One of the (many) downsides of the on-demand world in which we live is we often forget to think before we act.  We wouldn’t drive our own cars without insurance.  Do we ever think about whether we’re insured when we’re a passenger in a ride-share from Uber/Lyft?

Ride-hailing companies typically provide liability insurance for U.S. drivers that would extend to passengers in an accident.  For example Uber/Lyft provide $1 million of coverage for bodily injury and property damage.  The coverage, however, is limited by strict guidelines as to when and in what situations it’s in effect that may leave passengers on the hook for some expenses.

Borrowing from the old corporate playbook of create a problem then sell the solution a startup has come along to bridge the insurance gap.  Yesterday Sure Inc. announced that it has partnered with Chubb to launch RideSafe.  The service will allow passengers to buy coverage for medical copayments, for times an Uber/Lyft policy is not in effect and accidental medical, death and dismemberment insurance coverage.

RideSafe works by connecting a customer’s Uber/Lyft account to the Sure Insurance app.  Once coverage is authorized the passenger is insured at a cost of $2.40 for however many rides he/she takes during a 24 hour period.