Go-Jek says it offers Singapore’s ‘most extensive’ driver insurance; rivals respond

Go-Jek has partnered with Gigacover, a Singaporean startup that develops insurance solutions for freelancers and contingent workers, to deliver an earnings protection scheme for its drivers in the city-state.

Other operators, however, are challenging Go-Jek’s claim that the program is the “most extensive” in Singapore.

Photo credit: Andreas Ehn

The ride-hailing app’s drivers will get minimum earnings protection coverage of S$80 (US$59.25) per day, which adheres to the industry average, a Go-Jek spokesperson told Tech in Asia. All drivers will be able to top this up at Gigacover’s preferred rates should they wish to.

To get the insurance, they’ll pay an age-dependent, subsidized monthly rate to Gigacover. Go-Jek’s most active drivers will effectively get free coverage, with the company covering the costs of their insurance on a quarterly basis.

The scheme – developed in consultation with the Singapore National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) – will cover drivers for up to 21 days of medical leave and up to 84 days of hospitalization leave. Go-Jek claimed this is “currently the most extensive earnings protection coverage offered to private-hire drivers in Singapore.”

The spokesperson told Tech in Asia that this claim is based on the fact that the scheme is available to all Go-Jek drivers, regardless of their service levels or participation in other Go-Jek programs.

Go-Jek quoted a spokesperson from the country’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), who said the government is “encouraged” by the insurance package.

“We hope to see even more operators also stepping forward to offer such insurance to self-employed persons they contract with,” the MOM representative added.

‘Taking our lead’

Go-Jek’s key competitor Grab covers medical expenses for any of its drivers and passengers injured during a trip for treatment within 30 days of an accident, plus a further 30 days from the date of first treatment if necessary.

A Grab spokesperson told Tech in Asia that it is “heartening to see other players taking our lead” to enhance the welfare of private-hire drivers.

“Grab has introduced various insurance [plans] to look after our drivers’ needs, at no cost to them,” the spokesperson added. “Apart from our latest ‘Prolonged Medical Leave’ insurance launched in January this year – which guarantees a daily [payout] of up to S$200 (US$148) and offers medical and hospitalization leave for the majority of our drivers – we also provide free in-trip personal accident insurance to all drivers so that they can truly drive with a peace of mind.”

Photo credit: Victor Xok / Unsplash

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