Taxi drivers are over the Moon(Gate)

Taxi drivers are now able to get affordable insurance programme.

MoonGate Insurance Ltd and the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association (BTOA) told the Bermuda Sun the programme will offer many benefits for both insurance and non-insurance products and services.

The taxi affinity programme will help provide coverage for home, motor, life and health insurance.

Leon Bascome, MoonGate president and CRO, said: “This is an historic moment in the history of Bermuda’s domestic insurance market and the taxi industry. The taxi fraternity has always formed the cornerstone of Bermuda’s hospitality (industry) and the individual drivers are great ambassadors for our country. 

Unfortunately, the cost of operating a taxi in this challenging economic environment has made it difficult for quite a number of taxi owners and operators. 

“I always pledged to my late grandfather William A. Francis, that given the opportunity, I would assist in trying to provide cost containment and innovative insurance programmes and advice for the taxi industry, wherever possible.”

He said one major issue was health insurance for the drivers. When the BTOA went out for rate quotes they received one back at $1,500 per month per driver while other carriers did not offer a quote at all.

Mr Bascome said MoonGate went to Government for help.

He said: “Collin Anderson, director of the Health Insurance Department, has been instrumental in developing the health insurance package for drivers, which includes HIP and FutureCare, and has been pivotal in meetings, explaining the benefits of both of these products.”

In addition, MoonGate has also partnered with Medical Air Services Association to provide the air ambulance coverage that was missing from the policies.

Derek Young, president of the BTOA, said: “This is a great day and a momentous occasion for the taxi industry. When it comes to benefits sometimes it feels like the taxi industry is the forgotten child, but we have spent long nights attempting to iron out the kinks involved in making this happen.” 

“The taxi drivers without health insurance can now be covered under a single programme that can also include their home and vehicle. I’m hoping the industry takes advantage of the great packages MoonGate will be offering us.”

All the non-health insurance policies will be underwritten by Freinsenbruch-meyer Group. Michael Freisenbruch, president of FMG, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with MoonGate to provide our insurance products to BTOA. MoonGate shares our holistic view of the client. 

“We are very encouraged that our high underwriting standards are undertsood by Leon and his team.”

Frank Halley, CEO of MASA, added: “Our new association with MoonGate Insurance provides our members with access to urgent air ambulance transportation.” 

The MoonGate Health Package, which includes Government’s HIP/FutureCare policy, air ambulance and additional benefits like health screenings, generic drug prescriptions and keep fit activities costs $450 per month for drivers under 65 and $500 per month for those over 65. HIP/FutureCare prices are $390 and $440 respectively.