ho municipality clearly showed the public's apathy towards the concept, which was meant for their general wellbeing. The lecture was organised by the Ghana Insurance Association (GIA) to sensitize the public in Ho on the types of insurances and the necessary steps to take when one wants to claim insurance. The lecture under the theme, "make insurance work for you" was held at the main lorry park to coincide with the market day, in anticipation of attracting a high patronage, but that was not to be. Mr Gabriel Agbo, Deputy Ho Branch Manager, State Insurance Company, who spoke on the topic "Insurance Claims", advised private car drivers to desist from using their driving licenses to drive commercial vehicles.

He cautioned that insurance companies would not pay compensation on commercial vehicles whose drivers were using licenses for private cars in case of accident. Mr Agbo also advised passengers to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers do not carry more than the stipulated number of passengers on their vehicles.

He said no insurance company would pay compensation in respect of any extra passenger in case of accident. Mr Agbo asked policy holders to treasure their certificates, which are very vital in claiming their benefits. Mr William Kwame Akpabli, Ho Branch Manager, Industrial and General Insurance, who spoke on the topic "Non-Life Insurance", advised individuals to insure themselves and property "against any eventuality because we do not know tomorrow". Mr Enoch Mensah, Ho Branch Manager of Ghana Life Insurance Company (GLICO) appealed to drivers to take personal life insurance policies and stop relying on the third party insurance policies taken by their car owners.

He said because of the country's economic situation all Insurance Companies have phased out policies without the savings component and that insurance gives added cover to the bank accounts of such policy holders.