Factors Influencing Insurance Purchase Decisions Among Civil Servants in Taraba State

This study investigates the factors influencing insurance purchase decisions among civil servants in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Civil servants represent a relatively stable income group with access to formal financial services, yet their voluntary insurance ownership rates in Taraba State remain low beyond mandatory group life and health insurance schemes. Identifying the specific factors that drive or inhibit voluntary insurance purchasing behavior among this group can inform targeted interventions by insurers and regulators. This research employs a survey design with 320 civil servants sampled through stratified random sampling from state ministries, departments, and agencies in Jalingo, the state capital. Structured questionnaires assess socioeconomic characteristics, insurance knowledge, risk perception, social influence, institutional trust, and current insurance portfolio composition. Multiple regression analysis identifies significant predictors of insurance purchase decisions. Preliminary findings are expected to show that institutional trust, awareness of product benefits, and peer influence are the most significant positive predictors, while premium cost and distrust in claims settlement are the most significant negative predictors. The study recommends that insurers establish dedicated civil servant insurance desks at state salary offices and that the state government facilitate payroll deduction schemes for voluntary insurance premiums. Keywords: Insurance Purchase, Civil Servants, Taraba State, Consumer Behavior, Institutional Trust.