The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has released an
infographic warning drivers who engage in ride-sharing activities that their insurance policies may not protect them in the event of damage or injury.
It features several yellow warning signs and advises, "The Standard Ontario Automobile Policy excludes coverage when the automobile is used to carry paying passengers or used as a taxi."
It then instructs motorists to contact their auto insurance representatives and possibly even seek legal advice to confirm that they have sufficient policies in place to partake in ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft.
FSCO's disclaimer comes after two Ottawa drivers plead guilty to driving unlicensed taxis for Uber. Their fines, however, were withdrawn, according to the
Ottawa Citizen.
The app's Ontario general manager called regulations a "gray zone," but expressed hope that Canadian lawmakers will create flexible policies for Uber, citing its positive economic impact and upward trend of job creation.
