PYMNTS-MonitorEdge-May-2024

Buckle Expands Auto Insurance Coverage to Gig Delivery Drivers

gig driver app

Buckle, an insurance and credit company specifically for the gig economy, has expanded its rideshare and delivery auto insurance to U.S. drivers of Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Grubhub and Favor, according to a Wednesday (Dec. 15) press release.

“One of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., delivery drivers are in high demand, and they need comprehensive and affordable insurance coverage fast,” said Sharon Fernandez, head of insurance at Buckle. “Extending our rideshare insurance, which provides both commercial and personal coverage in one affordable policy to include food and package delivery companies, means peace of mind for gig drivers during the busy holiday season and beyond when they can’t afford to lose their car following an accident.”

Buckle rideshare and delivery insurance underwrites coverage for gig drivers without credit reports, according to the announcement. The company instead uses star ratings and driving track records to quote insurance policies.

While ratings may help gig workers obtain more affordable insurance coverage, gig workers represented by the Workers Info Exchange said this week that computer algorithms can harm their workplace standing with little remedy, PYMNTS reported.

The group is seeking insight about how algorithms work and more transparency into how decisions are made.

Read more: Gig Workers Want Insight Into Platform Algorithms

The gig economy is expected to continue growing by leaps and bounds. According to Techaeris, gig workers increased by nearly one-third. Today, 55 million Americans engage in gig work. Delivery driving is anticipated to increase to $200 billion within the next four years, according to Techaeris.

Along with the need to provide gig workers with auto insurance, portable benefits platform Stride Health is working to make health insurance available to self-employed workers.

Stride Health has joined forces with freelancer platform Fiverr to provide freelance worker with access to affordable care.

Related: The Great Resignation, Gig Economy Growth Fuels Demand for Portable Health Benefits Apps

PYMNTS-MonitorEdge-May-2024