When you engage the services of an Uber driver, saving money likely forms your major consideration. After all, you almost always pay less for Uber than you do for a taxi service. But you also expect to enjoy a safe ride. And if the worst happens and you sustain injuries in an accident, you expect that Uber will pay for your medical and other costs.
Unfortunately, however, this does not always happen. Insurance.com reports that although Uber drivers can purchase Uber’s “driver-partner insurance,” few of them do. Even when they do, this insurance comes with severe restrictions that may not cover you, the innocent passenger.
Liability coverage
Uber’s liability insurance only covers you and your injuries in situations where all of the following conditions apply:
- Your driver bought an Uber “driver-partner insurance” policy.
- He or she likewise bought a commercial auto insurance policy.
- He or she caused the accident.
- His or her own policy covered your injuries up to its limit.
Few, if any, Uber drivers carry commercial liability insurance. Furthermore, their personal auto insurance policy undoubtedly does not cover “ride-for-hire” situations.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uber’s uninsured motorist insurance likewise only covers you in limited situations, including the following:
- The other driver caused the accident.
- He or she had either no auto insurance or insufficient insurance.
- His or her identity remains a mystery, such as in the case of a hit-and-run driver.
Given all of the above, your wisest strategy whenever engaging Uber services consists of questioning your driver as to what insurance he or she has. Depending on his or her answers, you may wish to engage another driver or even a taxi service.