Uber reiterates its commitment to driver partners, provides new insurance cover

New Delhi, Aug 29: Uber, the world’s largest ridesharing company, today announced the roll out of a series of product innovations, programs and partnerships aimed at making driving for Uber an attractive choice for driver partners across India. Among them was the country’s first ridesharing insurance program. In partnership with ICICI Lombard General Insurance, the policy provides driver partners with free coverage for accidental death and disablement; hospitalization and outpatient medical treatment, in case of an accident while online on the Uber App and are available for trip requests, en route or on a trip with Uber. "These announcements are a reflection of our efforts to meaningfully impact and improve the driving experience. Today, we want to celebrate the more than 450,000 drivers across India, and the lengths they go to to make all of our cities move better,” said Pradeep Parameswaran, Head of Central Operations, India, Uber. He said, “We are aware of the special responsibility we have to do our best for the drivers who use the app to earn a livelihood. These innovations and partnerships are a reflection of our commitment to listen, act and enable our drivers to experience the ‘Apnapan’ while driving for Uber.” This first-of-its-kind insurance program will provide driver partners (aged 18 to 65) of four-wheeled vehicles intended to carry passengers with coverage for accidental death and disablement, hospitalization and outpatient medical treatment in case of an accident while using the Uber App and are available for trip requests, en route or on a trip with Uber. The unique insurance cover will be offered for free to the driver partners, giving them peace of mind while enjoying the flexibility of independent work. This program will go live as of September 1, 2017. The coverage offered includes Rs 5 lakh in the event of death, up to Rs 5 lakh for permanent disability, up to Rs 2 lakh in the event of hospitalisation, with a sub-limit of up to Rs 50,000 for outpatient treatment. Commenting on the occasion, Bhargav Dasgupta, MD & CEO ICICI Lombard General Insurance said, “At ICICI Lombard General Insurance, we are excited to partner with Uber India and introduce this unique insurance proposition for their driver partners. ICICI Lombard has always been at the forefront in terms of introducing non-life insurance solutions that address the emerging trends and changing market dynamics. This insurance program is a step forward in that direction.” UNI