By ALLEN MCQUISTON
The Jemez Agency
So I got a call from someone interested in being an Uber driver and he wanted to know how he was covered for car insurance.
I told him his current policy does not provide coverage while he is driving someone for a fee. But it got me interested how people are covered when they are driving for Uber. So off to their website I went and here is what I found.
App on … While you’re waiting for a request
While you’re online with Uber before you accept a request, you are covered by our insurance policy for your liability to a third party if you are in an accident when you’re at fault. A third party is someone or something other than yourself or your vehicle, and coverage includes your liability to pay another driver’s or another person’s medical bills or to pay for property damage (like a damaged fence).
Coverage is at least $50,000 in injury liability per person with $100,000 in total liability per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability per accident. We maintain this automobile liability insurance on your behalf, if you do not maintain applicable insurance of at least these amounts. If another person is at fault, you may make a claim against their insurance. Your personal insurance policy may also cover you in this situation. Please check your personal coverage for more information.
Request accepted … On your way to pick up a rider
While you drive to pick up a rider but before they get into your car, you are covered by our insurance policy for three things: 1) your liability to a third party, 2) any injuries due to an uninsured or underinsured motorist, and 3) collision and comprehensive coverage if you already have such coverage on your personal insurance.
Third party liability coverage
This insurance covers your liability for damages to any third party such as another driver, pedestrian, or property in case of an accident when you’re at fault. The coverage amount is at least $1 million of total liability coverage.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
This insurance covers any occupant of your vehicle in case of an accident where another party is at fault, but does not have insurance or is underinsured. This also covers hit and run accidents where the at-fault party cannot be identified. The coverage amount is $1 million of total coverage for bodily injury.
Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
This insurance covers your vehicle in case of an accident whether it was your fault or not, as long as you maintain auto insurance that includes collision coverage for that vehicle while not on an Uber trip. The coverage amount is up to the actual cash value of your vehicle. There is a $1,000 deductible.
On trip … While a rider is in your car
When a rider is in your car, you have the same coverage as you do on your way to pick them up, plus the rider in your car is covered. You are covered by our insurance policy for three things: 1) your liability to a third party, 2) any injuries due to an uninsured or underinsured motorist, and 3) collision and comprehensive coverage if you already have such coverage on your personal insurance.
Third party liability coverage
This insurance covers your liability for damages to any third party such as the rider(s) in your vehicle, another driver, pedestrian, or property in case of an accident when you’re at fault. The coverage amount is at least $1 million of total liability coverage.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
This insurance covers any occupant of your vehicle in case of an accident where another party is at fault but does not have insurance or is underinsured. This also covers hit and run accidents where the at-fault party cannot be identified. The coverage amount is $1 million of total coverage for bodily injury.
Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
This insurance covers your vehicle in case of an accident whether it was your fault or not, as long as you maintain auto insurance that includes collision coverage for that vehicle while not on an Uber trip. The coverage amount is up to the actual cash value of your vehicle. There is a $1,000 deductible.
Offline … When driving your car for personal use
Since you are not driving on the Uber platform during this period, you are not covered by our insurance policy for driver-partners.
Any accidents that occur in your car while not driving with Uber are covered by the personal auto insurance coverage that you purchase on your own.
If you have an interest in becoming an Uber driver, I would have you check with your insurance professional to see if your policy has any specific exclusions or limitations relating to ride sharing.
