Ridesharing uses an online platform that connects passengers and drivers to share their private vehicles for transportation.
Public transportation is no longer the only option for getting around. You can now rideshare online by connecting you with drivers using their private vehicles.
Safety has been a major concern in the recent months, despite rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft’s growing popularity. Although many popular ridesharing companies have safety policies in place for drivers and riders, some people are still unsure if these guidelines are sufficient.
Is ridesharing legal?
Uber and Lyft drivers make millions of trips each day around the world, most of them safely. Safety remains a concern for both drivers and riders, so every company is continually adding safety features to their apps.
Uber’s 2019 safety reports show that there were 58 deaths, 3,045 sexual assaults, and nine fatal physical attacks out of the 1.3 billion rides in the U.S. last year. Uber has since increased their safety features and started new programs such as the Industry Sharing Safety Program. This program shares information about sexual predators to other ridesharing companies who may hire them.
Lyft has introduced over 15 safety features in 2019, including a pin verification system that helps to prevent riders from getting into the wrong car. Uber also allows riders to call 911 and record audio if they feel unsafe.
Ridesharing comes with risks
There are risks involved in any form of vehicle transportation, whether you take a taxi or drive yourself. There are risks associated with ridesharing and riders and drivers need to be aware. Here are some things to watch out for.
Riders
- Impersonation of a driver: Riders may mistakenly enter a car with someone other than their driver.
- Accidents: Research suggests that ridesharing could lead to an increase of two to three percent in fatal car accidents.
- Low-rated drivers: Ridesharing platforms will often kick drivers off if they have a low rating. However, this can take time and require drivers to maintain low scores. You can get a driver with low ratings but not enough to prevent them from picking up passengers.
Drivers
- Road safety: In the United States, car crashes are the sixth leading cause of death. Driving for long periods each day increases your risk.
- Unpredictable passengers: It is impossible to predict who you will pick up, especially if you drive late at night, when passengers are more likely be drunk. An aggressive passenger can lead to an unwelcome physical altercation.
- Low-rated passengers: Uber has recently banned riders with low ratings. However, it’s not clear if the cutoff will be as strict for drivers. Drivers feel pressured to take in even low-rated passengers so they don’t lose out on potential income.
- Insurance gaps: Your personal auto insurance may not cover you in the event of an accident that you cause while operating your rideshare vehicle for commercial purposes. The standard insurance offered by Uber and Lyft covers only a portion of your shift. If you are involved in an accident, your insurance coverage may not cover you.
Safety tips for ridesharing
Millions of people use ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft every single day, despite the potential safety hazards. These are some tips that will help you minimize the risk of using ridesharing apps.
Riders
- Keep calm: You can request your ride via the app by staying indoors.
- Verify the license plate.
- Ask for verification: You can ask your driver to verify the identity of the person you’re picking up, and/or use a PIN verification device.
- Use a seatbelt. Sit in the backseat and ensure that your seatbelt is properly fastened.
- Share your plans with family and friends: Use the app to let your loved ones and friends know that you plan on taking an Uber or Lyft. You can also share details about your trip and your ETA with them.
- Inform your driver: Tell your driver that you are sharing the details of your trip with someone. Criminals are less likely not to act when they know that there is a high chance of being caught.
- Prepare for the worst: Create a plan and a safe word for you and your family to communicate quickly and get out of any potentially dangerous situation.
- Trust your gut instincts: If you feel unsafe, stop riding.
Drivers
- Prepare ahead: Write down a plan that will help you handle all possible passenger situations.
- You can screen passengers with Uber and Lyft. Before accepting a fare, you can see the passenger’s ratings. Pass if the rider is not rated highly enough. Many rideshare drivers recommend that passengers with ratings below 4.6 are refused service.
- Ratings: To protect other drivers, rate passengers who behave badly or make you uncomfortable. Contact the rideshare company and let them know.
- Listen to your gut and stop riding if you feel unsafe.
- Be aware of your passengers’ behavior. This will help you to get out of dangerous situations.
Rideshare insurance
While your car insurance policy may be great for personal use, it will not cover you if you begin driving for Uber and Lyft. Your policy may be canceled if you attempt to file a claim on an accident caused by ridesharing apps. This is where rideshare insurer comes in.
Ridershare insurance providers classify your time as a driver in three phases.
- Phase 1: Waiting to book your next fare. The app is on but you’re not on a trip.
- Phase 2: Picking up passengers and waiting for them at the airport.
- Phase 3: Driving with your passenger
Rideshare insurance does not cover any activity beyond these phases or when the app has been turned off.
Uber and Lyft offer rideshare insurance to their drivers after they sign up. This insurance is not comprehensive. Uber has a $1,000 deductible and Lyft has $2,500. You may not be covered for accidents that happen during Phase 1.
You can ensure you are fully covered as a Lyft or Uber driver by purchasing additional rideshare insurance policies. These policies can be purchased through many major automobile insurers like Geico or Allstate. You may be able to buy one through your existing car insurance provider, and you might save money by bundling policy. Although rideshare policies tend to be cheaper than regular auto insurance policies due to the fact that they are more affordable than traditional policies, prices can fluctuate depending on driving record and age.
Ridershare insurance fills the gap between your personal insurance and the policy of the ridesharing company. You’ll be covered throughout your rideshare trip, even if you are not traveling. By covering the difference between policies, rideshare insurance policies can reduce or eliminate your maximum deductible.
Bottom line
Safety risks involved in ridesharing are important to both the rider and driver. Ridesharing is a safe alternative to public transportation. Millions of rides are completed every day without any incidents. You can protect yourself by buying your own rideshare insurance policy if you’re thinking of driving for Uber and Lyft or already accept fares through the app.
Remember the golden rule of ridesharing, which is to trust your gut no matter what. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you can end your ride and call for help.