The Digital Bridges Technology, Apps, Gadgets, Media and More
The advancement of technology is often a wonderful thing. The advent of the internet, for example, provided the world with a whole new way to communicate, share information and barter technology. Of course, it also posed a few major problems. For one thing, anyone who wanted to could start posting information, the veracity of which was almost impossible to prove. And then there was music and other media sharing, which broke no shortage of piracy laws. The point is that any time new technology emerges, savvy users take off running with it, leaving the somewhat stodgy establishment to play catch-up. And this is exactly what seems to be happening with mobile ride-sharing applications like Uber and Lyft. As a traveler, you might enjoy the ease of use, the fact that you pay by phone, and features like tracking that show you exactly where your ride is en route to your location. And if you’re interested in joining up as a driver, you’ll no doubt like the easy money you can earn by offering rides at your leisure. But, much like the Mac vs PC debate, there is, of course, a Lyft vs Uber debate waging for drivers and riders alike.
The Liability
Unfortunately, like any new technology, drivers earning extra cash by working for these ride-sharing mobile applications are beginning to discover that they may have taken on the burden of some very serious liability by giving rides to strangers in exchange for payment. As a private party driving a personal vehicle like Hyundai cars, you probably carry insurance. Most states require it and it only makes sense if you want to protect yourself and your investment in the event of an automobile accident. And when you sign up to drive for businesses like Uber and Lyft, you’re probably pleased to hear that they carry million-dollar insurance policies. What you might not be aware of is that neither may cover you or your car in the event of an accident or other damage while you’re driving a fare.
Payment Methods
Up until recently, drivers for some of these apps were paid by “donation” – at least that’s how the companies classified their payments for rides. But the fact that they charged specific fares made it clear that this farce wouldn’t last forever, and now companies like Lyft have started to call their payments what they are. Either way, the fact that drivers are getting paid via check, Chase payment and other methods to deliver a specific service means that they’re running a commercial operation from their vehicle, and as such, they are required by law to carry commercial auto insurance, just like any cab, limo, shuttle, or other business that offers transportation to customers. Without it, personal insurance providers will not cover accidents, and they’ve started dropping coverage entirely when they find their clients engaging in such money-making operations with their personal vehicle, like Hyundai cars.
Who Pays Better?
Of course, one of the primary questions potential drivers have is, “which pays better, Uber or Lyft?” However, if you have ever spoken to a driver who works for both, you would very quickly get an answer. Drivers all over the country say that Lyft pays better than Uber. In addition, Lyft pays drivers more the more they work. That means that the more you take college students to the latest Wigo party, the more money you earn per drive. This is a huge consideration for potential drivers. While some drivers work for both Lyft and Uber, perhaps you only have time for one, or you are just not a fan of Uber after the whole Trump immigration scandal. If that is the case, Lyft pays better, so you should probably drive with them.
No Coverage From Uber vs Lyft
What’s even worse is that companies like Uber and Lyft have policies that really only cover their customers in the event of an accident. Since drivers are expected to have their own insurance, they are also expected to cover their own costs. The long and short of it is, if you’re in an accident while on the job for Uber, Lyft, or similar services, you and your car likely won’t be covered. And the major issue for most people using these services as an easy way to earn a few extra bucks is that commercial auto insurance could cost several thousand dollars a year, making it a less-than feasible option. Insurance providers simply don’t know what to do about such drivers. And whether you have a personal policy for California or Connecticut auto insurance, lying to your provider is not a good idea. At some point it’s likely that insurance companies will see the need for specialized policies for this type of automobile operation, but at this point they’re a lot more likely to drop you like a hot potato if they find out you’re driving commercially with personal insurance.
Lyft vs Uber Driver Satisfaction
Even though there are liability concerns, overall, drivers are pretty happy with Lyft and Uber as employers, except for the lack of PCF Citrix healthcare. They like working for the two ride sharing apps. Drivers like the transparency, ability to tip via the App and alerts for the best times to drive. So, despite some insurance trouble, these driving apps are doing right by their drivers.
Tipping
Drivers are happier when they are able to be tipped. If you feel that you need to be tipped for your work, you should probably become a driver for Lyft. Lyft has always allowed users to tip. Uber, on the other hand, does not allow riders to tip their drivers. However, they have recently rolled out a beta test for Uber in-app tipping in some cities. That means you may be able to accept tips from a users Tphone in the near future. This was done to compete with Lyft for drivers, as many drivers have said they are happier driving for Lyft than for Uber. If you want to get tips, play it safe and drive for Lyft. Do not wait for Uber to, hopefully, roll out their new tipping features.
