Travel insurance: How motorists’ rip-off commuters

Travel insurance: How motorists’ rip-off commuters

Chuks Udo Okonta

Most insurance premium paid by commuters is not remitted by motorists to underwriting firms Inspen has learnt.

Investigation revealed that most commuters are ignorant of the fact that insurance premium is fused into the travel fares they pay at inter-city motor terminals; hence they are swindled by motorists.

Commuters are expected to fill travel manifest, which is backed with a premium recharged card which motorists are to buy from insurance firms. But, often times, most motorists, subject commuters to fill manifest without procuring the cards.

At a major bus terminal, this reporter was offered a manifest without a card to fill; this led him into making enquiry about the premium card. He was told by one of the motorists that they often fail to buy the card to save cost. The motorist noted that having settled the park dues and procure fuel, they are left with little margin.

He noted that one of the ways to enhance their revenue is to avoid the purchase of the cards which amount is fused into the fare.

Most commuters interviewed claimed that they are not aware that premium cost is fused into the fare they pay to the motorists. They noted that their belief is that manifest is meant to trace their contact in case of mishap.

An underwriter with one of the companies selling such product said the company does not engage in the monitoring of the activities of motorists. He said the company only pays claims to individuals with genuine claims, adding that before a claim is paid, there must be an evident of payment of premium which is done through the purchase of the cards.

He noted that motorists who do not pay their premium subject commuters to risks, as they would not be entitle to any claims at the time of risk.

He urged commuters to ensure that motorists they patronise have adequate insurance cover which can be ascertain by ensuring that a premium card is attached to the manifest they are asked to fill before embarking on a journey.