Pavit Nanda Anand is Communication Lead for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region at inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform headquartered in Mountain View, California. With over 15 years of experience in public relations and communications, she has been instrumental in launching and expanding inDrive’s services across multiple countries, including Nepal, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Excerpts:
What safety measures does inDrive have in place to ensure passenger and driver security during rides?
inDrive places a strong emphasis on safety and maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against any offensive or unlawful behavior by users, strongly condemning inappropriate conduct. User safety and satisfaction, particularly women's safety, are among our top priorities to ensure a secure and comfortable ride experience. To achieve this, inDrive has implemented various safety features. The safety button, represented by a shield icon on the main screen, allows users to quickly contact support, call the police, or request an ambulance. The trusted contact feature enables users to save the phone number of a trusted person for quick access in emergencies, even during a ride.
Additionally, both passengers and drivers can share their ride details with friends or family, providing real-time updates on the route, driver or passenger information, and vehicle details. Users are also encouraged to rate their driver or passenger after each trip, with the option to contact support if any concerns arise. By integrating these features, inDrive ensures that all users—whether passengers or drivers—feel safe and confident while using the platform.
Does inDrive have partnerships with local insurance companies to provide coverage?
Yes, inDrive collaborates with Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Limited (SALICO) to offer accident coverage to its users in Nepal. By partnering with reputable insurance companies, inDrive ensures that passengers and drivers have access to reliable financial protection in case of accidents. These partnerships enable a seamless claims process, allowing affected individuals to receive compensation without unnecessary delays. The collaboration also helps inDrive maintain high safety and service standards, reinforcing its commitment to user well-being. Such partnerships are vital in Nepal’s growing ride-hailing sector, as they enhance trust between inDrive and its users. By working with well-established insurance providers, inDrive ensures compliance with local regulations while offering comprehensive coverage tailored to the needs of its driver-partners and passengers.
What type of accidental insurance coverage does inDrive provide for passengers and drivers?
inDrive provides accidental insurance coverage to both passengers and drivers to ensure their safety and financial security in case of an accident. This coverage includes compensation for death, permanent disability, and medical expenses resulting from an accident during a ride booked through the inDrive platform. In the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability of a passenger or driver, a compensation amount of Rs 800,000 will be provided. If the accident leads to injuries requiring medical treatment, inDrive offers reimbursement of up to Rs 80,000 for medical expenses.
For minor passengers, the compensation amount will be 50 percent of the insured amount, ensuring adequate financial support for their families. This insurance service is a significant step towards enhancing trust and confidence among users, ensuring they feel safe while using inDrive’s ride-hailing services.By providing financial protection, inDrive aims to create a secure environment where both drivers and passengers can focus on their journeys without concerns about potential risks.
How does inDrive handle emergency situations, and is there an SOS button or emergency contact feature in the app?
Yes, inDrive has multiple safety measures to handle emergency situations, with the Safety Button (shield icon) being one of the key features designed to assist users during critical moments. If a passenger or driver faces an emergency, they can quickly tap the shield icon to reach inDrive’s 24/7 support team for immediate assistance. This feature also allows users to directly contact local emergency services, such as the police or an ambulance, ensuring swift response in urgent situations.
Additionally, inDrive provides an extra layer of security through the trusted contact feature, enabling users to assign a family member or friend for quick access during emergencies. These measures ensure that inDrive users have reliable and immediate access to help when needed, reinforcing trust and safety within its ride-hailing network.
