The Association of T&T Insurance Companies (ATTIC) is calling for the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act to be updated to accommodate Uber and other technologically driven initiatives.
In a statement released ahead of an expected meeting between Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan and Uber officials next week to discuss the legality of Uber in T&T, ATTIC identified two concerns which should be addressed.
ATTIC is concerned about the suggestion that private cars be used in Uber's transport service when the law states that a vehicle registered for private use must only be used for that purpose.
"We draw your attention to the Road Traffic Act Chapter 48:50 in which it is an offence for a person to use his/her vehicle for a purpose other than for which it is registered. This therefore means that a person who uses a privately registered motor vehicle for the purpose of hire or reward would be committing an offence," the association said.
ATTIC said motorists who register to become Uber drivers should ensure they are complying with the laws of T&T.
The association is also concerned about the insurance implications of the service.
"Under the Motor Vehicle Insurance (third-party risks) Act Chapter 48:51 provision is made for the protection of third parties against risks arising out of the use of motor vehicles," ATTIC said, noting that the Act places an obligation on owners of motor vehicles to hold insurance policies or other securities against third party risks.
They advised that potential passengers of Uber consider whether the vehicle's motor insurance coverage will respond in the event of any incident given that some policies for private vehicles exclude driving for hire.
For owners of vehicles, ATTIC suggested they contact their insurer to determine whether "their policies may be voidable given that the vehicle is being used for both private activity as well as in the provision of the Uber service."
