Grab communications manager Regina Robin said any driver-partner wanting to get on the Grab service platform – including GrabCar, GrabTaxi, GrabHitch and GrabShare – to provide transport services to the public, must sign an agreement which includes clearly spelt out terms and conditions.
“One of our terms and conditions clearly states we will not bear responsibility if there is a damage to their vehicles,” Robin said, referring to the following clause:
“You shall be solely responsible for any and all claims, judgments and liabilities resulting from any accident, loss or damage which is due to or is alleged to be a result of the motor/passenger vehicle and/or taxi/passenger delivery service howsoever operated.”
Yesterday, Lim Kim Hwa alleged that Grab had refused to pay for the damages to his car, which had occurred in an accident while he was on duty as a driver. He claimed that Grab informed him that it bore no responsibility towards GrabCar drivers when it came to accidents.
At a press conference organised by DAP’s Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, the 30-year-old Kim Hwa said he asked Grab to help cover the cost of the damage after his insurance company had rejected his claims because “I had used my personal car for commercial use”.
Robin said the other matter brought up by Kim Hwa with which Grab took particular issue was his questioning of the integrity of his fellow driver-partners, for allegedly driving without insurance.
“As a GrabCar driver or anyone who is keen to be a driver will know, they are required to have their insurance cover note before signing up.
“It is also stated in our website, and we have also mentioned several times in statements and interviews, that we provide Personal Accident Insurance for our drivers. It covers medical bills, loss of limb and of life.
“Hence, any claim by a current driver-partner, who has signed and agreed to the terms and requirements to be a GrabCar driver, to then state that Grab does not provide any insurance coverage is quite a bold allegation against the company, and one we take very seriously,” Robin said.
She added that as of 2017, Grab is working with The Great American Insurance Company that provides coverage of up to US$10,000 (RM43,000) per person, and that the premium for this policy is completely borne by Grab.
She also welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Segambut MP, to discuss the issues that were raised at the press conference yesterday, including on ways to improve the country’s public transport network.