Consumer Alert: TNC Coverage
Commissioner
Miller is reminding Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers to be aware of
what kind of coverage they have while driving for companies like Uber or Lyft.
Governor Wolf
signed Senate Bill 984 which formally legalized ride-sharing across the
Commonwealth earlier this month. Certain provisions of this law require TNCs to
tell drivers what kind of coverage they offer for vehicles with lease or lien
obligations.
Most private
auto insurance policies will not cover your vehicle while you are transporting
a paying passenger. Some TNCs may offer collision or comprehensive coverage to
drivers who are involved in accidents while operating their vehicle during certain stages of transportation.
Be aware that
there may be gaps in coverage between your private auto insurance policy and
what coverage the TNC offers, and purchasing additional commercial coverage may
be necessary. The comprehensive and collision coverage limits and deductibles for a commercial policy may differ
significantly from a private policy, so be sure to thoroughly review this
before purchasing.
For drivers
that have a car loan or drive a leased auto, it may be necessary to purchase
commercial comprehensive and collision coverage if such coverage is not
provided by the TNC. Failure to maintain
comprehensive and collision during all periods of TNC activity may result in
the lender or lessor obtaining “force-placed insurance” on the vehicle at the driver’s
expense, and typically costs more than insurance purchased directly by the
driver.
Commissioner
Miller is urging consumers who are thinking of driving for TNCs to review their
auto insurance policy, have verification of coverage from the TNC, and purchase
any additional coverage before starting to drive.
For more information or to file a complaint, contact the
Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Bureau online or
by calling 1-877-881-6388.