Insurance and Licensing Requirements for Ride-Hailing
Are You Looking to Become a Ride-Hailing Driver? Here’s What You Will Need To Get Started:
- Basic Insurance: The ride-hailing company (like Uber or Lyft) must provide basic insurance, which is only available if the company is approved by the Passenger Transportation Board (PTB).
- PTB Requirements: Drivers must meet specific requirements set by the PTB. For information on these requirements, visit the PTB website.
- Verification: Your broker can confirm whether the ride-hailing company is licensed and insured.
What is a Ride-Hailing Service?
A Ride-hailing service, also known as transportation network service (TNS), connects drivers with paying passengers through an online platform or app, like Uber or Lyft.
What are the Requirements to Drive for a Ride-Hailing Company?
There are certain requirements needed to drive for companies like Uber, Lyft, etc. The ride-hailing company is responsible for ensuring drivers and vehicles meet the Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) requirements, which include:
- A Class 1, Class 2, or Class 4 commercial driver's license issued in B.C.
- A police record check.
- A vehicle that meets all requirements and passes inspection.
- A commercial driving record or National Safety Code abstract. These records can be requested online or by phone at 1-800-663-3051 or 604-661-2800.
How Do You Know What Rate Class to Get to Drive for TNS?
If you use your vehicle full-time for TNS, with no other job, the rate class should be determined based on its non-TNS use. If the vehicle involves multiple rate classes, always use the rate class with the highest Basic annual base premium.
If you have questions about rate classes, we recommend consulting your Autoplan Broker for more information.
Insurance Types
Basic Insurance Coverage
ICBC provides a blanket insurance certificate to the ride-hailing company to cover basic insurance during ride-hailing use. This includes Enhanced Accident Benefits, Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage, and up to $1,000,000 third-party liability, covering you and your passengers during ride-hailing activities.
Optional Blanket Coverage
Optional blanket coverage, such as Collision and Comprehensive, is also available for ride-hailing services. Depending on the company, some purchase this coverage and obtain a policy for their drivers.
Check with your ride-hailing company regarding their optional coverage. If they haven't purchased any or have lower coverage than your personal policy, you may want to add optional coverages for ride-hailing use.
Consult your Autoplan broker for more details, as exclusions may apply to personal coverage during ride-hailing use.
Which coverage applies?
In the event of a crash, coverage may come from one or more of the following:
App if offline
Ride-hailing app not in use.
App is online
Available with no confirmed ride.
Trip accepted
In route to pick up a passenger.
On trip
Passenger enters vehicle and completes trip.
Owner's Basic policy
Owner's Optional coverage (if any)
Company's blanket Basic policy
Company's blanket Optional policy (if any) Owner's Optional coverage (if any)
Uber in British Columbia
As an Uber rideshare driver in B.C., you don't need to adjust your personal auto insurance policy for Uber. Your personal coverage applies while using your vehicle for personal use and driving on the Uber app before accepting a ride request.
Once you accept a ride request and are en route to pick up or transport riders, Uber provides commercial auto insurance on your behalf. This includes $2 million in third-party liability limits and contingent physical damage coverage (subject to a $2,500 deductible). For more information, visit uber's certificate of insurance.
Checking TNS Company Policies
As a prospective ride-hailing or, in other words, “TNS” driver, we recommend reviewing the TNS company's website or app for details on the optional blanket policy.
For more information on driving for TNS, refer to the following links:
Need more information? Contact a team member at Goldleaf Insurance, and we’ll be happy to help! (604) 591-6200
Goldleaf Insurance Brokers | Life, Auto & Commercial Insurance
Phone: (604) 591-6200
Email: info@goldleafinsurance.ca
Address: 13049 76 Avenue #102,Surrey, BC, V3W 2V7
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