Why rideshare drivers need separate auto coverage

Uber and Lyft employ millions of Americans, with more than 60% saying being a rideshare driver is their full-time job, according to Gridwise. While the freedom of setting their own schedule helped attract people to the job, many likely did so without fully thinking through how it would impact their insurance situation. Drivers with separate vehicles for a rideshare job and personal use, a practice employed by 42% of gig-work drivers, can simply enroll the respective vehicles in separate commercial and personal policies, according to The Zebra. However, Allstate does note that many of the major rideshare companies do offer limited commercial coverage to drivers using their personal cars, but these policies typically only offer coverage when the driver is going to pick someone up or had a passenger in the vehicle. Rideshare endorsements are available for many insurance companies for drivers with one car and for times when a company's limit coverage wouldn't apply. Additionally, a rideshare endorsement can help cover any gaps in coverage left by the company's limited coverage. While a rideshare endorsement is vital coverage for someone making a living in this sector, Gridwise reported that 54% of gig-work drivers don't purchase rideshare insurance. Around 6% of drivers are uncertain if they are covered for rideshare work. The above slideshow reveals the 10 states where rideshare drivers have the highest earning power, according to a study by Upgraded Points, a travel and credit card research company. Another option for those strictly doing gig-delivery work, such as Uber Eats or DoorDash, would be to add a business-use endorsement if available from the carrier. According to MarketWatch, this option is better suited for someone working seasonally as these endorsements can typically be added and dropped as needed. Related:

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