If you drive for ridesharing companies, you likely need higher insurance limits than those provided by your auto policy. If you cause an accident without a rideshare endorsement, your auto policy will deny coverage (it’s called breaching the policy in insurance lingo).
An attorney experienced in ridesharing accidents can help you understand your car insurance coverage and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Coverage for Passengers
When you’re injured in a wreck with a ridesharing driver, it can be challenging to know what to do. First, always stay at the scene of the accident. Never tell a police officer or the driver that you feel fine, as this could later be used against you in your claim.
You should also collect all the necessary information from drivers and witnesses. Take pictures of the scene, and ask for statements from everyone involved.
Finally, ensure your rideshare insurance policy provides a minimum of the liability limits set by your state and the company you’re working for. Also, consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to give yourself the most protection possible. Almost all rideshare insurers offer these policies as add-ons to existing personal auto insurance policies or in hybrid forms that combine both for a discounted premium.
Coverage for Third Parties
If you’re hurt in a crash caused by a ridesharing driver, your ottawa auto insurance policy will cover the cost of your damages, depending on the circumstances. But understanding how ridesharing coverage works can help you avoid pitfalls when filing a claim with the help of a law office.
Suppose your auto insurance company knows you’re doing work without a rideshare endorsement. In that case, it will deny the claim because it considers your activity to be business-related and a violation of the terms of the policy. That can also lead to a cancellation or nonrenewal.
Fortunately, many insurers offer rideshare coverage as an add-on to existing auto policies or combine it with the standard policy as a hybrid policy. This particular coverage understands the unique needs of rideshare drivers and offers a variety of options to fit any budget. You can customize your policy by choosing the types and limits of coverage you want.
Coverage for Drivers
If a rideshare driver has an accident while en route to pick up or has a passenger in the vehicle, their company’s insurance will provide protection. However, their auto policy will not cover them unless they have purchased a special rideshare endorsement from an insurance provider. If caught without such an endorsement, their insurer will likely cancel or non-renew their policy, and they will have to find a new one—typically at higher rates.
Insurance companies that offer specialized rideshare coverage understand the unique needs of drivers. They often offer this coverage as an add-on to their regular auto policies or a hybrid option combining both. These policies can be much less expensive than traditional business auto insurance. As such, they should be considered a must for any driver who is serious about earning a living from their car. They may even qualify for multi-policy discounts with their current auto insurer.
Coverage for Damages
Regarding ridesharing accidents, there are many complexities of insurance coverage. As a general rule, standard auto policies will not cover an accident that occurs while the driver is logged in and actively working for ridesharing companies. Instead, these drivers must have a ridesharing endorsement added to their policy. This typically increases the liability limit and provides excess coverage in a collision with a third party while a passenger is in the vehicle.
These are essential first-party coverages that will pay for the damage to your car, regardless of fault, as long as you have this additional coverage on your policy. Most companies offer this additional coverage as an add-on to your existing auto policy, and the cost is usually far less than you might expect. You can get this coverage from a hybrid rideshare/business auto policy with the same company.
