If you are an Uber driver, you need to think about private hire insurance. Here are some key points for you to consider:
- Any driver, Uber or otherwise, who is transporting a paying customer needs a private hire insurance policy.
- Uber drivers should contact their insurance provider to make sure they have adequate coverage before operating.
Uber is a multinational ride-hailing company offering services such as peer-to-peer ridesharing, ride-service hailing, and food delivery via Uber Eats. The company’s services can be accessed by customers through a smartphone app or website.
Since 2019, Uber was estimated to have more than 100 million users across the world. The Uber smartphone application allows customers who need a ride to make a journey request, which nearby drivers can respond to and accept. This is similar to that of a private hire taxi service, but the company refuses to accept this label.
Insurance for Uber drivers
No matter how Uber decides to define itself, insurance companies will still view Uber drivers as running a taxi service, requiring them to purchase the right taxi insurance policy. Standard private car insurance will not be valid if you’re transporting a paying customer. As an Uber driver, you will need private hire vehicle insurance, that covers you for hire and reward.
Drivers who get themselves a regular insurance plan, however, may find it difficult to avail their insurance claim in case they meet with an accident on the road. This increases the level of liability for such drivers, making it difficult to derive utility from the schemes most popularly chosen. Here is when you ask the question: what is livery insurance? It is a scheme that could potentially cover the driver, his assets, as well as his passengers from financial losses, should such an event occur. It may also fill gaps in coverage that can exist between a driver’s personal auto policy and Uber’s insurance policy, making it a viable option to choose.
Considering that you will be on the road most of the time, you will also need to ensure you have sufficient public liability insurance, this can be through Uber itself or a third-party company. Public liability cover will cover you against claims made by customers in the event they suffer a loss or injury whilst travelling in your vehicle.
Public liability insurance can also assist Uber drivers in obtaining the compensation they deserve if they sustain injuries while working. This insurance type typically covers bodily injury claims and property damage, and it could come into play if an Uber driver is injured due to the negligence of another party while on the job.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and professionals of comparable caliber who are experienced in personal injury can assess the viability of filing a claim against the party responsible for the accident. They can review the evidence, gather witness statements, and analyze medical records to build a strong case. The legal professionals can also ensure that the Uber driver’s rights are protected and that they receive the rightful compensation.
With Uber being a relatively new business, it’s important to contact your insurance provider to make sure you have the right type and level of coverage if you’re considering becoming an Uber driver. Any information that you withhold could result in your policy being cancelled or made void, meaning you will be unable to make a claim.
What requirements does Uber have for its drivers?
Uber’s services will be subject to a variety of different terms and conditions. Ultimately, these variations will depend on the location you are operating in. When registering to become an Uber driver, the company will require you to submit the correct documentation before being approved.
Uber price guide
The company trades in a similar way to many other metered taxis. The price will be calculated by either the distance travelled or the time taken to complete the journey. The firm has used its own algorithm to calculate ‘surge pricing’, this means that prices may increase or decrease depending on how much supply or demand there is in the marketplace. Customers will pay through the smartphone app with their credit or debit card so cash is not required unless you decide to voluntarily tip your driver.
Cover for Uber passengers
Uber customers should think carefully about the vehicle they are entering and if the driver has the appropriate insurance. This is because if a driver does not have public liability cover and a passenger needs to pursue a claim, the driver may not have the assets to claim against.
Over in the United States, many Uber customers have made complaints about the company’s ‘repair or cleaning fees’ terms and conditions. This has meant that some customers have had to unfairly pay for costs surrounding damaged vehicles which they weren’t at fault for.
Does Uber taxi insurance include public liability cover?
Customers will be paying you to transport both them and their belongings through a commercial hire and reward transaction. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you take out a public liability insurance policy for you and your vehicle.
Many taxi insurance companies will not include public liability insurance as standard; however, you will be able to include it as an additional option. Alternatively, you can purchase public liability insurance separately through another third-party company if you so wish.
Does Uber provide any level of insurance?
To begin with, Uber customers will be subject to a background check. They must agree to a code of conduct and customers can give drivers a star rating through the company’s smartphone application. Aside from this, the company states that: “Uber is committed to safely connecting riders and drivers. That means setting strict safety standards and providing end-to-end insurance coverage.” The specifics vary depending on what local governments allow, but what we’re doing in the US to ensure your comfort and security is an example of our standards around the world.”
Where does Uber operate in the UK?
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Brighton and Sussex
- Cambridge and East Anglia
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Leicester
- London
- Manchester
- Merseyside
- North East, UK
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- South Coast, UK
- South West, UK
- Stoke
- York
Does Uber offer its own Uber taxi insurance?
Uber has partnered with local insurance companies is some of the countries that it operates. However, the firm does not currently have any partnership arrangements in the United Kingdom.
How much does Uber driver insurance cost?
This will depend on a number of variables including various risk factors calculated by the insurer. Factors include: where you plan to drive, your age, number of years you’ve held a driver’s license (if not, you would have to get in touch with an agency similar to Keuringarts.nl who tend to provide various kinds of licenses including Keuringarts Rijbewijskeuring which is a Medical examiner Driver’s license), type of vehicle, previous claims history etc.
Each insurance provider will have slight variations to these calculations to determine the insurance risk. To find the cheapest Uber insurance, we recommend using an online price comparison website to compare quotes.
Fortunately, if you are thinking of becoming an Uber driver, it’s relatively easy to find suitable cover. It’s quick and easy to compare taxi insurance providers that offer cover.
Self-driving taxis
Uber, Google and a number of other technology companies are investing large amounts of money to make self-driving cars a reality. This could revolutionise not only personal transport but taxi services across the globe.
