IC wants accident insurance expanded to motorcycle taxis

The government wants to expand the coverage of passenger personal accident insurance (PPAI) to motorcycle taxis amid increased exposure following their frequent use as a transport alternative.

- By LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON

In an advisory, the Insurance Commission (IC) released a draft circular on the interim premium and benefit coverage of PPAI for motorcycle taxis.

PPAI is a kind of policy that gives the insured car owner, the driver and passengers coverage protection against unavoidable losses caused by accidental bodily injury or death.

It specifically provides for mandatory insurance coverage for public utility vehicles (PUVs). Motorcycles, however, are not covered by PPAI.

"Even in the absence of a law, motorcycle taxis are now frequently used as an alternative means of public transportation, exposing both the driver and the passenger to accidental injury and death," IC commissioner Reynaldo Regalado said.

As such, IC and the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association Inc. proposed the premium and coverage for motorcycle taxis.