The building that houses the headquarters of Uber in San Francisco are shown on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Eric Risberg)
WINNIPEG — As ride-sharing prepares to become legal in the province, Manitoba Public Insurance has had its rates approved for new vehicle for hire insurance policies.
The Crown corporation says its rate application to allow private passenger vehicle and light truck owners to drive for Uber or Lyft has been green lit by the Public Utilities Board.
Under the policies, drivers could sign up for a “time band” policy, restricting how much their premium is based on the time of day or day of the week they operate as a VFH
The same rating model — assessed at a maximum of 20 percent higher than all-purpose insurance — will apply to existing classes of vehicles for hire, such as taxicabs, limos, and accessible vehicles.
Time band options will be:
A) Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
B) Nightly, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
C) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
D) Friday, 6 p.m. through Sunday, 11 p.m.
Uber and Lyfy have previously said such restrictions on vehicle insurance would prevent them from setting up shop in the province on March 1. They want a blanket policy to cover drivers without limitations like in other jurisdictions where the services operate.
The PUB will revisit the order next year once it collects data.
In a statement, Uber said, “Uber continues to believe a blanket policy designed to cover all drivers during rideshare activity is the best insurance model for a number of reasons, including that it facilitates compliance for rideshare drivers. We look forward to continuing to work with the MPI and the Minister of Crown Services to find a way forward that expands Manitoban’s access to safe, reliable transportation options like Uber.”
