Ridesharing continues to increase in popularity. Individuals are finding they can obtain a ride any time they need to simply by clicking a button on their phone.
Why force someone to serve as a designated driver when everyone can participate in the fun and have a safe ride home?
This is only one of the many ways a person can benefit from using a service of this type even if they own a car.
However, numerous myths surround these services, and men and women need to make certain they have the right information before catching a ride.
Insurance
When a person makes use of a ridesharing service, they may believe they are covered under the company’s insurance policy.
However, rideshare drivers must maintain their own insurance policies, and the services typically only require these drivers to meet the state minimums for insurance.
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]The service likely maintains a comprehensive policy with coverage of a million dollars or more, but this policy is secondary to the one that covers the drivers.[/box]
For this reason, anyone involved in a rideshare car accident should speak to an attorney to learn who may be held liable for the incident.
The Destination Determines Pricing
Talk to someone who regularly makes use of ridesharing services and they’ll likely say the destination plays a role in the pricing.
However, this isn’t the case. The time of day determines how much a person is charged for using the service, and rates are higher during surge periods.
However, riders often go to popular spots during surge periods and assume the rate is linked to the destination. The service actually calculates the cost of every ride regardless of destination by adding the number of miles traveled at the designated rate to the base fare.
The designated rate is what differs and is determined by the time of day.
Tipping
When ridesharing was first introduced, tips were discouraged. The service wanted to make it easy for individuals who don’t carry cash.
They didn’t want riders to feel pressured to do so simply to provide a tip. That has now changed, and riders need to recognize this.
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]Most ridesharing apps allow riders to tip through the app when they pay. A rider needs to decide if they wish to do so.[/box]
Gouging
Request a ride on a Tuesday morning and the rate paid will be lower than one pays for a ride on Saturday night. The service is not gouging the rider.
Rather, it is reacting to supply and demand. Rates are higher during peak periods to ensure drivers are available when riders need them.
Background Checks
Rideshare drivers are required to go through a background check before they begin contracting with the service. However, this background check isn’t as comprehensive as riders may believe.
While the checks must meet state and federal requirements, they could overlook things a rider would want to know about the driver.
Before using a service, the rider may wish to ask if an FBI background check has been conducted. The more the rider knows, the safer he or she will feel when making use of the service.
Use a rideshare service with caution. Riders need to determine fact from fiction and decide if they feel comfortable working with a driver.
If there are any doubts, it’s best to forego the ride and find another way to get to one’s destination.
While many rideshare drivers are wonderful people who put the rider first, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the experience.
By being cautious, the rider can hopefully spot these individuals and avoid a horrific ride they wish they had never taken.
David Johnson is a versatile content writer known for his ability to breathe life into words and create engaging narratives on diverse subjects. With a passion for effective storytelling and a keen eye for detail, David crafts content that resonates with readers and sparks their curiosity. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality, informative, and enjoyable content, making him a respected voice in the digital landscape. Beyond the keyboard, David enjoys exploring the outdoors, immersing himself in literature, and finding inspiration in everyday experiences.
Loading…