Photo courtesy of Lyft.
Photo courtesy of Lyft.

In an attempt to offer more protection for drivers and passengers, Lyft today announced a new partnership with MetLife.

Details are scant, but the transportation company noted today in a blog post that it will “develop insurance solutions,” with MetLife in the coming months.

“This arrangement is designed to help Lyft continue setting the highest standard for trust and safety in peer-to-peer transportation,” Lyft wrote.

One of the big complaints from regulators is that drivers of services like Lyft, UberX and Sidecar often do not carry the more expensive commercial insurance that is required for people who want to use their personal cars to shuttle passengers around town. To avoid paying higher fees, many drivers would not tell their personal insurance companies that they were working for Lyft or others.

This new partnership could offer a solution to that problem. It would be in addition to Lyft’s $1 million excess liability insurance policy in place for drivers who can’t cover damages with their personal insurance.

In Seattle, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring drivers of Lyft, UberX and Sidecar to carry commercial insurance. However, that ordinance was suspended last month after a coalition submitted petition signatures. Mayor Ed Murray is now trying to reach a new agreement between the startups and taxi drivers, but if nothing is on the table by the end May, Murray said he’ll issue a cease-and-desist letter to Lyft, UberX and Sidecar.

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