In many ways, the internet has changed our worlds as we once knew them. Some situations, experiences, travel, and relationships that were seen as forbidden are now deemed as safe and convenient. For example, our parents used to tell us not to talk to strangers, never get into a strange car, and don’t meet up with people off the internet. Ironically, this has changed in many ways, especially when you think of the concept of ridesharing. Getting into a stranger’s car that you select off the internet has become the norm for travel purposes in the U.S. and is considered to be a safe and convenient way to travel. If you are a driver for Uber, Lyft, or any other ridesharing service, you need to know whether ridesharing is covered under your personal auto policy.
Do Drivers for a Ridesharing Service Need a Separate Insurance Policy?
Ridesharing has grown so quickly that many insurers have had to revise personal policy forms that address ridesharing as a “transportation network platform.” When ridesharing originated, the old policy verbiage wasn’t clear about ridesharing services, so coverage issues were growing, but now with the revisions, it is defined and specifically clarifies several exclusions when using your personal auto as a way of providing transportation for others in exchange for money.
If you are contemplating becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft, you may want to immediately contact your local Alabama independent insurance agent to discuss your Alabama auto policy’s provisions, conditions, and exclusions as it pertains to ridesharing. This way you can make sure your insurance coverage is adequate, either by an endorsement or additional coverage, to fit your specific needs as a driver
Is Your Insurance Protection Inadequate?
There are many different scenarios you need to address if you are working for a transportation network service. For example, if you are in the act of physically transporting a rider to their destination, Uber/Lyft provides $1,000,000 of third-party liability coverage, as well as when you have made a match and are driving to pick up that person. But, what about those time periods when you are waiting for a hit but don’t have a specific match? What you may not know is that in those situations, insurance coverage drops to $50,000 per person (Bodily Injury)/ $100,000 aggregate for Bodily Injuries/ and $25,000 for Property Damage.
Burkett & Associates Insurance Agency is an Alabama independent insurance agent who can make sure you have the right type of insurance protection for every situation. Our main goal is to close any gaps you may have so when you are working for a transportation service, you will have peace of mind knowing your insurance is adequate. You can purchase an endorsement that gives you sufficient coverage even in situations where you are logged in, but don’t yet have a match.
Contact us TODAY at 256-704-7400 with any questions or concerns regarding ridesharing and the Alabama auto insurance protection you need.
