Benefits and safety tips for Uber and Lyft

Overview: Uber and Lyft may offer a convenient way to travel, with app-based features that support an easier ride. Learning the benefits and following safety tips may help riders feel more prepared.

Ridesharing is a service that uses an app to help connect passengers with drivers who use their own vehicles.

• Ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, generally require drivers to carry a personal driver’s license and meet the company’s screening requirements. Taxi licensing requirements can vary by location.
• With on-demand ridesharing companies, you use an app to complete the entire transaction — you're basically ordering a ride in a privately owned vehicle with your smartphone.
• Uber and Lyft check drivers’ backgrounds and driving records. Taxi screening may differ by city or state.

Benefits of rideshare services

• Drivers set their own schedules and can work as much or as little as they want.
• The in-app rating system allows riders to rate drivers, and drivers to rate riders. A series of bad ratings could lead to a driver (or a passenger) being removed from the rideshare service.
• Payment transactions are typically handled through the app, so there's no need to exchange cash or credit cards in the car. You can even tip through the ridesharing app.
• You get door-to-door service, which may be helpful if you're traveling to busy areas like a concert where parking might be limited or costly.
• Rideshare services may provide an alternative way to get home after an evening out. Drinking and driving accounts for over 11,000 deaths per year — riding in an Uber or Lyft can help reduce the risk of impaired driving.
• Carpooling options let several passengers travel together in one vehicle, helping to reduce the number of cars on the road.
• It's an alternative to public transportation.

Ridesharing safety precautions

Is Uber safe? Is Lyft safe? These rideshare safety tips may help you feel more prepared.

• Check the driver's rating and reviews before you confirm a pickup. Cancel the request if anything makes you uncomfortable.
• If you don't need to travel alone, consider a shared ride if available. This may allow you to ride with other riders who have a similar destination.
• If possible, wait indoors until your ride arrives.
• Use the app to share your trip information with family or friends so they can track your ride.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Use the app to track your driver's route before they pick you up and during your trip.
• Verify the identity of the driver and car before entering the vehicle. Check that the driver’s photo, vehicle and license plate match the app. You can also ask who they are picking up or use a PIN, if available.
• Sit in the back seat and wear your seat belt.
• Only share information your driver needs for the trip, and skip personal details.

Remember, it is important to trust your instincts and use your best judgment if you ever feel unsafe.

• Do not enter the vehicle if you feel uncomfortable.
• If you believe you are in danger, consider calling 911 or emergency services.

Ridesharing may offer riders a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel. It may also give drivers a flexible way to earn extra income. If you're interested in becoming a driver, it's important to understand how rideshare driving may affect your insurance coverage.

Before becoming a driver, check with your State Farm agent about how the vehicle will be used and discuss available rideshare coverage options. Some services, such as Uber Black or Lyft Black Car Fleet, may require commercial livery coverage, which State Farm does not offer.