PCI Issues Response to Commentary in the Tulsa World Highlighting the TNC Insurance Gaps
The following is the text of a letter to the editor sent by PCI Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Marguerite Tortorello to the Tulsa World in response to an Other Voices commentary on transportation network company insurance coverage gaps.
"Oklahoma has witnessed Uber’s say anything, slash and burn politics and discourse. The latest is theTulsa World’s Other Voices commentary by Ernie Csiszar, who failed to disclose that he’s been a paid consultant and lobbyist for Uber, a fact of which readers should be aware.
"Misinformation by omission, is nothing new to Uber’s lobbying style or dealings with drivers and the public. What else is Uber not disclosing?
"Nearly half the states and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), have issued public advisories warning of the insurance coverage gaps that exist in commercial ridesharing.
"Secondly, a standard personal auto insurance policy does not cover commercial ridesharing activity. The problem is not that ridesharing firms don’t have insurance, but that their insurance rarely covers drivers while looking for a fare, creating uncertainty regarding who’s responsible for losses due to accidents. This could leave ride-share drivers and users fully exposed to the costs associated with an accident. Our aim is to ensure that there is insurance coverage certainty for ride-share drivers and users and that accident-related medical claims are paid and cars gets fixed.
"PCI and its members support innovation, including ride sharing, when there is adequate insurance to protect Oklahomans choosing on-demand transportation.
"Providing adequate, commercial insurance coverage is a cost of doing business. Uber, valued at $41 billion, should not be allowed to engage in cost shifting and expose drivers and the public to the potential of higher insurance expenses because Uber doesn’t want to fulfill its responsibility."
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