Toronto, ON (Aug. 13, 2015) – Today, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is raising awareness of the risks associated with ridesharing programs for both drivers and passengers.
There are a number of myths that suggest insurance coverage would be recognized should an UberX driver or an UberX passenger be involved in a collision.
“The simple fact is that UberX is a new concept that Ontarians are embracing quickly, both as drivers and as passengers. At this time, drivers and passengers should know that there is no existing endorsement for a personal lines policy that is available today that would guarantee them coverage or protection in the event of a collision during an UberX experience,” added Brattman.
If the driver is working under a standard/basic personal auto insurance policy and they have not informed their insurer or broker that they were using their vehicle for commercial purposes, coverage would likely not be extended. UberX drivers would be properly covered through the Facility Association under their taxi commercial auto policy. This is what is available today for drivers today.
“Our position will always be to advocate for the protection of Ontario consumers. We are encouraging insurers and regulators to find coverage solutions that specifically protect ridesharing opportunists. We are also developing an education session for brokers to be released in September 2015 that focuses on how to communicate these risks to their consumers – both the passengers and the drivers. We would like to work with UberX to further understand the coverage they say they provide to their drivers,” concluded Brattman.