TNC's Transportation Network Companies (like Uber and Lyft) are generally understood to provide ride sharing for a fee (e.g. a smart phone app. used to connect drivers with passengers).
If you plan to participate in a TNC (as a driver) this is not an exposure assumed by the Personal Auto Policy (PAP). The PAP contains an exclusion for claims arising out of the usage of the vehicle as a public or livery conveyance.
So, if you plan to participate:
- Make certain you fully understand the coverage provided by Uber
- Know that a Personal Auto Insurance Policy will not protect you
- Determine if you need a Commercial Auto Policy to address this exposure (answer: yes)
Uber just started operating in St. Louis and I do not know much about them. If I understand correctly, in some states, they do provide primary Liability Coverage (e.g. their policy would respond first in the event of an at fault accident while driving an Uber passenger). However, I do not know what the Liability Limits are. If the claim is large, they could burn through them in no time and leave the attorney's looking to you for the balance of the settlement.
Also, there will be no coverage for the damage to your vehicle and no coverage at all when you do not have a passenger in your vehicle.
Posted by dan@hebbeln-ins.com