Uber rolls out new driver insurance in Saudi Arabia

Uber is rolling out new insurance cover for its drivers in Saudi Arabia. (AFP File Photo)
  • Uber has signed up 200,000 drivers in Kingdom
  • Policy aimed to boost driver and passenger protection

LONDON: Uber has teamed up with AXA to offer new insurance plans for drivers and delivery partners in Saudi Arabia.
It means that drivers wil lbe protected from some of the financial cost of injury, including medical expenses or lost earning opportunities where an accident takes place while driving or delivering using the Uber app, the ride hailing company said in a statement.
The insurance policies will be fully funded by Uber and offer protection to passengers on the trips.
“The introduction of ‘Injury Protection’ marks a milestone for us in line with our commitment to be a better partner and ensure the best safety practices for our driver and delivery partners by listening to their needs,” said regional general manager Pierre Dimitri Gore Coty.
All Uber’s driver-partners and Uber Eats delivery-partners are automatically enrolled to benefit from the insurance coverage, however, participation is not compulsory, and partners are able to opt-out if they wish, Uber said.
Uber has signed up more than 200,000 Saudis to drive in the last two years. Earlier this year, Uber also announced ‘Masaruky’– a two-year initiative aimed to increase Saudi women’s participation in the workforce through access to transportation.