Auto Insurance and Uber – What to Know Before you Become a Driver

Have you ever thought about becoming an Uber driver? Or do you know someone who is? There are a few very important things to consider before you start driving people in a personal vehicle. We understand that Auto Insurance can seem a bit tricky, but we want to make sure that you understand and are fully covered for anything that could happen. How does Uber Driving Auto Insurance work? Firstly, you need to tell your insurance broker that you are an Uber driver so they can help get you set up with the appropriate coverage. How does it differ from regular Auto Insurance? When driving for Uber the insurance policy changes when you have the Uber App open in the vehicle and you accept a ride. As soon as that ride is completed, and the passengers are dropped off at their destination, your insurance would then switch back to being your regular Auto Insurance. The expectation to this would be if you immediately accepted another ride. The Uber driving related Auto Insurance will stay intact as long as you have the App open in the vehicle with an accepted Uber ride or passengers present in the car. When the app is closed, you would be just operating under regular Automotive Insurance. What is the difference in the coverage? The coverage changes by including statutory accident benefits, uninsured motorist coverage, and third-party liability of up to $1 million while the app is in use, but no ride has been accepted, and up to $2 million after a ride has been accepted. However, each individual driver should talk to their insurance broker for a further more comprehensive understanding of the coverage and what works best under their personal policy. Will becoming an Uber driver actually help me make money? Well, we can’t answer that one for you! You’ll have to do some research and see if this business model makes sense for your lifestyle. But Uber.com offers a valuable resource for you to help make that decision, and we’re here to help make sure the right insurance policies are in place. If you already are an Uber driver or have decided to become one, please contact us today for an Auto Insurance quote, so we can you on the road safely right away!