At Lawley, we partner with the top insurance carriers. Safeco is one of our partners. Please read below about how Safeco is addressing the growing rideshare industry, with companies like Uber and Lyft.

Safeco’s personal auto policy excludes vehicles being used as a “public or livery conveyance” such as taxis. Safeco now offers Auto RideSharing Coverage for drivers who work for a ride hailing company, such as Uber or Lyft, driving their personally owned vehicles. A ride hailing company is also known as a Transportation Network Company (TNC). Drivers use an online-enabled Transportation Network Platform (TNP) application, or digital network, to offer rides, locate and accept paying riders, and accept payment for the ride. The endorsement covers a gap in the driver’s auto insurance coverage between the time the driver logs onto the TNP application to look for a passenger and the time the driver accepts a passenger’s request for a ride via the application. Note that before accepting a passenger, some TNCs may provide limited liability coverage only; personal injury and damage to your vehicle is not covered by the TNC.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics
Q. Who is eligible to purchase the Safeco Auto RideSharing Coverage?
A. Any driver using their personal auto for a TNC. The endorsement can be added at the time a new policy is written for customers new to Safeco, or for current customers at renewal.

Q. How much does the endorsement cost?
A. The cost will be a % of your total vehicle premium that will average ~$100 annually.

Additional Questions Drivers Might Ask
Q. Why do I need this endorsement? Doesn’t my personal auto policy already cover me?
A. Your personal auto policy excludes any use of your vehicle for a TNC. This endorsement covers you and your auto during the “ridesharing gap,” from the time the TNC app is turned on until a customer accepts a ride. (Some TNCs may provide minimal liability coverage before accepting a passenger, but not coverage for personal injury or damage to your vehicle.)

Q. What type of insurance coverage does the TNC provide its drivers once the insured has accepted a
request for transportation and a passenger is occupying the vehicle?
A. The TNC will provide primary bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, and comprehensive and collision coverage. The amount of coverage and any deductibles will depend on the state requirements. The TNC policy typically will not provide Med Pay or UM/UIM coverage. The customer should check with their TNC on the specifics.

Q. What is not covered by the Rideshare endorsement?
A. From the time when you accept a ride via the app, when you pick up the passenger(s), and the time when a passenger(s) is in your vehicle being transported to their destination. The Transportation Network Company (i.e. Uber or Lyft) provides insurance during this time.

Q. Can I purchase the RideSharing endorsement if my vehicle is leased?
A. Yes. There are no contract, system, or underwriting restrictions for writing leased vehicles with RideSharing coverage.

Q. What coverages are available?
A. All coverages [Primary Liability (BI & PD), Comprehensive, Collision, Medical Payments, etc.], will be available for purchase as part of your personal auto policy. All coverages and coverage levels you purchased for your personal use auto policy, including optional coverages, will extend during this period of time. The endorsement applies only to the vehicle(s) identified for TNC use; it does not provide coverage for other vehicles on your Safeco Auto policy.

Q. What if I have an accident?
A. Please call the Safeco Claims department to report the claim.

The rest of this article contains graphs and charts. To view it, click here: Safeco Rideshare Coverage