Uber’s Ontario policy provides coverage once the driver logs into the Uber app; it spans the time from when the driver logs into the app, waits for a trip, accepts a trip, picks up a ride and drops off the ride at their destination. 

In Alberta, it’s a little different. Uber’s Alberta policy commences coverage when the driver accepts a ride, not when the driver logs into the app. Once a ride is accepted, the coverage starts and stays in place through to when the passenger leaves the vehicle at their destination. 

So which policy applies when, as an Alberta-based Uber driver, you are logged into the Uber app and waiting for a trip—your personal auto insurance coverage or Uber’s commercial policy? 

Basically, Uber’s commercial insurer has said it will provide coverage during this time, but only when your personal auto insurer says they won’t and they deny a claim.

Please note: In both provinces, the commercial coverage does not apply when the vehicle is being used for personal purposes, which is why a personal auto insurance policy is also required by law. 

The commercial ridesharing policy purchased by Uber has two different sets of coverage levels.

1. Driver is logged into the app waiting for a ride up 

During this time, the commercial insurance policy provides the following initial coverages:

• $1 million third party liability
• Standard Accident Benefits
• Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. This is only available to Ontario Uber drivers and only if these optional coverages are in the driver’s personal policy.

If you live in Alberta and drive for Uber, remember the first two points apply only after your personal auto insurance provider has denied a claim.

2. Driver accepts a trip 

Once a trip is accepted, and the driver is in transit to pick up the passenger, the coverages change to the following and stays at these levels until the passenger arrives at their destination and leaves the vehicle:

• $2 million third party liability
• Standard Accident Benefits
• Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. (In Ontario, this is only available if these optional coverages are in the driver’s personal policy as well.)

Passengers can sit back and buckle up knowing they’re covered under Uber and Lyft’s commercial insurance policies should something happen during the trip. In both cases, the policies provide coverage from the time you enter the vehicle through to until you exit upon arrival at your destination.

If an accident occurs while you’re in the vehicle, you have two options: 

• 1. Go through your auto insurance provider - If you have your own auto insurance, you would go through your provider as you would any other auto-related claim in Ontario.
• 2. Go through Uber or Lyft -  If you do not have your own auto insurance policy, you would have to file a claim through your driver’s commercial insurance. Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry insurance and must provide these details to you. Legal counsel is often recommended in these cases, especially if you are injured in the accident.

To file an accident or safety report with Uber click here and for Lyft click here. 

It is illegal to operate a vehicle without insurance. Since rideshare insurance does not provide coverage for usage outside of ridesharing, it’s imperative you get a personal car insurance policy. 

Not all personal auto insurers cover drivers that use their vehicles for commercial ridesharing purposes and some might even charge an extra premium for it. By comparing rates, you can find a better deal without sacrificing your coverage. 

As a reminder, if you do decide to use your personal vehicle for ridesharing, talk to your insurance company about it first. You’ll want to make sure you’re covered before you accept your first trip.