According to Uber Canada, Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. Co-founded by Calgarian entrepreneur, Garrett Camp, in 2010, the company was started to solve a simple problem: How do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? In Canada, Uber is now in over 140 municipalities across nine provinces, and continues to expand. Let’s explore some of FAQs about Uber and ride-sharing in Ontario.
How do I call Uber?
How to request a ride on the Uber app:
- Open and log into the Uber app on your device.
- Type your destination into the “Where to?” section.
- Select the type of vehicle you would like at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap “Request” and then confirm the pickup location.
Should I use my real name on Uber?
Ask your driver to confirm your ride details—don’t volunteer the info yourself. All Uber and Lyft drivers receive the name you use on the app, so they should be able to give you this information easily.
Driver qualifications
Do UberX drivers have licenses?
UberX drivers have clean driving licenses, but are not required to have taxicab licenses.
What security checks do UberX drivers go through?
Uber says drivers must pass background checks that “surpass” Toronto taxi requirements. In Quebec, every Uber driver activated after October 9, 2020, must go through online training to drive with Uber.
Payment
What forms of payment does Uber accept?
You can add payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, digital wallets and Uber gift cards. When a ride ends, your selected payment method is charged. During a ride, use your app to check that your preferred payment method is selected.
Does Uber charge per person?
When calculating the final cost of the trip, Uber does not consider the number of passengers in the vehicle, nor does it charge the price per person. However, this is not to say that the number of passengers does not affect the price.
Uber and ride-sharing
Are all drivers eligible for ride-sharing insurance?
No. To be eligible for the ride-sharing insurance our insurance partners offer, drivers must meet several key tests. Some of these include:
- You must hold a valid Canadian or U.S. driver’s license for at least six years
- For some providers, you can’t use your vehicle for ride-sharing for more than the maximum number of hours outlined in your policy (For example, Aviva only allows for a maximum of 20 hours per week)
- You can’t use your vehicle for other commercial purposes (deliveries, transporting finished goods, towing, etc.)
- Only the drivers listed on the ride-sharing policy can transport passengers for pay
- Some policies only allow two rideshare vehicles per household
What happens when you share your ride on Uber?
When you request a ride and a driver accepts, you can swipe up on your app screen and tap “Send Status.” This shares your trip details with friends or family, and they’ll receive a notification. Opening this notification displays your driver’s first name, vehicle info and your map location in real-time.
Does Uber allow ride-sharing?
With UberPool, riders heading in the same direction choose to share a ride. Uber finds the best route to pick up multiple riders along an UberPool trip, which means more time driving and less time waiting for your next trip request.
According to Canadian riders, ride-sharing is the second most significant transport innovation they have experienced in the last decade, behind only smartphone maps.
Uber and ride-sharing insurance
Does my car insurance cover my Uber business?
Before signing on as an Uber driver, it is essential to thoroughly review your personal insurance policy. Some policies contain lists of exclusions, which often includes what is called “driving for hire.”
What are the laws around this coverage?
It is important to understand that if you are driving your vehicle for personal use and not logged in to accept rideshare requests from customers, that the Uber insurance policy does not apply. Under these circumstances, your personal policy would apply and the coverage limits based on your personal policy. For this reason, it is recommended that you review your insurance policy details and ensure that you have the proper coverage.
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover driving for food delivery services, like UberEats or Skip the Dishes?
Basically, no. Carrying passengers for hire and making deliveries for services like Uber and UberEats are rarely covered under a standard auto policy. You would have to notify your isure broker to inform them that there’s been a change in the way that you are using your vehicle.
Do Uber and Lyft both deliver food?
When it comes down to our Lyft vs Uber ride-sharing comparison, Lyft does not currently feature a food delivery program in Canada. On the other hand, UberEats is available in 23 Canadian cities, including Toronto, Kingston, Windsor, Aurora, Newmarket and more.
When it comes to car insurance, a material change in your driving situation would impact if you’re eligible for coverage, the coverage you need or the premium charged. Examples of material changes can include if you start to drive for Uber, or if you move from one house to another. You must tell your insurer when a material change happens. If you don’t, your policy could be cancelled.
Do Uber drivers get paid to wait between stops?
Fares for trips that have multiple stops will be calculated by standard time and distance rates, so you’ll be paid for any time you spend waiting at each stop.
*Time and distance pricing does not apply to Uber Reserve, which is paid as an upfront fare.
Why is Uber taking so long to find a ride 2021?
Many riders have also noticed increased wait times for rides. The main reason is because there is a shortage of drivers. In early July 2021, Uber and Lyft drivers were about 40% below capacity. The companies have taken notice, and are investing millions worth of bonuses and base rates to convince drivers to return amid the pandemic.
Uber and ride-sharing: Accidents
What happens If I get into an accident while driving for Uber?
UberX provides insurance for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. You are responsible to ensure that you have adequate insurance for your vehicle and yourself.
What if you’re in an accident and you need a rental car to continue to work while your vehicle is being repaired? Or what if a passenger damages your vehicle during a trip?
In Ontario, Uber provides Direct Compensation – Property Damage Coverage. This coverage pays for vehicle repairs and related expenses, assuming the driver is not responsible for the damage.
Uber and ride-sharing: Safety
Are Uber drivers screened when they are hired?
Before anyone can drive with Uber, they must undergo a multi-step safety screen. Screenings check for issues including, but not limited to, driving violations, drinking- and drug-related offenses and violent crime.
How can I check if I am getting into the right car?
According to Uber’s website, before you hop in, take a second to double-check the app for your driver’s information. Follow these three steps to make sure you get into the right car:
- Match the license plate number.
- Match the car make and model.
- Check the driver’s photo.
What to do if you feel unsafe in an Uber?
If you ever feel that you’re in an unsafe situation, you can call 911 by using the Emergency Button located in your app. Anytime you call emergency services from the Uber app, the app provides you with your real-time location and trip details that you can share with the dispatcher.
Does the Uber driver see my phone number?
Uber allows you to contact your driver without revealing your phone number by placing a free call directly within the Uber app. When you call or text, drivers will not see your personal phone number. Instead, they’ll receive a call or text message from a unique, anonymous local number.
Remember, if you are considering becoming an Uber driver, you must hold your own personal insurance policy, as well as commercial auto insurance, offered through certain insurers that carry coverage. Speak to an isure representative if you have any further questions!
