The Florida US Senate is pursuing an “Uber Bill” to set statewide insurance standards for the drivers of ride-hailing services. The legislation will set separate minimum coverage requirements for when drivers are personally using their vehicles and when drivers are logged into transportation network company apps. The Bill also sets out requirements to ensure that the ride-hailing companies themselves do not as a result escape providing cover under the policies they provide.
The difference between Florida and South Africa is that Florida has insurance requirements for the taxi industry and this Bill aims to bring Uber driving into party with taxi companies.
South African insurers and intermediaries should consider what products are needed and to what extent existing policies cover or exclude cover when drivers are carrying persons on behalf of transportation network companies (TNC) such as Uber. There may also be an opportunity to provide relatively inexpensive group personal accident cover for TNC users.
