Uber & Insurance – Setting the record straight for riders and drivers

This week there has been a lot of discussion around safety, and specifically the insurance policies and practices of Uber in Singapore. We want to set the record straight because we don’t want riders or driver-partners to have concerns about what’s covered whether they’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.

“Getting people from A to B safely and reliably is the single most important thing we do everyday at Uber.”

If you’ve got questions about insurance coverage for riders and drivers, we’ve got answers:

What insurance coverage are Uber cars expected to have?

We require all vehicles operating on the Uber platform in Singapore to have compulsory auto insurance that meets the requirements for all vehicles in Singapore under the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act.  The owner of the vehicle must also register it with the LTA as a Z10 / Z11 vehicle.  

Uber retains a copy of the commercial auto insurance policy for each vehicle operating on the UberX platform, and logs the insurance expiry date. Upon expiry, Uber automatically deactivates the vehicle and prevents it from being driven on the platform until the driver re-submits their new commercial auto insurance policy.

What does the insurance policy cover specifically?

While policies can vary, as a minimum, it covers the driver’s legal liability for the death of, or bodily injury to passengers and other third parties (e.g., a pedestrian) caused by driver’s negligence. It also provides cover for liability resulting from damage to property belonging to other persons such as cars, street lighting, fences, etc. Many drivers purchase optional  comprehensive insurance to cover damage to their own vehicle, but note this is not a legal requirement.

Do policies cover injury/death to passengers? What is the nature of the coverage?

There is unlimited insurance cover (no cap) for legal liability for bodily injury to passengers caused by driver’s negligence

Do policies work when it is the driver’s fault and even when it’s not?

Cover is fault based following the same protocol as all other compulsory motor vehicle insurance in Singapore.

What should passengers do in the event of an accident? How do they make a claim for injuries (if they are covered?)

The passenger can make a direct claim against the driver’s compulsory insurance.  We are able to provide passengers with those details if they are not readily available after an accident.  

Does insurance coverage apply when the driver is not ferrying a passenger? For example, enroute to pick up a ride?

Yes, it covers all use of the vehicle.  

We take safety extremely seriously, and we’re happy to help answer questions from riders or drivers, as well as connect interested driver-partners with preferred insurance providers.

The team at Uber Singapore