The verdict in three sentences
An online claims filing platform for an insurer in Douala costs 15 to 40 million FCFA excl. VAT in 2026 (about 23,000 to 61,000 EUR), depending on the lines of business covered and integration with the core system; a comparable build by a Toronto agency typically runs 120,000 to 300,000 CAD. It brings the average settlement time down from over 90 days to 30 to 45 days by removing document back-and-forth and idle time between claims handler and adjuster. It is also a regulatory compliance lever, since regulators such as CIMA in Central and West Africa or FSRA in Ontario scrutinise settlement times.
Where the 90 days go
At most Cameroonian insurers, a motor or property claim follows a paper circuit: filing at a branch, accident report dropped off days later, adjuster appointed by letter, scanned report, request for additional documents, then settlement receipt. Each hand-off adds one to two weeks.
| Step | Current time (paper) | Target time (platform) | Lever |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claim filing | 5 to 10 days | Same day | Mobile filing with photos and geolocation |
| File opening and coverage check | 7 to 15 days | 1 to 2 days | Automatic policy and deductible check |
| Adjuster appointment | 7 to 14 days | 1 day | Automatic assignment by area and specialty |
| Inspection and report | 20 to 30 days | 10 to 15 days | Adjuster portal with photos already available |
| Additional documents | 15 to 25 days | 5 to 8 days | SMS reminders and online upload |
| Offer, receipt and payment | 15 to 20 days | 5 to 10 days | Electronic receipt, Orange Money, MTN MoMo or bank transfer |
| Total | 69 to 114 days | 23 to 46 days |
The CIMA Code requires compensation offers within set deadlines for motor bodily injury claims, with penalties for delays. Time-stamped traceability of each step also makes regulatory inspections easier.
Functional scope and budget
| Module | Features | Indicative 2026 budget (FCFA excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile claim filing | Guided form by claim type, photos, accident report, offline mode | 3 to 7 M |
| Policyholder portal | Claim tracking, requested documents, SMS and WhatsApp notifications | 2 to 5 M |
| Claims handler back office | Claim queue, coverage check, approval workflow | 3 to 8 M |
| Adjuster and garage portal | Appointments, online reports, repair quotes, fees | 2.5 to 6 M |
| Settlement and payment | Offer, electronic receipt, mobile money or transfer | 1.5 to 4 M |
| Core system integration | Policy and claim sync (Orass or equivalent) | 2 to 6 M |
| Dashboards and compliance | Time per step, reserves, regulatory deadline alerts | 1 to 4 M |
Delivery takes 4 to 6 months, ideally starting with motor, which usually accounts for 60 to 70% of claims. Running costs are about 2 to 4 million FCFA excl. VAT a year.
Mini case study
Mr Ekambi, claims director of a property and casualty insurer in Douala, handles 6,000 claims a year with 14 handlers and a 95-day average settlement time. He invests 28 M FCFA excl. VAT in the platform. After 9 months, the average drops to 40 days. Each handler goes from 430 to 600 files a year: the company absorbs 20% portfolio growth without hiring 3 extra handlers, about 16 M FCFA a year of payroll avoided. Add about 6 M FCFA in late-payment penalties and postage avoided: the investment pays back in 15 months.
FAQ
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How much does a claims filing platform cost?
Between 15 and 40 million FCFA excl. VAT in Douala in 2026, depending on lines of business and core system integration. A motor-only start is around 15 to 22 million FCFA; in Toronto, expect 120,000 to 300,000 CAD.
What settlement time can be targeted?
An order of magnitude of 30 to 45 days versus over 90 days on paper, provided adjusters also use the online portal.
Does the platform meet CIMA rules?
It time-stamps each step and alerts before regulatory deadlines are exceeded. Compliance remains the insurer's responsibility, but it becomes demonstrable.
How do you prevent photo fraud?
By allowing in-app capture only, with time stamp and geolocation, plus duplicate image detection. This module adds about 1 to 2 million FCFA.
Are policyholders without a smartphone excluded?
No, the branch or broker files the claim for them in the same tool, and tracking is done by SMS.
Let's scope your project. We map your lines of business, adjuster workflow and core system, with an indicative budget and a 4 to 6-month rollout. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
