Ride-hailing service, Uber has partnered with investment and insurance company, Old Mutual to secure the safety of drivers and riders across the country with an insurance policy of GHC50.000.

The insurance policy termed Injury Protection from Old Mutual will cover the medical treatment costs of both riders and partner-drivers involved in an accident or any other occurrence that caused injury. This cover reimburses the victim for medical treatment costs up to a capped sum and in addition reimburses ambulance service costs.

In the case of death and funeral payments, the policy provides a lump sum payment to the victims’ beneficiaries. In a situation where there is permanent disability, the policy will provide a lump sum payment but the amount will vary based on the severity of the disability.

Also, if one gets hospitalised for more than 48 hours as a result of an accident that happened on-trip and are thereafter unable to work because of those injuries, the policy will provide a daily payment for up to 30 days whilst they are medically certified by a doctor as unfit to work.

The Country Manager for Uber in Ghana, Jessica Poku while addressing the media on this new development said all riders affected on-trip will be protected at no extra cost.

According to her, “what it essentially is medical coverage for partner-drivers and riders while on a trip. In the unfortunate occurrence of an accident or some other injury, Old Mutual’s coverage will apply for people in the vehicle so this includes the rider, the partner-driver and guest riders”.

Speaking on the collaboration between Old Mutual and Uber, Emma Ocansey who is the Head of Corporate Business for Old Mutual said the GHC50,000 is the maximum benefit for the policy and it covers each occupant in the vehicle.

Furthermore she said her outfit is “passionate about helping our customers achieve their financial goals and we believe they can only achieve their financial goals if they are safe. We at Old Mutual are excited about this partnership as it provides us with the platform to work together with Uber to equip driver-partners with safety tips that will ensure that they are safe at all times”.