It’s been labelled the greatest thing since sliced bread, and realistically, it’s not too hard to see why.
Since bursting onto the streets of Australia just over four years ago, Uber has made it easier and cheaper to arrange and track our trips than ever before, and to top it all off, we also get offered Mentos and refreshments. What more could you want?
Currently 3.6 million Australians have downloaded and use the Uber app to book rides and get them where they need to go – but would you know what to do or what you’re entitled if you’re ever unlucky enough to be injured and involved in an Uber accident?
We conducted a random survey of 50 Uber users between the ages of 18 and 60 and asked them if they knew what to do if they were in an Uber accident and whether they were covered for medical expenses and time spent off work. Results of the survey showed that only 20 people definitively knew the steps to take in the event of an Uber accident and only 10 were aware of the fact that they would be covered by a policy of some sort. But none of the 50 people knew exactly what that policy is.
Are you covered?
Yes. You can rest assured that each and every time you ride in an Uber, you’re covered behind the driver’s compulsory third party (CTP) and third party property insurance. All registered Uber drivers are required to ensure their CTP policy is current to cover themselves, passengers, pedestrians and fellow road users.
In addition to the driver’s CTP policy, you would also be covered under Uber’s $20, 000, 000 contingent coverage provided by CGU Insurance. So, that means that if the driver has failed to update their CTP policy for whatever reason, you will still be covered under Uber’s contingent coverage policy.
If you’re involved in an Uber accident there are few steps you should always take;
Alert Paramedics: Your safety and wellbeing is the primary concern, so make sure emergency services have been alerted to the accident. If you don’t require immediate medical assistance, scout out the area and ensure the driver or anyone else involved is okay and in need of assistance.
Report the accident to police: Like all motor vehicle accidents, this accident should be reported to police. It may not be necessary that the police need to attend the scene of the accident but the accident needs to be registered by police in order to lodge a CTP claim.
Grab details and take photos: If you’re physically able, grab the Uber driver’s full name and CTP insurer. If possible, take a photo of their driver’s license, vehicle registration along with the license and vehicle registration of any other driver involved. You can recover the Uber driver’s details in your ‘Trips log’ in the app, however, in the event that your driver is not the driver registered with Uber to pick you up, you would need their details.
Call a family member or friend: It may seem like an obvious step but it’s not unusual for people involved in an accident to become rattled and confused. And unlike a regular accident involving your vehicle, you have no means of transportation following an Uber accident – as you won’t be able to continue your journey in the damaged Uber car. If you don’t require immediate medical assistance, it’s important to make immediate contact with a family member or friend to pick you up, to give them plenty of time to get there if you’re some distance away.
Report the accident to Uber: Open your Uber App and tap ‘Your Trips’, then select the trip that relates to the accident, then from the ‘Trip Issues’ option tap ‘I was involved in an accident’. Fill out the details and tap submit. An Uber team member will then immediately contact you.
An accredited specialist in personal injury law, backed by over 10 years’ experience in assisting injured Australians receive everything they’re entitled to with their motor accident claim.
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