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The Importance of Disclosing Your Rideshare Driving to Your Insurance Agent

By May 25, 2023No Comments
Person sitting behind a car's steering wheel with a rideshare map on a cellphone.

In today’s digital age, rideshare programs like Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, GrubHub, and others have transformed the way we commute and access food delivery services. However, when it comes to insurance coverage, many individuals overlook a crucial aspect – informing their insurance agent about their rideshare activities. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of disclosing your rideshare driving to your insurance agent, discuss a relevant example, provide a resolution, and emphasize the significance of proactive communication.

Driving for a rideshare program involves using your personal vehicle for commercial purposes. This distinction is vital because personal auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for commercial activities. Failing to inform your insurance agent about your involvement in ridesharing may lead to significant consequences in case of an accident or damage.

Let’s consider an example to illustrate the potential repercussions of not disclosing your rideshare activities to your insurance agent. Sarah, an Uber driver, unintentionally causes a collision while driving a passenger to their destination. The accident results in injuries to the passenger and damages to both vehicles involved.

Sarah’s personal auto insurance policy does not provide coverage for accidents that occur during commercial activities. Unfortunately, Sarah failed to inform her insurance agent about her rideshare driving. Consequently, her insurance company denies the claim, leaving her personally liable for the passenger’s medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and legal costs.

To avoid situations like Sarah’s, it is essential to take the following steps:

Inform Your Insurance Agent

Be proactive and transparent with your insurance agent about your involvement in rideshare programs. Notify them about the specific platform(s) you drive for and provide accurate information about your driving frequency and hours.

Review Your Policy

Work with your insurance agent to review your existing policy. They can help you understand any coverage gaps and recommend appropriate solutions that meet your specific needs. This may involve purchasing additional insurance coverage, such as a rideshare endorsement or a commercial auto insurance policy.

Select the Right Coverage

Rideshare companies often provide limited liability coverage when you are actively engaged in their platforms. However, these coverages typically have gaps and may not provide comprehensive protection. Acquiring appropriate insurance coverage ensures you are adequately protected, even when you are offline or between rides.

Understand the Cost Implications

Discuss the cost implications of obtaining additional coverage with your insurance agent. While it may require an increase in premiums, the peace of mind and financial protection it provides are invaluable.

Disclosing your rideshare driving activities to your insurance agent is crucial to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. Failing to do so can have severe consequences, leaving you personally responsible for damages and liabilities. By proactively communicating with your insurance agent, reviewing your policy, and obtaining the right coverage, you can ensure comprehensive protection and drive with confidence. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to insurance coverage. Have questions? Contact us!

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