Aviva Canada develops insurance product for Quebec ridesharing programs – if province allows them

Aviva Canada announced on Wednesday that it has developed an “affordable and convenient insurance product that would bridge the insurance gap in Quebec,” if the provincial government decides to allow ridesharing programs.

Aviva Canada, a provider of home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance, said in a press release that the coverage is independent of ridesharing facilitators and is a simple addition to an Aviva-insured personal auto policy. It would become available for Quebec drivers with the required approval of the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF).

Ridesharing drivers (such as those contracted with UberX) would be protected from the moment they initiate looking for passengers through to collecting and dropping off those passengers, Aviva Canada said in the release. Eligibility for coverage will be based on some “simple underwriting criteria,” such as a maximum of eight passengers, licensed for a minimum of six years, no other commercial use, etc.

This coverage will be available for drivers that spend up to 20 hours a week participating in ridesharing. The cost for the additional coverage will be calculated using factors such as time spent ridesharing, area driven and driving record, Aviva Canada explained.

“We have developed a simple and affordable product designed for Quebec drivers and passengers that will give them absolute peace of mind while ridesharing, if the government goes ahead with a dual regulation regime and pending regulatory approval,” said Martin-Eric Tremblay, senior vice president for Quebec and Atlantic Canada for Aviva Canada. “We’re thrilled to be providing innovative insurance solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of Quebec consumers.”

Earlier this year, Aviva Canada made ridesharing insurance coverage available in Ontario and filed for regulatory approval in Alberta.

Unlike carpooling, ridesharing drivers and passengers are not covered by their personal automobile insurance policy in case of a claim.

The announcement came a day after Toronto City Council approved a new vehicle-for-hire bylaw for the city’s ground transportation industry.