For those that STILL don't believe me that your personal policy is of no good, no matter what YOU think or Uber has told you, from the horses mouth...the State of Oregon:
Source.
http://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/insurance/news/Pages/2014/sept192014.aspx
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The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Insurance Division advises Oregonians to consider their insurance needs when engaging in new apps and websites that facilitate car rides, vacation rentals, and other services - known as the "sharing economy."
"When a new industry emerges, it often creates unique insurance situations," said Insurance Commissioner Laura Cali. "Consumers should be aware that traditional insurance policies may not apply when participating in a new kind of business."
Examples include transportation networking companies (TNCs), such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, that offer smartphone apps to help connect drivers and passengers as an alternative to taxis. Drivers who participate use their personal vehicles to transport passengers for a fee. Other companies, such as Airbnb, allow people to list and book properties for rent through its website.
Here is what you need to consider before participating in these new endeavors:
Drivers of TNCs
Personal insurance policies will not provide you with coverage if you drive for a TNC. Because you would be collecting a fee for driving another person, your personal insurance policy would not cover any damage or losses that occur. Before signing up to become a driver:
- Find out if the company has an insurance program. Make sure the commercial automobile insurance policy held by the TNC includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage to you and others before and during the time you are designated to drive passengers for payment.
- Review any agreement involving car-sharing or ridesharing. Seek legal counsel if needed.
- Call your insurance company or agent to discuss your options and whether you might want to consider a commercial insurance policy. "
If any of you Uber/Lyft drivers happen to be unlucky enough to hit one of our cars, you *will* be sued. We've been hit by two already. Their insurance was cancel the instant the drivers agent found out. Those two drivers are never going to get insured again without paying a small fortune. Now...go get proper commercial insurance (like a town car, taxi, or airport shuttle operator must have) and go back to fighting among the 3000 of you for that next big "ping." With luck, it'll be a 2x surge. It's going to be State law by next year, so you might as well start shopping for your $1 million policy (it's what the city is going to recommend as well).
Then you can tell us, again, how much "cheaper" you are than a cab.
BTW...some of those Uber/Lyft cars out there are looking pretty ratty. You might want to ask your brethren to clean up their act a bit. Some of your cars are looking a bit, to use a stereotype.....cab like. ;-)