Passenger Liability Insurance: What Every Commuter Should Know

Every day, thousands of people travel by kombi or bus to work, school, church, shopping and other destinations. While public transport is an essential part of daily life, road accidents can happen without warning.

Passenger Liability Insurance is designed to provide protection for passengers who may suffer injury or death as a result of an accident involving the kombi or bus in which they are travelling. Currently in Zimbabwe, all registered public kombis and buses are mandated to have passenger liability insurance.

How does it work?

Passenger Liability insurance is generally intended to respond to valid claims arising from injuries or death of passengers caused by an insured road accident, subject to the policy terms, limits, exclusions and applicable law.

For example, if you are travelling in a kombi and the vehicle is involved in an accident and you are injured or unfortunately die, you or your relatives can claim against the kombi company for the costs of medical treatment and your loss of life in the case of death. This can help with expenses such as medical treatment, such as prosthetic limbs, and other eligible costs or compensation to the family for your death, depending on the policy and circumstances of the claim.

Why does this matter to commuters?

As a passenger, you may not have control over the condition of the vehicle, the driver’s actions or what happens on the road. Passenger liability insurance provides an important layer of financial protection when something goes wrong.

It can help:

1. Reduce the financial burden of an accident and covered injuries.
2. Support recovery costs arising from a covered passenger injury.
3. Give the remaining family some compensation for your loss of life.
4. Give passengers greater peace of mind when using public transport.

What should passengers remember?

Claims are assessed according to the applicable policy, the circumstances of the accident, liability, documentation and policy limits.

If you are involved in an accident, seek medical attention, ensure the accident is reported to the relevant authorities, keep medical records and receipts, and obtain the details of the vehicle and operator as these will be necessary for you to submit a claim.

If your relative dies in an accident, get the details of the vehicle and the operator so that the relevant claim paper work can be submitted for a claim against the kombi company.

**The key message is simple: You may be a passenger, but you still deserve protection.**

If you or a relative have been recently involved in a kombi/bus accident that resulted in injury or death and would like assistance on how to make a valid claim against the kombi/bus company, please get in touch with our team on (0242) 744048/79, 0714298696 or 0786846195.