Allianz Partners has agreed a partnership with ride hailing app Uber which will see the insurer provide protection insurance for independent drivers and couriers who partner with Uber and Uber Eats in 23 European countries, effective 1 January, 2022.
The coverage includes various compensation payments for loss of income in case of on-trip accidents, injury, or hospitalisations. Additionally, active Uber partners also enjoy off-trip benefits including paid sick leave for up to 15 days, maternity and paternity payments, and inconvenience compensations for court attendance.
The partner protection program, first introduced by Uber in 2017, caters specifically to the needs of independent drivers and couriers, who use the Uber app to access flexible earning opportunities. It is free of charge and is automatically available to all independent partners who meet the respective Uber eligibility criteria, with all costs borne by Uber.
The program will be offered in partnership with Allianz Partners in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK.
In France, the partner protection program will continue to be offered in partnership with AXA.
Commenting on the partnership, Sirma Boshnakova, CEO of Allianz Partners, said: “As a leading global partner to mobility players, we are very proud to work with Uber to become the largest provider of partner protection insurance for platform workers in Europe. At Allianz we strive to secure the future of our customers and partners, and give them the courage for what’s ahead.
“The Covid pandemic has demonstrated an acceleration in the essential role of drivers and couriers, and the need for tailored insurance solutions. This industry-leading insurance program raises the bar on innovative protection across the sector, and we are excited to be supporting Uber and their partners at this important time.”
Karl Gray, head of insurance EMEA at Uber, added: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Allianz Partners to provide drivers and couriers across Europe with our partner protection program, which allows them to enjoy freedom and flexibility, with the peace of mind provided by additional security and protection.
“Programs like this mark our commitment to improve platform work and to provide independent workers in Europe with the benefits and protections they want.
“We hope that this will also encourage the rest of the sector to enable protections for European platform workers, no matter the app they choose to work on.”