Uber Technologies Inc.’s Indian arm has teamed up with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company to offer free insurance coverage for its 4.5 lakh driver partners- between age group of 18 and 65 years- across the country. The policy, only applicable for cab drivers, includes accidental death and disablement, hospitalization and outpatient medical treatment in case of an accident while online on the Uber App (available for trip requests, en route or on a trip). The announcement came to mark the American ridesharing firm’s fourth anniversary in the country.

The cover under this programme, which will go live on September 1, includes Rs. 5 lakh in the event of death, up to Rs. 5 lakh for permanent disability, up to Rs. 2 lakh for hospitalization coverage, with a sub-limit of up to Rs. 50,000 for outpatient treatment.

Pradeep Parameswaran, Head of Central Operations, India, Uber, stated, “These innovations and partnerships are a reflection of our commitment to listen, act and enable our drivers to experience the ‘Apnapan’ while driving for Uber. This partnership will provide a safety net for our driver partners who keep our cities moving.” Parameswaran said Uber has also extended support hours for driver partners from 12 hours (8AM—8PM) to 18 hours (6AM— 12 midnight), apart from emergency assistance (12 midnight— 6AM).

Apart from insurance, San Francisco-based technology firm has also rolled out features like ‘Pause’ requests and in—app chat to enhance experience for driver—partners. It has also partnered with AISECT to pilot a programme to create WhatsApp—enabled modules to teach drivers the elementary English speaking skills to help them improve their ratings on the platform.