Liability And The Average Ridesharing Driver

8 May 2017
 Categories: Business, Blog

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Earning money in the "gig economy" is easier than ever before. Signing up for freelance jobs via the internet can be done in only a few minutes. Ridesharing services are quickly becoming great ways for people to make tremendous income. As any experienced driver likely realizes, there are insurance considerations to weign. Buying a commercial auto insurance is a real "must" when operating a vehicle like a quasi-taxi. Doing so protects against a wide range of liabilities. Being at fault for hitting another car is definitely a case of being liable. What happens when an altercation occurs between the driver and an unruly passenger? Clarifying any ambiguity in the matter is advised in order to avoid problems with an insurance policy.

The Unknown Passenger

Sad to say, drivers do not know anything about the person they choose to pick up. The passenger could be intoxicated and belligerent. If this is the case, the potential for an altercation exists. Altercations come with the potential for injury. Injuries open doors for liability claims. Auto insurance -- along with homeowners insurance -- does contain a specified financial level of liability protection.

Liability and Negligence

In order to held liable, the driver must be negligent. A number of scenarios could arise out of a belligerent person causing an auto accident. What if a drunk passenger grabs the wheel from the driver? What if the passenger attacks the driver and the driver defends himself? Is the driver protected from evicted a passenger from the car even though the region may be remote and hazardous? The best source to answer questions such as these would be the insurance company itself.

Looking into Controversies

Whether new to ridesharing or a veteran of the job, it never hurts to expand one's knowledge and awareness of a potential insurance issue. Ridesharing services seem to be in the news due to public interest in various controversies. Reviewing online news reports about incidents and writing down any questions about how insurance relates to a particular scenario can be helpful. Immediately calling the insurance company and requesting clarification ensures any ambiguity is put to rest.

No Problem at Present

Some may be worried about asking their insurance company about potential problems. If no incident occurred and no claim is being filed, no problem exists. The phone call is merely a step by the insured to be responsible. Being responsible has a tendency to guide actions in a more positive direction.