SmartCash Payment Service Bank, a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has entered into a strategic partnership with Leadway Assurance to simplify access to motor insurance for its users. The collaboration enables SmartCash customers to conveniently purchase or renew motor insurance policies directly through the SmartCash app or by dialing *939#.
With plans starting from as low as ₦15,000, users can now choose between Leadway’s Third-Party Motor Insurance and AutoBase Comprehensive Insurance. The third-party policy offers the legally required minimum coverage, protecting drivers from liabilities for damages or injuries caused to others. The AutoBase Comprehensive plan provides broader protection, including coverage for the policyholder’s own vehicle in the event of accidents.
Commenting on the partnership, Tunde Kuponiyi, Chief Executive Officer of SmartCash PSB, emphasized the initiative’s focus on ease and accessibility.
“Our mission at SmartCash is to bring inclusive financial services to everyday Nigerians,” he said. “This partnership with Leadway Assurance removes the friction from the insurance process—making it fast, affordable, and accessible to everyone. With just a few taps or a USSD code, users can insure their vehicles in under three minutes.”
Customers receive instant confirmation and digital policy documents via email, eliminating the need for paperwork or in-person visits.
Kike Fischer, Director of Sales, Retail and Partnerships at Leadway Assurance, echoed the significance of the partnership.
“At Leadway, we are committed to using innovation to expand insurance coverage across Nigeria. This collaboration allows us to deliver real-time protection through a platform that’s already a part of many Nigerians’ daily lives,” she said. “It’s a transformative move that redefines how insurance is accessed and experienced.”
The service is designed to be fully inclusive, functioning seamlessly on both smartphones and basic mobile phones. This ensures that even users in rural and underserved areas without internet access can access the same benefits via USSD.
By integrating motor insurance into its digital financial ecosystem, SmartCash reinforces its commitment to providing user-friendly, practical solutions that meet the everyday needs of Nigerians. This partnership marks another step in bridging the insurance access gap and driving financial inclusion across the country.
