Only 22pc of taxis have typhoon coverage, says HKFI
The chief executive of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers says some taxis are covered to drive during typhoons but less than a quarter have the necessary insurance.  Selina Lau was speaking on RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme, four days after scores of incoming passengers were stranded at Hong Kong International Airport because of Typhoon Koinu, during which the typhoon signal number 9 was issued. "In Hong Kong only 22 percent of the taxis are covered by comprehensive cover for their own damage," she said. "That means we have 18,000 taxis in town and only about 4,000 of them are insured for their own damage." But Lau said in Hong Kong under most of the cases, taxi owners only pay for comprehensive cover when the taxi is under three years of age. She also said third-party cover is mandatory in Hong Kong, so that always applies.  The taxi trade is calling for clarity over insurance for cabbies when the number eight or higher signal is in effect. One insurance policy clause, that always applies, is that a driver should always take reasonable steps to safeguard the vehicle for loss or damage, which many say could void a claim by a driver going out during a number eight signal or inclement weather. "It's all about reasonableness," Lau said. "Say during the Black Rainstorm early last month, all of a sudden a flood comes, I don't think anyone can prevent such a loss." Lau said there was no definition of inclement weather but during typhoon eight signals, and black rainstorm warnings, data on claims was collected, and pay-outs were made. "The typhoon back in 2018, when Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong, we did pay out taxi claims as well," Lau said.  But with regard to Typhoon Koinu, Lau said claims analysts were busy settling claims and that once these were completed and consolidated, the federation would try to make them public via the media.