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星期一, 10月 19, 2015

Baker-Polito Administration Invites Insurance Coverage Proposals for Transportation Network Company (TNC) Drivers

Baker-Polito Administration Invites Insurance Coverage Proposals for Transportation Network Company (TNC) Drivers
1st state policy endorsement by USAA will provide comprehensive coverage for TNC drivers

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and the Division of Insurance (DOI) announced today the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) will begin offering additional coverage to its policyholders who drive their cars for transportation network companies (TNC), such as Uber and Lyft, and invited insurance companies to submit additional proposals for consideration.

“As we work to develop a regulatory framework to support innovative ride-sharing companies, it’s crucial that appropriate coverage is available to protect drivers, passengers and the traveling public,” said Governor Baker.“With the first endorsement of its type taking effect for TNC drivers, we welcome others to participate in supporting consumer safety and choice in Massachusetts’ diverse transportation network. I also encourage the legislature to continue moving forward on our proposal to develop a regulatory structure that includes strong standards for both industry and consumer safety.”

In April, Governor Baker filed “An Act Establishing Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Oversight of Transportation Network Companies” with the legislature, creating a statewide regulatory framework for TNCs that includes Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks for all drivers and requires $1 million in minimum insurance coverage for drivers operating as TNCs, while clarifying existing insurance gaps.

“The Division of Insurance is pleased to announce the availability of an insurance product which provides necessary protection to consumers utilizing TNCs and which furthers the public’s interest in the availability of TNCs as a transportation alternative,” said Commissioner of Insurance Dan Judson.

Ride-sharing coverage offers necessary protection to TNC drivers from the time they turn on a TNC app and are awaiting a ride offer to the time an offer is accepted. Currently, all drivers in Massachusetts, including TNC drivers, are required to carry personal automobile insurance, and are specifically excluded from coverage on their personal policies when operating a personal vehicle to transport goods or passengers for a fee. TNCs such as Uber and Lyft provide $1 million surplus line policy coverage to their drivers from the time a ride is accepted to the pickup and drop-off of a passenger – policies which are accepted by the state and would be required under the Governor’s proposed legislation.

“The Division’s action is a positive step forward that will help ensure that drivers and the public are protected,” said Frank O’Brien, Property Casualty Insurers (PCI) Vice President. “When policymakers create a framework that is clear, concise and encourages innovation, insurers are able to develop new options such as this that can meet the demands of the sharing economy.”

”Beginning Nov. 21, USAA members will be able to purchase Ride Share Gap Protection for policies effective on or after Jan. 7, 2016. We are excited to provide this option to current and prospective members driving for TNCs to help them safeguard their financial security,” said Mark Medeiros, Product Manager for USAA. “We invite members to call 800-531-8722 (ext. 76127) for more information on this and other products and features available in Massachusetts.”

DOI joins other states such as California, Connecticut, Texas, Utah and Virginia, in allowing the first policy endorsement of its type for use in Massachusetts, and encourages similar proposals from other insurance companies to cover TNC drivers.

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