Louisiana Commissioner to Ridesharing Drivers: Check Insurance Coverage

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is urging potential drivers for ridesharing services like Uber to make sure they closely check their insurance policies before signing up with one of the companies.

The companies use mobile application software to link people needing transportation to drivers who carry passengers in their personal cars. San Francisco-based Uber began operating its ridesharing service in Baton Rouge this month.

Donelon’s warning says most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage when people charge money to drive people in their personal vehicles. That could lead to gaps in insurance, where drivers aren’t covered in an accident involving a paying passenger.

Besides Uber’s service in Baton Rouge, the insurance department says other ridesharing companies have expressed interest in operating in Louisiana.