As ridesharing explodes in popularity, you may wonder, “Am I covered by insurance if I am taking an Uber or Lyft?”
What about if you drive for a rideshare company? Do you still need to maintain your own insurance if you drive for Lyft or Uber? What responsibility does the rideshare company hold? The answer to that is layered and not as straightforward as some might hope.
Rideshare Insurance – Who Covers What and When
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that all drivers for rideshare companies are required by law to have insurance whenever the app is on (which signifies the driver is “working”). Florida law requires rideshare companies to carry a company policy that extends to their drivers, so these requirements are often met by the company itself. Many drivers also choose to carry their own rideshare coverage in addition to the company’s provided insurance.
When does the ridesharing company’s policy kick in, and when is a driver’s personal insurance (which they must still carry) active? There are four different situations that each have their own answer:
- The app is off. The driver is not working, and the vehicle is for personal use. In this case, the driver’s personal policy covers them.
- The app is on, and the driver is waiting for a passenger. This situation falls on the driver’s personal rideshare insurance. The rideshare company also provides a limited amount of liability coverage.
- The app is on, and the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger. In this situation, the driver has been matched with a passenger and is en route to fetch them. The rideshare company’s insurance covers this situation. Depending on the policy, some personal rideshare insurance may be in effect as well.
- The app is on, and the passenger is in the car. Once the passenger has entered the vehicle, the rideshare company’s insurance is fully in force. Once the passenger has been dropped off, the driver returns to Situation 2.
Not All Coverage is Created Equal
Rideshare companies must all provide their Florida drivers with coverage while the app is on. However, every company offers different levels of protection. Be familiar with the offerings of the company you drive for, or the company providing you with the ride.
You will still need personal insurance for operating your vehicle, since there will be times when you are driving it for your own use. Some personal policies may deny coverage while you are driving for a rideshare company. Know the rules for your insurance provider, and consider commercial insurance instead of a personal policy. It may offer you more consistent rideshare insurance.
Many rideshare drivers choose to carry a rideshare endorsement or policy in addition to what the company provides. This can offer higher liability limits when there is no passenger in the car, and can lower the deductible in case of an incident.
Involved in a Rideshare Accident? Know Your Rights.
If you were involved in an accident while driving for a rideshare, or while you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, you may be entitled to compensation. Steven A. Bagen & Associates can help sort out the complicated layers of insurance coverage, and we can help you understand your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!
