Uber rolls into West Virginia

A bill passed this week in the state legislature allows ridesharing companies like Uber to operate, though requiring a level of coverage first

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Feb. 15 that allows ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to operate in the state.  The bill requires the companies to ensure all their drivers have DMV permits, provide $1 million in car insurance, as well as secure underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.

The bill also requires rideshare companies to have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws. The companies must also adopt zero-tolerance policies for drug and alcohol use. Additionally, drivers must undergo criminal background checks and should have clean records. They would also be prohibited from accepting cash or responding to curbside hails from passengers, like taxi cabs.

Previously, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proposed a similar bill.

The bill passed the House by a 94-4 margin. It next moves to the Senate.

Supporters of the legislation say that the bill would help create jobs and reduce drunk-driving incidents.

Those against the bill said that it could give ridesharing companies an unfair edge over taxi companies. Taxi companies, on top of the mandatory workers’ compensation insurance they must provide their drivers, have their rate regulated by the state Public Service Commission.
 

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