When Natasha and Randy Roosekrans used Uber to secure a ride from their hotel to their cruise ship in South Florida, they didn’t expect to run into any issues.
Despite being first-time users of the rideshare app, they successfully navigated their way toward the cruise port destination without complications. However, their journey took an unexpected and problematic turn just before they reached the entrance to the cruise terminal.
During their outing, they discovered their Uber driver was unauthorized, forcing them to awkwardly find alternative transportation from a roadside location. Fortunately, this unexpected setback didn’t derail their plans. However, they are now raising awareness about the potentially hazardous situation they encountered.
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Riding with a ‘bogus’ rideshare driver
Before getting into the vehicle, the first-time Uber passengers double-checked that the driver had all of the correct information. He had the right vehicle, an Uber sign and even a four-digit PIN that both drivers and passengers receive from Uber.
After thorough verification, the couple felt confident and proceeded with their ride. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until they approached the cruise port security checkpoint, where drivers are required to present valid identification.
“Ten minutes in, the driver starts kind of looking around himself and, you know, feeling over on his seat. He said ‘Well, I seem to have left my wallet somewhere,’” said Randy Roosekrans in an interview with WSVN 7 News Miami.
At that point, the driver asked Randy to take over driving to avoid any issues.
Randy assumed control of the vehicle. However, upon arrival at the checkpoint, officials required identification from all occupants, including the counterfeit Uber driver.
When the illegitimate driver couldn’t produce sufficient documentation to prove his identity matched the Uber account, the law enforcement agent seemed frustrated and explained to the couple this situation was illegal.
When Randy said he was trying to help, the officer responded with, “You’re not, so keep your mouth shut at this point.”
It turns out that the Uber driver was illegally using a family member’s account to drive passengers around town. Ultimately, the driver was detained by the police, leaving the Roosekrans stranded on the side of the road with their luggage.
“We’re standing there with our luggage, just, in the middle of the street,” said Natasha.
The good news is the couple made it to their cruise ship in time and had a wonderful three-week vacation.
But when they filed a complaint with Uber, they initially weren’t given a refund.
“Illegal driver, you know, not his car, asked the passenger to drive him in, got detained by the police. We were escorted out by the police. If this doesn’t qualify for a refund, I’m gonna have you tell me what does,” said Randy.
After speaking with the media, the Roosekrans did end up getting a full refund. However, they are now sharing their experience to prevent other travelers from enduring similar distressing situations.
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Fraud contributing to an insurance crisis
Fake Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t uncommon around Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Although prolific, illegitimate rides are unregulated, illegal and potentially dangerous.
Law enforcement agencies have launched numerous undercover operations at both Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to combat illegal transportation services. Despite impounding dozens of vehicles during these crackdowns, the issue of unauthorized drivers continues to persist at these major South Florida transportation hubs.
The influx of unlicensed drivers serving as impromptu rideshare operators poses significant risks not only to passenger safety but also exacerbates Florida’s already troubled insurance landscape. With individuals unknowingly entering vehicles operated by drivers lacking proper credentials and insurance coverage, this underground transportation network is further destabilizing the state’s insurance market.
Under the law, Uber and Lyft require drivers to meet specific insurance mandates. In Florida, legitimate drivers must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage when a passenger is in a vehicle. Both Uber and Lyft enforce this insurance requirement with their legitimate drivers.
But the cost of insuring drivers isn’t cheap. Uber and Lyft incur significant costs to maintain the necessary level of coverage. In fact, Uber claims that 19% of fares in Florida go toward insurance.
It’s no secret that the legal landscape in Florida is topsy-turvy. Many businesses, including Uber, claim the state has rampant lawsuit abuse, which pushes up insurance costs for everyone. After all, if someone sues an insurer, who must pay significant damages, the insurer often passes on that cost to the other policyholders by increasing their insurance premiums.
The good news is that recent legal reforms at the state level were passed in 2023. Since then, the changing legal landscape has shown possible signs of stabilized insurance costs.
But with rampant fake Uber drivers on the streets of South Florida, passengers must remain wary. And, when accidents happen, it may put upward pressure on insurance premiums, which affects the budget of every Sunshine State resident.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
