Up-State New Yorker’s have had the ability to take advantage of ride sharing application benefits since the NYS Insurance Law was amended back in June of 2017. It’s hard to imagine this was already 5 years ago!
As the applications continue to be used in high demand, insurance is often not a “top of mind” consideration when deciding to be either a driver or passenger for Uber of LYFT. However, it is VERY important to have an understanding of what your risks are when logging on to drive someone, or getting into a complete stranger’s car. 
The foundational insurance “phases” of ride sharing apps have not changed. We’ve noted in detail it in our blog back in 2017 here, as well as the 2019 John Gray News 10 Special Report our own Greg Barcomb was apart of here.
Since 2017, the picture has only become clearer. Almost all insurers in NYS have issued clarifying Ridesharing Exclusions to their policies. This removes ANY ambiguity within a policy that could be interpreted to offer coverage under your Personal Auto Policy while logged into a ridesharing app as a driver.
It is also important to know that while operating as a Ridesharing Driver, you do not automatically have Personal Injury Protection. This is an OPTIONAL coverage with Uber and LYFT and needs to be purchased (a small deduction is taken on a per mile basis).
The large majority find ourselves as a passenger in an Uber or LYFT rather than a driver. If you are injured in an accident while in an Uber or LYFT, it is very important to file the claim with your auto insurer, as NYS’s no-fault provisions would still apply.
There are also a number of general safety concerns to take into consideration when being a passenger in a ridesharing app. The below is straight from the Uber website:
1. Request your Ride inside
2. Check your Ride
3. Have the driver confirm your name
4. Be a back-seat rider
5. Always wear your seat belt
6. Share your trip details with loved ones
7. Protect personal information
8. Follow your intuition
9. Be kind and respectful
10. Give feedback about your trip
If you or any of your loved ones have any questions about ridesharing applications and the risk implications, our hardworking team at Ten Eyck Group would be happy to talk in more details anytime! Give us a call to talk more!