LTFRB increases insurance benefits for PUV drivers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) yesterday with its two accredited non-life insurance management groups to increase the benefits of compulsory third party liability (CTPL) insurance for public utility vehicles (PUVs) without paying additional costs.

The additional benefits, as stated in the MOA with  Universal Insurance Transport Accident Solutions Inc. (Unitrans) and the Philippine Accident Managers Inc. (PAMI), include all risk, no fault coverage; on site emergency accident assistance with a 24-hour hotline number; bail bond for the driver of up to P20,000; payment of claims within five working days; online real time nationwide computer system linked with the LTFRB, Insurance Commission and other relevant government agencies.

Unitrans and PAMI, composed of over 60 non-life insurance companies, also launched the Passenger Groups Medical Assistance (PGMA) program, which includes road accident ambulance service nationwide in the event of an accident involving PUVs.

A 24/7 hotline toll free number (143) will be made available for easy access by the public. An ambulance will also be immediately be dispatched to the accident site and bring victims to the nearest accredited hospital.

LTFRB chief Elena Bautista said with this kind of insurance benefit, PUV drivers will no longer need to shell out cash to pay the initial cost of medical service.

The management groups, through their medical service provider, will issue a letter of guarantee to the hospital up to the extent of the amount insured.