Introduction
If you drive for Grab, inDrive, Maxim or another e-hailing platform, your normal private car insurance may not automatically cover you when you use the vehicle to carry paying passengers.
This is why it is important to check whether your car insurance includes e-hailing protection before you start driving.
E-hailing drivers also need to meet the relevant licensing and vehicle requirements set by the authorities.
1. What Is E-Hailing Insurance?
E-hailing insurance is additional protection that allows a private car to be used for e-hailing purposes.
It is generally added to a comprehensive private car insurance policy. The exact benefits, exclusions and limits depend on the insurer and policy.
A standard private car policy may not cover you when you are carrying paying passengers for e-hailing. So, if you drive for an e-hailing platform, check that your policy specifically allows e-hailing use.
What does e-hailing insurance cover?
Depending on the policy, it may provide protection for:
- Accidents while the vehicle is being used for e-hailing.
- Damage to the insured vehicle.
- Third-party liability.
- Passenger-related liability, subject to the policy terms.
- Other optional benefits or add-ons offered by the insurer.
The coverage can differ between insurance companies, so always check the policy wording and Product Disclosure Sheet before buying.
2. Is E-Hailing Insurance Required?
If you use your car for e-hailing, you need to make sure your insurance provides the appropriate e-hailing protection.
However, insurance is only one part of the requirements for operating an e-hailing vehicle.
Current APAD guidance states that e-hailing drivers must:
- Be registered with a licensed e-hailing operator.
- Hold a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence issued by JPJ.
- Drive a vehicle with a valid Electronic Vehicle Permit (eVP) issued by APAD.
APAD’s licensing requirements also state that e-hailing vehicles must have valid insurance covering the driver, vehicle, passengers and third parties.
So, the old reference to SPAD is no longer appropriate. SPAD was replaced by APAD (Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat).
3. Why Do You Need E-Hailing Insurance?
Having the correct insurance protection is important because using your car for paid passenger trips is different from normal private use.
Without appropriate e-hailing protection, you may face problems if an accident happens while you are carrying paying passengers.
Before buying or renewing your policy, check:
- Whether e-hailing use is covered.
- Whether an e-hailing extension or endorsement is required.
- What passenger and third-party protection is included.
- The policy’s exclusions and limits.
- Whether your insurer accepts the e-hailing platform you drive for.
Driving part-time also counts. Even if you only drive occasionally, you should make sure your insurance covers the vehicle when it is being used for e-hailing.
4. How to Get E-Hailing Insurance
You can check or purchase e-hailing protection through:
BJAK
BJAK allows you to compare car insurance options and check which policies provide e-hailing protection.
👉 Compare E-Hailing Car Insurance on BJAK
You can enter your car registration number to check available options and compare quotes.
Licensed insurance agents
You can also speak to an authorised insurance agent or the insurer directly.
Before making payment, make sure the policy is issued by a licensed insurance company and that e-hailing use is clearly covered.
Tip: Be careful with unusually cheap offers or policies from unofficial sources. Always verify the policy before using your car for e-hailing.
5. E-Hailing Platforms and Licensing Requirements
Popular e-hailing platforms in Malaysia include Grab, inDrive, Maxim and AirAsia Ride.
AirAsia Ride continues to operate in Malaysia.
If you drive for an e-hailing platform, make sure you meet the requirements that apply to your platform and vehicle.
These can include:
- A valid PSV licence.
- A valid eVP.
- Valid insurance that covers e-hailing use.
- A vehicle that meets the applicable requirements.
- Any documents required by the e-hailing operator.
Requirements can vary between platforms, so check directly with the platform you drive for before submitting your application or renewing your documents.
What about TREVO?
TREVO should not be grouped together with Grab, inDrive, Maxim and AirAsia Ride as an e-hailing platform.
TREVO currently operates as a peer-to-peer car-sharing and rental marketplace, where vehicle owners list their cars for rental.
Therefore, if this article is specifically about e-hailing insurance, TREVO is better left out of the e-hailing platform list.
6. Check Your Insurance Before Driving
Before accepting paid passenger trips, make sure your insurance is suitable for your intended use.
A few things to check include:
- Is e-hailing use covered?
- Do you need an e-hailing extension?
- What happens if an accident occurs while carrying a passenger?
- What passenger and third-party protection is included?
- What exclusions apply?
- Is your PSV and eVP still valid?
If you are unsure, check with your insurer or insurance provider before starting your e-hailing work.
Conclusion
If you drive for an e-hailing platform, don’t assume your normal private car insurance automatically covers you when carrying paying passengers.
Make sure you have the appropriate e-hailing insurance protection, a valid PSV licence, and the required eVP before operating.
You can also compare available e-hailing car insurance options through BJAK and check which policies allow e-hailing use.
