Uber has teamed up with insurance provider AXA to cover on-duty injuries of its drivers and delivery partners across Saudi Arabia. The US-based ride-hailing giant said the new move falls in line with its global commitment towards ensuring safety and financial security for its staff and partners in the wake of unforeseen incidents.
The insurance coverage provided in collaboration with AXA will include medical expenses, as well as compensations for lost earning opportunities caused by on-duty accidents. Uber also said that the company would fund all insurance policies, meaning drivers and delivery partners will not require spending any money on the coverage.
“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 Pierre Dimitri Gore Coty, vice president and regional general manager of Europe Middle East and Africa at Uber.
He added: “The insurance program… is designed to provide Uber Partners with peace of mind while preserving the flexibility they value… we are excited to have developed a leading insurance product for the ride-sharing industry here in Saudi Arabia.”
The company further stated that all driver-partners and Uber Eats delivery-partners are automatically entitled to the benefits of the new insurance coverage. However, in the event a partner should decide that they do not want to be a part of the program, they can opt out. The insurance coverage is not mandatory, Uber clarified. According to the company’s internal assessment, more than 170,000 active Uber drivers and delivery-partners will directly benefit from this program.