Whether you are using ride-sharing apps to earn money as your career or just for some extra cash on the side, you need to understand your MAIF car insurance coverage with Uber and or Lyft. Just so that we are all clear, Uber and Lyft are popular ride-sharing apps that allow everyday people like yourself to share your vehicle with others who need a ride and earn a profit for doing so. Uber and Lyft have become mainstream and are just about everyone’s ‘go-to’ when needing a ride as traditional taxi services are usually only available in major cities and immediate suburbs. So, now let’s help you understand how, when and if you are covered as an Uber or Lyft driver.
Insurance Gap
- Both Uber & Lyft have what is called an insurance gap. What this means is that when you are operating your vehicle with any non-Uber or Lyft rider, then you will need to ensure that your app is turned off as you are covered under your personal auto insurance at this time. If you happen to be involved in an accident without a passenger and your app is turned on, it is possible that your personal insurance could refuse to cover damages under these circumstances.
During A Paid Ride
- During a paid ride from an Uber or Lyft passenger, you need to make sure that your app is on from the time you accept the job until the time your passenger exits your vehicle. If you have a passenger and do not have your app on, then it is likely that your personal auto insurance policy will cover any injuries or damages during an Uber or Lyft transaction.
Commercial Insurance Policy
- Once you accept a ride-sharing request, and your app is turned on from the time you accept the request until the passenger exits your vehicle, then you will be covered under Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy which will cover up to one million per incident.
Get A Quote
We wish you all the success in the world if you decide to pursue a career or are just looking to make a couple extra bucks with Uber or Lyft, and if you do, you still need personal auto insurance, contact Maryland Auto Insurance today for a no-hassle quote.