Taxi drivers can have their driving behavior tested in order to prevent damage and to make taxi companies attractive again for regular insurers. De Vereende, an insurer that mainly serves as a safety net for insured persons who have almost nowhere else to go because of the high risk, is introducing the RijBeterBox, a kind of black box that keeps track of driving data.

Due to the high number of accidents involving taxis, insurers have become less eager to insure taxi companies. The damage figures from De Vereende show that taxis have suffered much more damage than passenger cars over the past five years. The damage amount is on average 50 percent higher. What contributes to more frequent damage caused by taxis is that they cover more kilometers and drive more often in city centers.

From 1 February next year, taxi customers of the Vereende can measure their driving behavior with the box at no extra cost. Firstly, according to the insurer, it helps to give drivers insight into their own driving behaviour. In addition, the Vereende calls on other insurers to hire drivers with a good score as customers again. If this does not work, De Vereende offers drivers who have proven safe driving a discount on the premium of up to 30 percent.

The initiative of the Vereende is supported by Veilig Verkeer Nederland and the transport sector organization KNV.

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