According to Uber Canada, Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. Co-founded by Calgary entrepreneur Garrett Camp in 2010, the company was started to solve a simple problem: how to get access to a ride with the touch of a button. Uber is now available nationwide in Canada and continues to expand. Let’s explore some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Uber and ridesharing 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 are required to have a clean driving record, but they are not required to hold a taxicab license. Drivers must meet specific licensing requirements, which vary depending on the province and municipality. For example, in Ontario, a full G licence is mandatory.
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 must undergo 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, digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), and Uber Cash. When a ride ends, your selected payment method is charged. You can use your app to check that your preferred payment method is chosen during a ride.
Does Uber charge per person?
When calculating the trip’s final cost, Uber does not consider the number of passengers in the vehicle, nor does it charge the price per person. However, this does not mean that the number of passengers does not affect the price.
Uber and ride-sharing
Are all drivers eligible for ride-sharing insurance?
No. Drivers must meet several key tests to be eligible for the ride-sharing insurance our insurance partners offer. 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 ridesharing for more than the maximum number of hours outlined in your policy.
- Only the drivers listed on the ride-sharing policy can transport passengers for pay.
- Some policies only allow two ride-share vehicles per household
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. This notification displays your driver’s first name, vehicle info, and map location in real-time.
Does Uber allow ride-sharing?
With UberX Share, riders in the same direction choose to share a ride. UberX finds the best route to pick up multiple riders along an UberX Share trip, which means more time driving and less time waiting for your subsequent 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 you sign on as an Uber driver, you’ll need to review your personal insurance policy thoroughly. Some policies contain lists of exclusions, which often include “driving for hire.”
What are the laws around this coverage?
It is essential to understand that if you are driving your vehicle for personal use and not logged in to accept rideshare requests from customers, the Uber insurance policy does not apply. Under these circumstances, your policy would apply, and the coverage limits would be based on your policy. For this reason, it is recommended that you review your insurance policy details to ensure you have the proper coverage. Additionally, drivers must notify their insurers about their participation in ridesharing to ensure they have the appropriate coverage.
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover driving for food delivery services, like Uber Eats or Skip the Dishes?
Basically, no. Carrying passengers for hire and making deliveries for services like Uber and Uber Eats are rarely covered under a standard auto policy. You would need to notify your isure broker to inform them that there has been a change in how you use your vehicle.
Do Uber and Lyft both deliver food?
Regarding our Lyft vs Uber ridesharing comparison, we don’t currently have a food delivery program in Canada. On the other hand, Uber Eats is available nationwide.
Regarding car insurance, a material change in your driving situation can impact whether you’re eligible for coverage, the type of coverage you need, or the premium charged. Examples of material changes include starting to drive for Uber or moving from one house to another. You’ll need to notify your insurer of any material change that happens. If you don’t, your policy could be cancelled.
Do Uber drivers get paid to wait between stops?
Fares for trips with 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 do not apply to Uber Reserve, which is paid as an upfront fare.
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 for ensuring that you have adequate insurance for your vehicle and yourself.
What if you’re in an accident and need a rental car to continue working 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 during the hiring process?
Before anyone can drive with Uber, they must undergo a multi-step safety screen. Screenings check for issues including, but not limited to, moving violations, drinking- and drug-related offences, 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 phone number. Instead, they’ll receive a call or text from a unique, anonymous local number.
Remember, if you are considering becoming an Uber driver, you must hold your own personal insurance policy and commercial auto insurance, which is typically offered through certain insurers that provide coverage. Speak to an isure representative if you have any further questions!
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