The Jakarta Post, Thursday April 13, 2006
Read the fine print on a ticket issued by any parking company in the city, and it’s clear that, apart from the steep charge, there is next to nothing offered in terms of security for the vehicle.
Beginning next week, however, customers will have the option to participate in a new insurance scheme for their vehicles.
“We want to help those who cannot afford the hefty premium on car insurance, because vehicle owners are really at a disadvantage in parking lots,” PT Bumi Artha Sukses Mandiri president Heron Rubianto said Wednesday.
The insurance company has introduced Artha Parking Insurance, providing all-risk insurance for parked vehicles — including clauses on damage sustained in riots and personal accidents for two people — of up to Rp 100 million (about US$11,000) for cars and Rp 15 million for motorcycles.
Heron said the insurance was first offered for companies wishing to give extra security for their clients, such as valet services, but would be extended to the general public beginning Monday.
“We have an agreement with the Jakarta Parking Management to start introducing the scheme. The results of the trial period also will be used as consideration in the drafting of a gubernatorial decree on parking,” he said.
The scheme will be implemented at off-street parking lots in Monas, Central Jakarta; the west side of Jl. Boulevard in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta; and the parking area in Blok M, South Jakarta.
On the street, it will cover Jl. H. Agus Salim and Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto in Central Jakarta, the east and west side of Jl. Boulevard in North Jakarta, Jl. Jatinegara Pasar and Jl. Kedoya Pasar in East Jakarta, Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk in West Jakarta, and Jl. Wolter Mongonsidi and Jl. Panglima Polim in South Jakarta.
Parking tickets printed from electronic ticket dispensers will have extra wording about the parking insurance policy, or the parking attendant will provide an extra ticket besides the standard parking ticket.
“This means that customers are encouraged to always ask for a parking ticket,” Heron said, adding it was in line with the Jakarta Parking Management’s effort to minimize opportunities for corruption.
A study by the University of Indonesia determined the ideal premium price at Rp 500 per car and Rp 300 per motorcycle for off-street parking, and Rp 1,000 per car and Rp 500 per motorcycle for on-street parking due to the increased risk.
For locations that have not participated in the system, vehicle owners can still get insurance policies through Bumi Artha’s SMS-based system. Type Askir#plate number#vehicle brand#vehicle type#parking location#parking ticket number on mobile phones using any cellular operator, and send to 6288.
“The cost of the SMS, at Rp 2,000 per message, will already include the cost of the insurance policy premium,” Heron said, explaining that an automatic response would immediately provide a policy number.
Using the parking ticket and policy, a customer can claim damages, such as for total or partial loss of vehicle, damage or loss through accidents or criminal acts, damage through riots, except cases related to political upheaval, terrorism and sabotage, and personal accidents occurring in parking areas or parking buildings.
“Accessories that come with the vehicle, that are factory standard, will also be insured, including tape players,” Heron said.
