Off-app rides (cash rides or private messages outside an app/platform) may seem like a way to avoid fees, and create a win-win scenario where rider pays less, driver earns more.
In reality, they open the door to serious risks for everyone
If you care about safety, professionalism, or your income, read on.
Insurance doesn't cover off-app trips
Your personal auto insurance does not cover you for commercial use and livery.
Driving off-app for money voids your coverage.
And if you choose to lie, your passenger's story may not corroborate yours → insurance fraud
So, Uber's insurance won't cover it (because you're off app), which sends this to your personal auto insurance, which likely creates a coverage gap.
You are personally liable for damages, medical bills, legal fees,
No commercial policy. No protection. If something goes wrong, you're on the hook.
It's often illegal
Off-app rides are often illegal, or operating outside the rules that govern paid transportation.
Cities and states heavily regulate transportation
You can't drive without insurance
You can't drive commercial without insurance
Great way to get your car impounded, receive fines, and even suspensions
Enforcement is increasing, stings are happening—don't get caught operating outside the law.
Other major risks worth knowing
No platform support or safety features
No GPS tracking
No emergency help button
No trip verification.
You're alone if something goes wrong.
Risk to riders too
Truly off-app drivers don't have a central authority to enforce vehicle maintenance
Tires (increased risk of accidents)
Breakdowns (increase risk of accidents)
Truly off-app drivers don't have a central authority to enforce background checks/Motor Vehicle Records, Identity Verification
Assaults, robberies
No driver verification
Is the driver who I think they are? Are they legal to work?
Limited insurance coverage
Insurance only covers you when the ride has begun in the app
You might not/likely won't get enough compensation for any injuries
So, what do we do?
One option: Commercial Insurance, Vehicle-for-Hire Permit (TCP in California), LLC
This is an arduous, but worthy process many folks take on
Set up an LLC
Apply for commercial insurance
Purchase a VFH (or TCP in CA) permit
Purchase your commercial insurance ($800-$1,000/mo)
Register with your local airports to cover your toll fees
Downsides: expensive, lots of back-office work, big upstart costs, 24/7/365 insurance when you may only do 5 private trips per day
Or, save money and do this with HUM:
Subscribe for $79.95-$109.95/mo
Immediately unlock access to private rides
Fully insured for the periods you are driving (big savings)
Fully integrated with airports
Comparing the cost and access of standalone commercial insurance with HUM.
Option
Price
Private rides
All-in-one
Commercial insurance
$1,000 / month
Yes
No (requires permit)
HUM
$79.95–$109.95 / month
Yes
Yes
Conclusion
It might look like more money in the short-term, but the risk is huge
Your safety, your income, your business, and your passengers all depend on what you do
HUM is frictionless and provides the lowest-cost, easiest way to begin doing private rides
Frequently asked questions
Why is Commercial Insurance so expensive?
It's 24/7/365. There is no app to track usage, so your vehicle is always covered. Truthfully, this is just the cost of risk. Insurance costs are also rising and expected to continue rising. What makes HUM so much more feasible is its institutional recognition as a TNC. HUM provides insurance for all drivers and tracks usage. This way, you're covered in the moments it truly matters.
What if I'm only driving friends and family?
It's all fun and games until there's an accident. Suddenly, those friends may not be so friendly! The matter of fact is there's a difference between driving for money and driving friends around. One is a business matter, the other is just friendly. We know you can cover yourself, but you know you can't speak for other drivers on the road. Suddenly, you might get hit from someone else and it can cause real damage. Your insurance will perform an investigation and will likely find that you're driving for business. Your insurance won't cover medical expenses and your passenger can have serious bills that can result in lawsuits, liens, and asset seizures.
What happens if there's an accident while doing a private ride?
It depends if you're insured or not. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft provide coverage in primarily Period 2 (driving to a passenger) and Period 3 (transporting a passenger). However, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft do not offer private rides, implying you're out of your coverage window. If you drive with HUM, you are responsible for starting and ending trips in the HUM Driver app to initiate coverage. If you're commercially insured, you're also covered.
