Alberta first province to require special insurance for Uber drivers

The province has created a new framework for how companies like Uber should operate within Alberta.

From special insurance requirements to the class of drivers license needed, the government says they want Transportation Network Companies “to operate in a fair manner, while maintaining safe roads.”

Alberta is the first province to require special insurance for TNCs that has up to $2 million in coverage spread out over three periods. Minister of transportation Brian Mason told reporters on Tuesday that the insurance coverage for TNCs differs from taxis in a number of ways.

“Commercial insurance for taxis is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Mason said. “The new insurance policies purchased by the TNC provides coverage for the drivers from the moment they access the network via the app, to when they secure a fare, to the moment they log off the app.”

He adds that rides must be booked through the app for the insurance coverage to be in effect – street hails don’t count.

As for who enforces the rules, the TNCs themselves will be held accountable for ensuring all their drivers have adequate coverage.

In addition to the insurance requirements, all TNC drivers must have a class 1, 2, or 4 license in order to be able to operate their vehicles.

The new framework comes in the wake of the passage of Bill 16, which made nine amendments to the Traffic Safety Act. The framework comes into effect on Friday, July 1.