Rideshare: Care About Your Coverage

It’s the weekend and you want to go out and have fun. You want to go downtown and not have to worry about driving or finding a parking space. All you desire is a carefree night… A convenient, easy, and affordable option to leave your place is to rideshare! Getting an Uber or Lyft could not be any easier. It’s all done through an app on your phone.

The Beauty of Rideshare

You don’t have to pay in cash. No need to worry about calling anybody, or giving them directions to your destination. It’s all done through the app!!! Pretty cool, right? It gets better. Not only is everything conveniently done on the phone, it’s also available in virtually every city you go. Whether you are at home and need a ride, or if you’re on vacation, it’s the same app. Gone are the days of looking up the local Taxi service phone number. A local driver will be there shortly.

From the Driver’s Seat

Now you may be wondering, why am I pushing for Uber & Lyft so much? Besides the convenience, simplicity, safety, and affordable transportation for the rider…  I am a Lyft driver!!

I started driving Lyft in Findlay this past fall and I love it. It has provided an opportunity to get familiar with Findlay and to meet a wide range of individuals in the area. I just moved to Findlay and it has been a beneficial way to learn the city. I’ve had the opportunity to drive all over Findlay, but I’ve also been able to have some great conversations. I enjoy talking with passengers during their 5-15 minute ride. I learn how long they’ve resided in Findlay, what they do for a living, what they do for fun, and I get exposed to many other aspects of their lives.

Proper Auto Coverage for Rideshare

If you are a driver, or have thought about driving for Uber or Lyft, you may be wondering, “How does my car insurance work?” Maybe you assume your car insurance still covers you. On the other hand, maybe you are thinking there isn’t any coverage but you’re willing to take that risk every weekend when you drive. (I REALLY hope the later is not the case!!). As a Lyft driver and an Insurance Professional, I can tell you it’s very simple and inexpensive to be fully covered while driving for any rideshare company.

Your auto insurance provides coverage when you are driving your vehicle for personal use. Your insurance policy does not provide coverage if you are using your vehicle to drive passengers for hire. Uber & Lyft also have their own insurance which covers you and your vehicle while driving for them. I would suggest looking into the rideshare company’s insurance. While Uber & Lyft are the most popular, there are several other companies that provide coverage for you in your personal vehicle to drive for hire. Their provided coverage is likely much different than yours, and it’s good to know how you and your vehicle are covered in case of an accident while driving for them.

Add the Ridesharing Endorsement

In short, your car insurance covers you when you drive for yourself. Your company insures you when you drive for them. So you are thinking it’s all covered and good to go, right? WRONG. There is one area where neither will cover, unless you have a ridesharing endorsement on your personal auto insurance. If you are driving and have the app on, but do not have a passenger with you, or on the way to pick up one, then rideshare’s insurance will not provide coverage to your vehicle. Your personal auto insurance will not since you are actively searching for rides. Therefore, you add a simple ridesharing endorsement that is relatively inexpensive. In regard to the amount for rides, it’s a very inexpensive endorsement that protects you and your car at all times on the road.

Whether you are a passenger or a driver, let rideshare add to your experience in the city. Don’t let a $5 ride be the reason you put your safety (or someone else’s safety) in jeopardy! Don’t let a $30 endorsement be the reason you don’t have proper coverage in the event of an accident as the driver.

If you are considering rideshare, I’d be happy to share more of my experiences and make sure your vehicle is properly covered. All it take is filling out a quick form and we can go from there. Click on the image below. Submit the requested information and we will talk soon!

P.S. I’m sure you’re wondering because every single person asks me… No, I’ve never had anyone throw up in my car. 🙂