In order for a private passenger vehicle to carry passengers for a fee (eg. Taxis, UberX, etc.), current legislation requires that the vehicle be licensed appropriately for that use. This does not apply to typical carpooling, where a driver carries fellow employees to or from work for compensation in the normal course of their commute.

If your vehicle does not have a special license to carry passengers for compensation (other than carpooling), then doing so constitutes a use of the vehicle that is not considered legal under Ontario auto legislation. Auto insurance policies do not respond to ‘illegal’ use of a vehicle, therefore, until legislation offers a licensing alternative for UberX, personal auto insurance policies are unable to accommodate UberX operations. If a vehicle has a special license to carry passengers for hire, then the vehicle may be insured for this operation under a commercial auto insurance policy.

Uber has confirmed that they carry an insurance policy, but the exact protection it provides is not clear and Uber does not make the coverage wording available to the public. While commenting that their policy provides contingent coverage for claims of bodily injury or property damage to third parties, Ian Black, General Manager of Uber Toronto, states: “Your personal insurance is primary coverage when driving uberX.” As noted above, a personal auto insurance policy is not applicable to UberX drivers, presenting potential coverage gaps when the Uber policy is based on the operator’s insurance as primary coverage.

We cannot emphasize enough that the use of your personal vehicle for UberX activity may lead to serious financial distress should an accident occur. Because your personal automobile insurance policy will not respond, any costs associated with vehicle damage, injury to yourself or passengers, or injury or damage to the property of a third party will likely be entirely the responsibility of the UberX vehicle owner or driver.

Passengers of UberX vehicles should also be aware – if the automobile they enter does not carry appropriate insurance, it is unclear what Accident Benefits coverage they can call upon if they are injured in the vehicle.

Despite its controversy, UberX and comparable services are here to stay. At least one major Insurer has already committed to working with Uber to create coverage to meet the needs of its drivers. However, until the government provides clarity with respect to licensing and insurance, please do not operate your vehicle as an UberX driver.
Fore more, click here for a notice from FSCO

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Resultant damage caused by the freezing of any plumbing, heating, air conditioning systems or other household appliance in your home or cottage can cause serious havoc to you and your family, and often a significant financial impact if it is not insured. It is important therefore to understand that there are steps that should be taken to minimize the potential for loss. While we are all able to prepare for scheduled departures from our home, an unanticipated power outage or equipment failure during our absence will leave the home vulnerable to unexpected freezing temperatures. To prevent water damage resulting from freezing temperatures, if you are considering a trip during the winter months where the home will be unoccupied, we recommend you either:

• Ensure your plumbing system is shut off and the water is drained from all appliances; or
• Arrange for someone to enter and check your home every day while you are away to ensure heat is maintained and no issues are apparent.
• If you have a centrally monitored alarm system for fire/burglary, we also encourage you to consider adding a low temperature alarm sensor as part of the monitored service.

While this is a generalization of an exclusion common across most Insurers, it not identical to every property owner. Be sure to speak with us if you have any questions about this exclusion or the specific coverages of your policy.

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