What do you guys think of Uber (and Lyft I suppose).

Apparently they're cheaper than taxis -- and some have nicer cars.

But, I did a little research
1. Uber keeps trying to say that the drivers are 'independant contractors'- and that basically they have no responsibility for them. I don't think that always flies. I do know that they pulled out of a city (Austin, TX I think) because the city wanted background checks on the drivers ( Lyft went also).

2. Cab companies pay for business licenses in most places, and sometimes they have to purchase 'medallions' for each car. As far as I know Uber doesn't pay any of that, but they're performing the same service (except that they can't use cab stands I suppose).

3. Insurance seems to be fairly questionable. The drivers normally don't pay for the expensive cxommercial insurance that cabbies have. Some companies offer some 'special' insurance types. I don't think I want to find out about the limits.

4. Uber talks about how you can rate the drivers -- the drivers also rate you with other drivers. Since they can now ask for tips, I'm sure that factors into the rating.

5. You can be charged a fee if they have to wait over TWO minutes. They can just leave after FIVE minutes.

6. Prices are variable depending on events etc.

On the whole I don't think I'm in favor of the concept. I'm not that fond of cabs, but I wonder what will happen if these types of services take over.

Comments?

hj

 

They have pulled out of several cities up here as well. But we also have a mayor that hates uber because he is in bed with the taxi cartel!

 

I use uber often. Cars are always clean, drivers are friendly and it's just a better experience all around.

 

My neighbor was an Uber driver and seemed to like it. He couldn't support his family on it though.

I have no issue with it.

 

i have no thought either way as i do not use hired cars.
i only know what i have heard, and that may or may not be true, so i disregard it.

 

The insurance angle is one that I hadn't thought of. The drivers insurance company is not going to cover their liability in an at fault collision. Why would they? So, who is insuring them?

I think the idea is great, sort of like eBay was pretty cool at first too, till they started jacking up fees for everything, now it's just a big pain in the ***. The company makes a lot of money - but the drivers don't.

Being punctual and on time is a common courtesy, on both parts. They can text each other back and forth, right? And nobody is going in unawares. So get your happy *** out there when they show up. Be ready. Duh.

 

I was thinking the same thing, my Bentleys are owned by my company and all have my company name on them and have commercial insurance....

I'm pretty sure if a passenger gets hurt in an uber, good luck in getting insurance to pay. Just my .02

 

plus if they are in an accident and the insurance find they are using the car for "work" all claims will be denied. personal auto insurance will not cover any claims for a car that is used for work. if the vehicle is hired out as in taxi service, it needs commercial insurance. and the driver needs a chauffeurs license. (at least here in joisey the do)

 

Exactly, even if the driver isn't at fault they will deny the claim come to think of it.

How do delivery services like Pizza Hut or Dominos handle this?

 

My insurance (auto club so cal) included a notice with the policy saying I was not covered for uber-like driving. I don't recall such a warning for delivering pizza but I know that's come up. I think one insurance company was on the news right after the first 30 minute guarantee driver crashed warning people that they are not covered for that. So junior's delivery job in the family truckster could end up putting the family in the poor house.

 

Deleted.....

 

How Does Car Insurance Work for Uber? | Insurance Center

Interesting article, not sure how true it is or if it's true in all fifty.

 

simple. they do not mention it, and the people doing the delivering don't think of it until it is too late.

 

Uber seems to have really ramped up their recruiting of drivers recently. Not sure if it's due to an increase in business, driver's more aware of insurance regs & bailing, gig not living up to expectations, or some combo of all three.

I don't know that I have an issue with the concept but can't comment on their service as I have yet to use them.