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Today, Uber and other rideshare programs are all the rage. No one gets into an Uber car thinking they will be involved in an accident. But the unfortunate truth is that, as these become more popular, the incidence of potential accident claims rise. Today, more Hamilton personal injury lawyers are seeing more claims involving rideshare programs. As a passenger, you may want to consider what your legal rights would be if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in an Uber car.
In 2016, Ontario joined Alberta in being approved for fleet coverage from the time the Uber app is turned on until the passengers exit the vehicle. Uber purchased this policy for its fleet of drivers through Intact Financial Corporation which now insures private vehicles transporting passengers through Uber and RideCo. These are the only rideshare companies that are currently insured. However, as the rideshare industry grows, the insurance implications will need to evolve. Passengers who use other rideshare companies can seek optional coverage from their own insurance companies for a small cost.
So what does that mean for a passenger if you are injured in an Uber car? The policy offered through Intact Financial Corporation covers Uber drivers as long as they are seeking rides or driving passengers. When the app is turned off, a rideshare driver is no longer covered and insurance reverts back to their own personal coverage. As long as the rideshare app is active, the victim of any accident is covered and due compensation for any injuries sustained. This coverage is irrespective of any other insurance that the driver may have on the vehicle. This rideshare coverage also supersedes and is primary to any other coverage that the passenger or third party may have at the time of the accident. That means Intact Financial Corporation pays out first before any privately owned coverage.
The coverage includes:
● $2 million liability coverage for liability to third parties.
● Ontario statutory accident benefits
● $2 million protection against hit-and-run, uninsured motorist, or inadequately covered motorist.
● Property and direct compensation for the driver’s vehicle and related expenses when the accident is not the driver’s fault.
● Contingent collision and comprehensive which covers loss or physical damage to the driver’s vehicle in excess of $1,000 deductible when individual collision and comprehensive is already owned by the driver.
● Coverage between trips
As any other form of public transportation, accidents involving rideshare programs can be more complicated than an accident between two individual drivers. If you have been involved in an accident involving Uber or any other rideshare program, it is to your benefit to get legal advice regarding your rights. Call an injury lawyer in Hamilton to ensure that your rights are being protected after an accident involving an Uber or other rideshare program as these will change as time and necessity dictates. At APC Law, we would be glad to speak to you if you have been injured as a result of an accident involving an Uber or other ride-sharing vehicle.