Proposed Bill to Increase Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers Fails in Nevada Legislature

NEVADA – Nevada legislators have rejected a proposal aimed at increasing the insurance coverage required for rideshare drivers.

The attempt to pass SB 125 failed during a work session of the Committee on Revenue and Economic Development in Carson City on Thursday. The bill, which aimed to increase the amount of coverage for drivers of companies such as Uber and Lyft, had faced initial confusion in March over the lack of clarity in its language. Under current Nevada law, rideshare firms must provide $50,000 in coverage for drivers working but not yet transporting passengers. However, supporters of the proposed legislation argued that the amount was insufficient for catastrophic accidents.

Matthew Sharp, of the Nevada Justice Association, told lawmakers in March that personal insurance policies excluded coverage for for-hire driving. Harry Heartfield, public affairs manager for Uber in Nevada, called the bill “unprecedented,” but acknowledged that if passed, increased costs would likely be passed on to passengers.

The deadline to pass the bill out of committee is Friday.

Credits: 8 News Now