August 2017

Ride sharing and delivery drivers may be lacking coverage in their auto insurance.

Uber, Lyft, Ride Share, Postmates, DoorDash – the industry of ride-sharing and delivery has blown up! Drivers are (often) paid better than minimum wage, have no set schedule, and get to meet all sorts of people along the way. The general public love this invention, too!

However, since the rise of Transport Network Companies (TNC) and freelance delivery services, there have been disputes over what car insurance coverages should apply to the drivers and passengers.

If you drive for a rideshare company, it’s important that you know that your personal insurance does not cover your activities. Commercial use of your car is specifically excluded from your policy, so anytime you activate your rideshare app, your personal policy effectively deactivates.

Most major rideshare companies have some insurance they can extend to you, but it might not cover every portion of your journey. You need to make sure you have coverage for:

• When your rideshare app is on but you haven’t yet accepted a ride
• When you’ve accepted a ride and are en route to pick up
• When you’re transporting your ride to his or her final destination.

Read your policies carefully and ask your insurance agent if there are any gaps.

To be safe and ensure you’re fully protected, talk to your agent about commercial auto for-hire livery coverage or, more simply, commercial auto insurance. Adding this kind of policy on top of your personal insurance ensures that you’re protected every time you put the key in the ignition, whether you’re doing so personally or professionally.

To learn more about auto insurance, contact Abatelli Group, Inc. for a proper quote on your insurance needs.

Be smart when you swim, grill, and play this summer.

Summer is a time for vacations and relaxation, which is why many of us tend to put our guard down as temperatures soar. In fact, many hospitals and emergency rooms see an increase in visitors during the summer months due to falls, burns, and water-related injuries.

Keep these tips in mind while you and your family enjoy having fun in the sun this summer.

Grilling

• Never grill indoors or in any enclosed area.
• Make sure all guests, children, and pets keep a safe distance from the grill.
• Keep the grill a safe distance away from anything that could catch fire – house, trees, deck…
• Always supervise a grill in use.
• Use grilling tools with long handles, ensuring the chef is safe.
• Never add lighter fluid to a charcoal grill that is already lit.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Swimming

• Teach your children to swim and encourage them to wear safety flotation devices until they are confident.
• Install fencing to keep people and pets out of the pool without your knowledge.
• Evacuate the pool in rain and thunderstorms.
• Make a pool safety kit. Build this kit and keep it in your pool area. Be sure it contains a fully stocked first aid kit and a pair of scissors to cut away clothing or hair that may get stuck in a drain or flotation device. Homeowners should also take a CPR course to be fully prepared.
• Never swim alone or leave children unattended – even for a couple of minutes.
• Don’t allow running, diving, or pushing in your pool.

Summer Heat

• Stay hydrated! Water is your best friend, especially during the hot summer months.
• Take breaks inside regularly or retreat into the shade when you can.
• Wear light-colored clothing that won’t absorb the heat.

The team at Abatelli Group, Inc. wishes you a safe and sound summer! Visit us for all of your insurance needs.