Getting Insurance Coverage as an Uber or Lyft Driver in Washington State

So you’ve decided to become a rideshare driver in Seattle, Spokane, or another larger Washington city. Congratulations on becoming a self-employed solopreneur. You can set your hours and earn an income based on how long and hard you decide to work. 

What thoughts have you given to your auto insurance coverage? That’s one of many decisions you must consider before picking up your first passenger. 

I Already Have a Personal Auto Insurance Policy, So I’m Covered, Right? 

Not quite. Your personal policy doesn’t cover using your vehicle for commercial purposes. In other words, when you use your car to earn money by picking up passengers or packages, your personal auto insurance policy is no longer in effect. 

You need rideshare insurance for Lyft and Uber drivers in Washington state. 

Washington Rideshare Insurance Based on App Coverage 

You need some sort of Washington rideshare insurance because the coverage provided by your rideshare company is limited. There are coverage gaps that could prove to be expensive to you. 

Companies like Lyft and Uber, and those that hire drivers to deliver packages or restaurant meals, are called Transportation Network Companies or TNCs. In the state of Washington, all TNCs must provide auto insurance benefits to their drivers. 

From the moment you turn on your rideshare app, you’re covered to some extent. If you were to be in an at-fault accident when your app is on, but you haven’t yet picked up a passenger, your TNC will pay liability-only coverage. 

Liability insurance only covers the damage you inflict on other people or property with coverage limits. It won’t cover your personal vehicle or injuries to yourself. 

Once you’ve picked up a rider, your company-provided insurance policy increases, at this point, collision and comprehensive coverage kicks in. Collision and comprehensive benefits protect you financially by offering a settlement for personal injury and damage to your vehicle as well as to other persons or property if you’re at fault or if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. 

You’re also covered if the damages are caused by a hit-and-run driver who is never caught or doesn’t have insurance. 

Insurance and Accountability in an Accident 

One disadvantage of relying solely on the insurance coverage provided by the TNC is a deductible that could run as high as $2,500. This means that you’re responsible for paying that first $2,500 before the insurance company will settle for the rest of the cost of covered damages. 

If you can’t immediately pay that high amount, you might have a damaged and out-of-service vehicle for weeks or months until you can afford to pay the out-of-pocket. A sidelined vehicle puts you out of business in your chosen line of work. 

Also, keep in mind that the TNC only provides liability insurance coverage when you’re working but haven’t yet actually picked up a customer. Once again, in this case, you’ll receive no financial settlement for damages to your vehicle or for personal injury if you were the party at fault. If the other party has little to no insurance, Washington State law might require you to pay even if the other driver is at fault. 

The Importance of Washington Rideshare Insurance 

Whether you think of it as Uber or Lyft rideshare insurance for Washington drivers, this coverage handles the gaps in protection. Coverage gaps could put you out of business, as well as immobilize your vehicle for any other job or personal use. A Washington rideshare policy is very inexpensive. 

Suppose you’d like to add this Washington rideshare insurance coverage to your existing personal auto insurance policy, or you’re thinking of changing insurers. In that case, an independent auto insurance agent can help you choose the most affordable coverage. 

That’s because independent agents don’t work for one insurance company. Instead, they’ve established contractual relationships with several insurers. As a result, they can shop on your behalf for the best coverage and prevent higher rates after an accident. 

Add One of Our Affordable Rideshare Plans to Your Business Plan 

As with any other business decision, a rideshare business requires careful planning. That includes shopping for coverage to fill the gaps between the policy provided by Uber or Lyft. Protect yourself and your business with a Washington rideshare insurance plan. 

At Vern Fonk Insurance, our independent auto insurance agents can further explain the coverage gaps that could upend your business and the way rideshare insurance can protect you very affordably from those gaps. Then we’ll find you very cheap coverage for maximum financial protection. 

Just call us at (800) 455-8276. You can also get a quick quote online or find a Vern Fonk Insurance office and agent near you.