That “between trips” thing is exactly what gets me too. Like, you’re technically working, but not really? It’s just weird how insurance companies and the rideshare apps both seem to want to dodge responsibility in that window. I get why they have to draw lines somewhere, but it feels like they’re just making it confusing on purpose.
I know insurance is supposed to give peace of mind, but it feels more like a gamble sometimes.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve heard stories where people thought they were covered and then got stuck with a massive bill because of some technicality. It’s kind of messed up when you pay extra for coverage and still have to fight tooth and nail if something happens.
Honestly, I think the endorsement is better than nothing, but it’s wild that we even have to debate this. If you’re logged into the app, there should be no question about coverage. The fact that it’s still so murky makes me wonder if the whole system is set up to protect the companies more than the drivers. Maybe I’m just cynical, but it sure doesn’t feel like peace of mind to me.
I know insurance is supposed to give peace of mind, but it feels more like a gamble sometimes.
That’s exactly it. I keep asking myself—if you’re paying for coverage, why does it feel like you’re rolling the dice every time you get behind the wheel? I’ve had my own run-ins with insurance fine print (not rideshare, just regular stuff) and it always seems like there’s a loophole. Is it just me, or do these companies spend more time figuring out how not to pay than actually helping people?
It’s wild how much insurance can feel like a game of “gotcha.” I totally get what you mean about the fine print—sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to figure out what’s actually covered. And with rideshare, it gets even trickier because there are all these “periods” where coverage changes based on whether you’ve got a passenger, are on your way to pick someone up, or just waiting for a ping. That middle ground—when you’re logged in but haven’t accepted a ride yet—is where things get really murky.
A lot of people don’t realize that during that “between trips” time, your personal insurance probably won’t cover you if something happens, and the rideshare company’s insurance usually only gives you the bare minimum (if anything). It’s like this weird insurance no-man’s land. I’ve had a friend who drove for Uber and got rear-ended while waiting for a ride request. He thought he was good because he was “on the app,” but his regular insurer said nope, and Uber’s coverage only helped with liability, not his own car repairs. It took months to sort out and cost him way more than he expected.
I don’t think every company is out to avoid paying, but I do think they make things complicated enough that most people just give up or miss something important. Sometimes the agents themselves seem confused by all the rideshare exceptions and rules. There’s definitely some frustration on both sides.
It would be nice if there was just one clear answer—like, “If you’re online as a driver, here’s exactly what’s covered”—but I guess then nobody would be making money off all the confusion, right? Maybe that sounds cynical... but after seeing how many hoops people have to jump through, it’s hard not to wonder.
I get the frustration, but I’ve seen some companies try to make things clearer—like Allstate’s rideshare add-on or GEICO’s hybrid policy. They’re not perfect, but they do spell out that “no-man’s land” a bit better.
Sometimes the agents themselves seem confused by all the rideshare exceptions and rules.
Honestly, I’ve had agents call me for help with this stuff. It’s not always a “gotcha,” sometimes it’s just that the industry is still catching up to how people actually use these apps. Not defending the mess, but there are folks trying to untangle it... just takes longer than it should.
I’ve run into this exact gray area with my own policy. When I asked my agent about “app on, no passenger,” she had to double-check with her supervisor. It’s wild how something so common is still a mystery to the people selling the coverage. I get that the industry’s playing catch-up, but it’s not like rideshare is brand new anymore.
One thing I’ve noticed—some policies have a ton of fine print about what counts as “actively engaged” in a ride. If you’re just waiting for a ping, some insurers treat that differently than if you’re en route to a pickup. That’s where things get dicey. Has anyone actually had a claim denied because they were in that in-between status? I’ve heard stories, but never from someone firsthand. Curious if it’s as common as people say, or just one of those insurance urban legends...
