Grab assures full insurance coverage for passengers and drivers

Lyft, a private hire TNC. (Photo: Pkg203 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA, Aug. 9 — Grab reiterated  it is willing to take accountability over the rides that passengers and partners book on its platform.

In a statement, the transport network company (TNC) said it has its own third party private insurance that covers all its transport network vehicle service (TNVS) partners and passengers in the Philippines and the rest of the Southeast Asian region.

Usually, only TNVS units with provisional authority (PA) and certificate of public convenience (CPC) have government-mandated Passenger Accident Management and Insurance (PAMI) coverage.

Grab’s third party insurance policy from Great American Insurance Company ensures that those without PA or CPC are enrolled to an insurance premium as early as April last year. Those with PA/CPC get the same insurance on top of PAMI.

“Our passengers are protected by a third-party insurance, whether they ride a GrabCar TNVS unit with PA/CPC or not,” Leo Emmanuel Gonzales, Public Affairs Head and Spokesperson of Grab Philippines, explained as he assures that the TNC complies with the no fault policy which entitles passengers to full insurance claims regardless of who’s at fault at the time of the accident.

Grab’s insurance package which is the first of its kind insurance policy in the industry to be provided by a ride sharing platform applies to all 65 cities in the seven countries that it currently operates making it the largest in terms of coverage in Southeast Asia.

Its insurer Great American Insurance offers coverage in the event of accidental death, permanent dismemberment and bodily injuries in the event of accidents for drivers and passengers.

For death or permanent disability, Grab’s TNVS drivers, partners, and passengers can claim up to USD 4,100 or PHP 200,000; while up to USD 410 or PHP 20,000 can be claimed for medical reimbursements.  Moreover, coverage varies for different types of injuries.

Grab also reminds its TNVS partners to always abide by the law. “Any violation that would result to serious physical injuries or would put Grab’s credibility in question would be tantamount to suspension or even deactivation of their respective accounts,” according to Gonzales.

“Grab always puts the interests and welfare of its partners and passengers at the heart of its priorities. It is important for us that they are assured of peace of mind as they take and complete a Grab ride,” he added.

Accountability was one of the issues discussed during the two congressional hearings held last week to tackle the issues involving TNCs. Insurance coverage for the passengers was identified as the means to ensure passenger safety and security.  (PNA)