Florida ride-booking proposed legislation strikes right balance

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) applauds state Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and state Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Clearwater, for pushing forward with both Senate Bill 340 and House Bill 221 this session to protect Floridians.

The number of Floridians using transportation network companies (TNC), such as Uber or Lyft, has certainly exploded in recent years. Yet despite that growth, questions surrounding consumer protections and regulations, specifically regarding insurance coverage, remain. So before you request a driver, it is important to be aware of the insurance implications.

Many TNC drivers believe that their personal auto insurance policy will cover them. However, this is almost never the case, as the majority of personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage when a vehicle is being used for hire. Should an accident occur, this exclusion could leave the driver and passengers at risk of paying medical and repair costs.

All across the nation, states are tackling these issues associated with TNCs. And, Uber, Lyft, auto insurers and national trade groups, like PCI, are reaching agreements on legislation that closes these insurance gaps, ensuring there are safe transportation options that protect drivers, passengers and the public.

Brandes and Sprowls are getting it right with SB 340 and HB 221. Florida needs ride-booking legislation that takes a single, unified approach to protecting the public and drivers. And, we at PCI encourage lawmakers to join in supporting this cohesive approach that gives both drivers and passengers the confidence and protections they need.

TNC is a popular form of transportation here to stay, and model legislation has already passed in 40 states. It’s now time for Florida to do the same. Let’s strike the right balance between protecting consumers and supporting innovation.