What happens during a trip - Uber Driver Guide

Once a fare has entered the car, the trip is officially in full ride mode. You passenger in the seat, front or back, maybe alone or with other passengers. Now the fun begins. Depending on the type of ride you are taking, will determine the outcome of your trip.

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Just remember the golden rule "Always be Courteous and polite, but firm and direct."

Also, remember that this is where the passenger will rate you and tip you, so whatever happens now is really up to you and how you handle the ride including how you handle an unruly passenger.

The second rule of a safe trip is to have a dash cam recording at all times. This provides recorded evidence for collisions, accidents and passengers behavior as well as your behavior during a trip.

Now let's look at the technical issues.

Changing a destination

Destinations can be changed by the driver as well as the passenger, if a passenger makes a destination change request during a trip, the chance is you will have to change it unless they do it in the app while chatting with you. Changing destinations is not allowed in Uber Pool trips.

If you are driving, it is better if you suggest to the rider to make the change in their app, since concentrating on typing and moving the map will divert your attention from the road and the task of safe driving.

On occasions, a passenger will have requested a multi-stop ride, or during a ride make a multi-stop request. That should be fine so long as the passenger understands the extra costs and even more so, understands the importance of safe drop off and pick up locations along the way.

The end of a trip

The trip ends when you arrive at the drop off location. The moment your vehicle stops completely, and you are fully parked you swipe the "end trip" option in the app.

Stop as close to the passenger's location drop off point, but make sure it is in a safe area and also in a parking area that does not have legal or safety issues. Some passengers will know exactly where to park so that you can defer to their judgment. However, if the passenger does not know the end location area, it is better you park as close to where they want to reach but in a safe and legal standing area. In instances where there is a problem, discuss the solutions with your passenger. Take into account traffic, luggage assistance, disabled or elderly passenger assistance and other factors that come into play.

Payment Options

Uber is a cash-free driving experience, but some cities offer cash payment options. In credit modes, the fare is automatically deducted at the end of the ride.

All tolls and fees generated during a ride and for your return are paid for in full by the passenger.

Tipping is provided by the Uber app and passengers have a choice to tip via the app or to give the driver cash.

What to do in an Accident

You must contact Uber or your ride-share company and report the accident. Once you have reported it, they will begin to process the information and assist your claims with James River (the Uber rideshare insurance company). James River will only become active if you are at fault or if the car damage is higher than the policy deductible charge. If James river gets involved, they will ask you to estimate the damages, but then the process is simple if not, you have to manage it alone.

Remember, will deactivate you after an accident until you can prove your car is fit for driving.

The only time it gets complicated for you is when you are not at fault, and the deductible is more than the damage.

When you are involved in an accident, if you are uninjured, or injured lightly (if you are seriously injured you won't need to deal with this since this becomes police jurisdiction) you will need to gather the following:

  • License Plate: Write down or photograph.
  • Insurance Card: Write down or photograph
  • Driver's License: Write down or photograph
  • Dashcam recording; Store for the insurance claim or defense (if you are at fault)
  • Witnesses (Passengers and pedestrians): Ask for statements, or names if possible. Witnesses are very important, the more witnesses you can find them easier, it will be to prove your claim or help in your defense.
  • Police: Call them if necessary, that means in case of a serious accident. You don't need police for a case of whiplash or fender bender since a rear end collision is always the fault of the other driver.
  • Maintain your cool at all times, even if the other driver is a total jerk.
  • Listen and note all the details you can get from people that saw the accident.
  • Never admit fault, even if it is obvious.
  • Provide your rideshare insurance coverage, not your personal one.

After the accident, check your Uber insurance by going to the Waybill option in the driver app menu. At the bottom of the waybill screen, you will see all the Uber insurance information.

Rating a Passenger

Just as a passenger will rate a driver, so a driver should rate a passenger and the same rules apply. Anything under 4.6 is considered bad. So. when rating a passenger consider all the alternatives and rate 5 stars for an average to excellent passenger and less for issues.

If you rate less than 5 stars, as with driver ratings, you will be prompted to provide a reason. You can choose from a list of options or add free-hand in "others."

Airports

This is a special section for Airport rides. Some airports have specific regulations, so you must check either with the Uber hub or in the "local driver guide" and "where to drive" section to find out what specific issues are involved.

For example Los Angeles: LAX

Uber has a special agreement with LAX and Burbank airports; this requires drivers to go online and read the LAX rules and regulations as well as the TNC non-exclusive license agreement and then participate in a brief but mandatory online quiz. If you succeed in completing it, Uber will send you a personal Airport Vehicle Permit placard for your car. You must place this on the front and back of the vehicle before making LAX and Burbank ride-share trips.

City Specific issues

Some cities make specific requirements, such an NYC. If you want to drive in your city you must check on the Uber site, or when you apply for an Uber drivers position, what your specific requirements are. In the case of New York, you will need to obtain a New York taxi and TLC driver's license. The car you operate must also be licensed by the TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission)

For trips that start and finish outside New York City limits will need to provide the following requirements:

  • New York State and NYC Taxi and TLC driver license
  • A 4 door car that is 2002 or newer (no commercial plates)
  • Car insurance with your name on the registered card
  • Full car registration

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