Uber now offers insurance to their "Uber Eats" drivers across Europe. The insurance reportedly covers injury due to accidents and property damage.
Uber Eats announced on Friday, Dec. 15, that they would start offering insurance packages to their employees across Europe. If the driver chooses to insure himself, Uber Eats via AXA Insurance, offers coverage for personal accidents, property damage, cash benefits for hospitalization, and as well covering for third-party injuries.
"Uber Eats couriers can now enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working on their own schedule with the peace of mind provided by additional security and protection," said Uber Eats general manager for Europe to Reuters. Uber Eats couriers employed via a third-party can also benefit from the insurance policy. Uber will be paying for the said insurance.
The said insurance plan offered by Uber Eats will reimburse couriers up to €7,500 (£6,581.85) worth of medical expenses brought upon by an accident. If the hospitalization requires couriers to stay in the hospital for three or more nights, Uber Eats will cover €3,000 per night.
Additionally, Uber Eats couriers will also get cash benefits for severe sickness or injury. The company will also cover for property damage, as well as third-party bodily injuries. Uber Eats' insurance packages will be available starting Jan. 8, 2018.
Uber Eats and their competitor in London, Deliveroo, recently drew flak from various work unions and politicians due to the lack of insurance for their couriers. With their recent insurance announcement, Independent Workers Union of Great Britain said that the announcement was just a "public relations (PR) stunt."
"This move is clearly a reaction to the pressure of organized workers in the so called 'gig economy'," said Jim Benfield to CNET. Benfield claimed that instead of actually respecting the courier's rights, Uber chose a PR stunt that will have little to no effect on their workers.
"Trying to substitute them through third parties with a profit motive is a nightmare waiting to happen," added Benfield. "There is no alternative to worker rights."
Uber Eats operates mainly in Europe, with branches in UK, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Sweden, and Portugal.
