Parker has been an UBER driver for three years, and he’s seen his share of out-of-control passengers.
“There’s been altercations, like I’ve pulled up to a club or a bar, and somebody can be in an altercation outside, and that could come into the vehicle,” Parker told Local 8 News. “You never really know what’s going on.”
It’s not an easy job, and distractions come with the territory.
“You have to focus, a lot of people want you to be on Snapchat and use your phone some type of way, different things like that,” Parker said.
That’s why Uber and Lyft drivers, like everyone else, are prone to car accidents. However, if they’re covered correctly, then you’re covered as a passenger.
Terrance Ware is a Nationwide insurance adviser, and he believes any driver should be upfront and honest when picking out their insurance policy with an adviser.
“A lot of times, you can see a claim denied, and in my experience, it’s when it’s not covered accurately,” Ware said.
If a driver doesn’t come clean and explain they’re using their car for business, there could be problems with the insurance company filling claims.
“I’d imagine in some cases they may say, ‘Okay, it’s a slap on the wrist, we’re not going to cover this, but we’re also not going to drop you.’ If the company feels like they need to do an investigation to see if there was misrepresentation, then there could be a situation where it could be considered insurance fraud, which is a major issue.”
Whether you’re the driver or the customer in a ride share situation, you need to make sure you know the ins and outs of the business before you get in the passenger seat or behind the wheel. Saving a few bucks on your policy by not listing it under the right category could cost you more in the long run.
If you’re an Uber or Lyft driver, make sure your car is listed under a commercial vehicle on your insurance policy and not a personal vehicle.
