Ontario MPP Tim Hudak – former boss for the Conservatives at Queen’s Park – has called upon the finance minister to help facilitate the development of ridesharing insurance by posing the question: “If the Americans can do it, why can’t we?”
“The Minister needs to direct the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to act now,” said Hudak, in a statement. “Let’s ensure adequate coverage for everyone form the moment they sign onto a ridesharing app until the passenger is dropped off.”
While Hudak believes that “modernizing our auto insurance laws” will be beneficial to Uber drivers and consumers, the Toronto Taxi Alliance (TTA) has responded with “skepticism” and pointed out several flaws in his plan.
“Hudak was the first rider when Uber launched in Niagara Falls – the same day that cops starting laying charges against its drivers,” said Rita Smith, TTA representative. “How a member of parliament who is paid to enforce laws can publicly break them is absolutely stunning.”
The TTA is also dismayed by Hudak’s mandate for a new coverage, since there is one already offered in the Ontario marketplace.
"There is already an insurance product UberX drivers can purchase: the OPCF 6A," TTA spokesperson Sam Moini said. "They do not purchase it. To do so would alert their insurance company that they are carrying fares for money, and they risk having their policies cancelled as we saw happen with Aviva in October."
Moini points out that his industry is required to obtain the OPCF 6A endorsement before they can even receive a license to drive commercially in the City of Toronto. He feels that if Uber drivers are already skirting this basic mandate, the idea of them obtaining a new product made available on the market is a “fantasy.”
"These drivers do not purchase the product, which is available to them now,” he said. “What makes anyone think they will buy a new product in the future? They do not obey the laws that exist now.”
Smith puts forth a proposal for Hudak, given his background advocating for Uber and other sharing services.
“If he’s such a big fan of the sharing economy, we think he should share his paycheck and give us our dollars back,” she said.
