Minimum Age for New Uber Drivers in California Upped to 25
Uber recently changed its age policy for most new drivers in California, increasing the minimum required age to 25. The company cited rising commercial auto insurance costs within the state as the primary reason for this policy update.
The revised age limit applies exclusively to drivers who intend to transport passengers via Uber’s ride-hailing service. It does not affect those signing up to deliver food through the Uber Eats platform. Before this change, individuals as young as 19 were eligible to become Uber drivers.
Uber further specified that drivers younger than 25 who activated their accounts before August 23, 2023, will be exempt from the new age policy and can continue to provide rides through the platform.
Uber Cites Increasing Insurance Rates
In a statement explaining the policy change, Uber revealed that insurance rates for its drivers in California are considerably higher than those for private car owners or traditional taxi operators.
The company pointed out that the disparate insurance requirements have resulted in a growing number of personal injury lawyers focusing on lawsuits against rideshare platforms like Uber. This trend has contributed to a steep rise in Uber’s state-mandated commercial insurance costs in California, which have increased by more than 65% in two years. In response, Uber is increasing the minimum age for new drivers to 25 to mitigate these soaring insurance costs.
It’s worth mentioning that commercial insurance is a requirement for ride-hailing drivers in all 50 U.S. states. Uber provides its drivers with commercial auto insurance that includes at least $1 million in liability coverage, activated once a ride is accepted. In contrast, personal auto insurance policies usually do not extend to activities performed on ride-hailing platforms.
Uber’s primary competitor, Lyft, already has a minimum age requirement of 25 for its drivers.
New Drivers Under 25 To Be Notified By Email
Those under 25 attempting to register as new drivers with Uber will be sent an email outlining the updated age policy and including a link for further information.
This adjustment in age criteria comes when Uber is experiencing a revival in passenger numbers following a significant slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is now facilitating more rides than in 2019, bolstering its optimism about achieving its longstanding ambition of sustained profitability.
This renewed focus on profitability has led management to pay closer attention to cost-saving measures, a mindset that likely influenced the decision to exclude drivers under 25.
In a statement, Uber expressed its intent to collaborate with state legislators and industry specialists to explore legislative and regulatory amendments to enhance the experience for all drivers in California.
The following video from the Rideshare Professor explains more about the minimum age for California Uber drivers.
Getting Legal Help After An Accident
If you have been involved in an accident as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or as a driver yourself, it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly. Crashes involving rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft come with complexities, including issues related to insurance coverage, liability, and multiple parties potentially being involved. Understanding these complexities can be daunting, but an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can navigate you through the legal maze. They can help you understand your rights and work diligently to ensure that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. The legal landscape can be intricate for rideshare drivers or passengers injured in an accident. A knowledgeable injury attorney can help you determine your best course of action, whether filing a claim with your personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or potentially pursuing a lawsuit against a third party. Call our legal experts at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. Since 1982, our law firm successfully assisted residents of Northern California in securing just compensation for their damages and losses. You can view a compilation of our past verdicts and settlements.
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