Photo: Mrbobax, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Check an insurer, agent or broker in Rwanda
Check an insurer, agent or broker in Rwanda
Short answerChecked 31 October 2026
Only an insurer licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda may carry on insurance business in Rwanda (Law n° 030/2021, article 6), and only a BNR-licensed broker or an agent authorised by its insurer may act as an intermediary (article 72). Check the name on the BNR's list of licensed insurers and list of licensed brokers. Never pay a premium to an agent or broker: it goes directly to the insurer.
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Get the free PDFHow to check
- Find the insurer named on your policy or cover note on the BNR list of licensed insurers — or on our copy, alphabetical.
- A broker: check the BNR list of licensed brokers (our copy). An agent: ask for the authorisation issued by the insurer he or she represents (article 72).
- Pay the premium to the insurer itself: "neither brokers nor agents are permitted to hold premiums on behalf of insurers" (BNR FAQ).
- In doubt, ask the BNR: +250 788 199 000, info@bnr.rw.
Unlicensed insurance is a crime
Running insurance or intermediary business without a licence, or claiming to be an insurer or intermediary without one, is punished by 3 to 5 years' imprisonment and a fine of 7 to 10 million Frw, or one of these penalties (Law n° 030/2021, article 183). No one may use the word "insurance" in a company or trade name, signage or advertisement without being authorised (article 5) (Law).
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an insurance company is licensed in Rwanda?
Look for it on the National Bank of Rwanda's list of licensed insurers. The BNR must keep and publish an updated register of licensed insurers (Law n° 030/2021, article 12).
Can I pay my premium to the agent?
No. The BNR says brokers and agents may not hold premiums; all premiums are paid directly to the insurer.
Sources
- Law n° 030/2021 of 30/06/2021 governing the organisation of insurance business — Official Gazette n° 29 of 02/08/2021 (Gazettes.Africa archive)
- National Bank of Rwanda — List of licensed insurers (updated January 2025, the latest list published, checked 31 October 2026)
- National Bank of Rwanda — Licensed / approved insurance and reinsurance brokers (April 2026)
- National Bank of Rwanda — Frequently asked questions: understanding insurance in Rwanda (June 2025)