What Are Drivers Benefits? A Complete Guide for Rideshare Drivers

Driving in New York City comes with its fair share of challenges like traffic jams, hectic streets, and demanding passengers. But what happens if something more serious, like an injury, occurs while you’re working?

That’s where Drivers Benefits steps in. This program is free to enroll in for rideshare and Black Car Member Base drivers and provides essential protections, from Workers' Compensation to health and wellness benefits. Read on to discover how signing up for Drivers Benefits can support your health, finances, and driving career.

Who is Drivers Benefits?

Drivers Benefits is a not-for-profit organization established in 1999 to provide Workers' Compensation Insurance and additional benefits to eligible and enrolled black car and luxury rideshare drivers in New York State.

Funded by a small surcharge on passenger fares, Drivers Benefits ensures that eligible and enrolled drivers are covered for medical costs, wage replacement, and other expenses if they experience a covered accident related to work-related injuries. But that’s not all -  Benefits also includes health, wellness, and education programs completely for covered drivers.

How is Drivers Benefits Funded?

Drivers Benefits is funded by a surcharge added to every passenger’s fare. This fee is collected by your rideshare base (like Uber or Lyft) and transferred to Drivers Benefits. The contributions are then used to provide workers' compensation and a range of benefits for all enrolled and eligible drivers.

The Perks of Drivers Benefits

Drivers Benefits offer a wide range of benefits designed to support drivers’ health, safety, and professional development. Here’s a breakdown of what you can access:

1. Workers' Compensation Coverage

Drivers Benefits provides financial protection if you’re injured in a covered accident while working on the job. This includes:

• Wage replacement during your recovery.
• Coverage for medical expenses, hospital stays, and prescriptions.

2. Free Driver Education & Training

• State-Certified Defensive Driving Course: Complete an 8-hour course to improve your skills, earn $300 every three years, and meet TLC plate requirements.
• STEP Program: Learn about CPR, road safety, and mental wellness. Completing the program earns you $150 every three years.
• Earn While You Learn Course: Attend online or in-person sessions to understand your benefits and receive up to $250 upon completion.

3. Health & Wellness Benefits

• Dental Insurance: Get up to $2,000 annually for preventative, basic, and major dental care with no deductibles or co-pays when using an in-network dentist.
• Telemedicine: Access 24/7 primary care from anywhere in the U.S. via CirrusMD.
• Vision Coverage: Annual eye exams plus coverage for glasses or a 6-month supply of contact lenses at no cost to you.
• Mental Health Services: Confidential counseling for you and your family, provided by the Independent Drivers Guild.

4. Additional Benefits

• Accident Disability Insurance: Support for covered non-work-related injuries.
• Critical Illness Coverage: Financial aid for covered illnesses like cancer or stroke.

• Legal Assistance: Guidance for driver-specific legal issues.

Click here to find out more.

Why You Should Sign Up

By signing up for Drivers Benefits for free, you’re gaining more than just peace of mind—you’re ensuring financial security, better health, and ongoing education.

Remember – as an eligible and enrolled Uber driver, you are entitled to all of the above benefits. Drivers Benefits are funded by the Black Car Fund, using surcharges paid for by passengers. Enrollment is free and easy!

Signing up to Drivers Benefits is simple. When you are getting your INSHUR quote, we will ask you if you want to enroll, just select ‘Yes,’ and when you purchase your policy, you will receive a welcome email to let them know they are ready to access their benefits portal. It's that easy! 

Click here to get your free no-obligation quote now.