MSIG first to launch approved e-hailing motor insurance

KUALA LUMPUR: MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (MSIG Malaysia) has launched E-Hail E-Zee, a new motor insurance add-on that is the first in Malaysia to provide e-hailing drivers with peace-of-mind in the event of an accident while they are providing e-hailing services.

“Many drivers assume that their standard comprehensive insurance covers them in the case of an accident when providing e-hailing services, but this is not actually the case.

“Until now, drivers providing e-hailing services were at great risk of substantial financial losses if they have an accident while carrying passengers, not only from damage and injuries caused by the accident itself, but also from potential legal action by passengers if they sue the driver.

“Understanding the gap in the current motor policy, MSIG is proud to launch E-Hail E-Zee, allowing e-hailing drivers to protect themselves and their passengers,” MSIG Malaysia chief executive officer Chua Seck Guan said.

MSIG has been liaising with various parties such as Bank Negara Malaysia and Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) to create this approved add-on insurance which will enable e-hailing drivers to enjoy peaceof-mind while working.

“It has been reported that new laws will come into place in the near future which will require e-hailing drivers to ensure that they are properly insured for e-hailing services, but they can actually purchase our E-Hail EZee insurance right now.

“This will give them immediate protection and will still be valid when the new regulations come into force, so there is no reason for e-hailing drivers not to sign-up straight away,” Chua said.

MSIG E-Hail E-Zee motor insurance add-on will provide authorised e-hailing drivers with the following cover when they are providing e-hailing services, such as loss or damage to the vehicle due to accident, loss or damage to the vehicle due to fire or theft, loss or damage to thirdparty’s vehicle or property, death or injury to third-party involved in an accident, legal liability to passengers and legal liability of passengers and accidental death or permanent disablement to the driver.

The ‘legal liability of passengers’ element covers unexpected negligent acts carried out by the passengers, beyond what it is reasonable for the driver to control. This could include, for example, a passenger suddenly opening their door without checking - resulting in an accident, damages or injury to other vehicles or pedestrians.

The cost of MSIG’s E-Hail EZee cover will vary depending on several factors, including the vehicle’s sum insured and the policyholder’s details, as it is riskbased. However, it will still be a relatively affordable add-on to the driver’s existing comprehensive insurance coverage.

For example, a standard vehicle that is below 1.5 CC with full 55 per cent No-Claim-Discount (NCD) can enjoy the coverage with an additional premium ranging between RM0.30 to RM0.70 a day.

“It is wise to have coverage to minimize the financial losses in the event of accident. E-hailing drivers can also worry less as they can continue to enjoy the same valueadded services of MSIG’s Motor Assist Programme for vehicle breakdowns or accidents,” Chua concluded.