Road safety a shared civic duty —Pioneer Insurance

As the Department of Health reported that 1,113 road crash injuries occurred during the recent holiday season alone, the homegrown insurance group Pioneer Insurance said it is raising awareness, emphasizing that road safety is not just a personal responsibility but a shared civic duty we all carry.

“Being a responsible driver means thinking beyond yourself. Road accidents affect not just vehicles, but real people. Having legitimate CTPL (Compulsory Third Party Liability) ensures that when accidents happen, those affected receive the financial protection and support they deserve,” said Pioneer Insurance Motor Head Iluminado Garcia.

When accidents occur, Garcia shared the importance of staying calm, securing the scene, checking for injuries, calling for emergency assistance, documenting the incident, and cooperating with other parties to ensure proper response and accountability.

Beyond these immediate actions, Garcia noted that many motorists remain unaware of an important protection already built into vehicle ownership: CTPL. It provides up to P200,000 in financial assistance when third parties are injured or killed in an accident.

While it does not insure the vehicle itself, Garcia said the coverage helps cover legal, medical, and burial expenses.

Despite its importance, many motorists still view CTPL merely as a requirement of the Land Transportation Office rather than as insurance with real benefits.

This has led to widespread issues, such as premium overpricing, difficulty in filing claims, low concern for insurer legitimacy, and the circulation of fake CTPL policies.

Garcia urges motorists to get CTPL only from reliable sources to avoid further headaches amid accidents. “Pioneer is a reliable insurer that offers CTPL at the right price and consistently pays legitimate claims, giving motorists confidence that their coverage will respond properly when accidents happen,” he said.

He emphasized that responsible driving goes beyond compliance: “By understanding CTPL, we become more accountable motorists to everyone who shares the road.”