A Ride from uber: Know What You’re Getting Into
There’s no doubt that a ride from Uber remains one of the most widely used options for getting around, with the company reporting over 20 million rides per day globally in 2025. But as the platform continues to grow, Uber and similar app-based services like Lyft have remained under ongoing scrutiny—especially when it comes to safety, accountability, and rider experience. In many cases, a professional private car service may be a smarter, more reliable alternative. Here’s why:
A Professional, Safer Transportation Experience
Uber drivers undergo a multi-step background check, but these checks are still conducted by third-party vendors—not law enforcement—and often do not include fingerprinting, unlike the strict vetting processes required for licensed livery and taxicab drivers. According to safety studies, third-party checks can be up to 43 times more likely to miss disqualifying criminal history.
Even with improvements to Uber’s technology and safety reporting tools, loopholes remain. For instance, someone with a criminal background could register using someone else’s identity, and enforcement mechanisms remain reactive rather than preventive. In some cases, an otherwise “approved” driver may hand off their Uber account or vehicle to another person without Uber or the passenger knowing.
And even when the driver is legitimate, the nature of gig work means many rideshare drivers work excessive hours just to earn a livable wage, which can raise concerns about fatigue, focus, and long-term safety behind the wheel.
For more details, see this report from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. From page 75 of this report, here’s a comparison of industry best practices compared with the practices followed by typical transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber.
| Best Practice | TNC Practice | |
| FBI check | Yes | No |
| State Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) check | Yes | No |
| Courthouse records | Yes | Yes |
| Driving records | Yes | Yes |
| Sex offender registries | Yes | Yes |
| Social Security verification | Yes | Yes |
| Potential error rate | 1% | 43% |
Customer Service Should be Proactive, Not Reactive
A quick look at Uber’s website shows that the company still relies heavily on rider feedback and ratings to weed out unsatisfactory or unsafe drivers. Unfortunately, this means that a negative incident must typically occur before any corrective action is taken, rather than being prevented upfront. And negative experiences do still occur. Uber’s own published safety reports and media coverage have documented serious incidents, including assaults, stalkings, racist rants, and even high-speed chases. While these situations affect a small percentage of total rides, it’s important to remember that a company with such a large network of independent drivers and limited real-time oversight simply cannot guarantee consistent safety or professionalism across the board.
Credentialed car services are mandated to set the bar higher. A truly reputable private car service company generally sets the bar even higher, with stringent background checks in addition to licensing requirements and drug testing. And because limousine companies rely on their reputations, their drivers are much more likely to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. In fact, customer service is typically part of their job description, and many limousine services require drivers to undergo customer service training. It’s a very different approach to what Uber offers.
Support a Fair, Local Business
Uber has come under scrutiny in several states for classifying its drivers as contractors rather than employees. By hiring drivers as contractors, Uber sidesteps legal requirements for a guaranteed minimum wage and various employee benefits such as health insurance, workers’ compensation and overtime pay. And independent contractors who work for Uber are also responsible for paying the employer’s share of payroll taxes.
In comparison, limousine companies are much more likely to have an employer-employee relationship with their drivers. It’s a much more equitable, people-based approach to running a business. And by using a local business, you’re helping to support the economy in your area.
Legal and Insurance Concerns
While Uber now maintains a commercial insurance policy that includes up to $1 million in liability coverage when a ride is in progress, there are still important limitations to consider. Most personal auto insurance policies—such as those carried by Uber drivers—exclude coverage for commercial or for-hire use, which means drivers rely entirely on Uber’s policy once they accept a fare. Although Uber’s insurance is now admitted and recognized in Connecticut, coverage varies depending on the driver’s status (whether the app is on, a ride is accepted, or a passenger is in the vehicle).
In contrast, licensed livery services like Teddy’s carry comprehensive commercial fleet insurance—often in excess of $1.5 million per vehicle—as well as workers’ compensation and other safeguards. For corporate clients especially, this distinction matters: if an accident occurs during an Uber ride, the legal and insurance process can be complex, and in some cases, liability could extend to the rider or their employer.
Transportation in Style
If you rent a ride from Uber, you’re probably not expecting a nice car, nor are you looking to make a statement. But when you reserve a private car, you’re paying for style and a professional experience. It’s also difficult to get any work done in a small, likely hybrid, UberX. And if you’re paying the fare for UberBlack, you may as well get a fully credentialed chauffeur at about the same rate. If you’re planning a ride for a special event — like prom night, getting to or from a wedding or reception, or a corporate event — a private car service is probably the best choice.
Do Your Research
There are plenty of choices when it comes to private transportation, and when it comes to getting into another person’s automobile, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into … and we mean that literally! If you have any questions about how a private transportation company handles safety concerns, runs its business or treats its employees, call them and ask. A reputable company will provide this information willingly and may even provide answers to frequently asked questions, along with references, on its website.
About Teddy’s
Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Teddy’s Transportation System provides professionally managed, dependable transportation services in Fairfield and Westchester Counties and the New York metropolitan area. Teddy’s uses safety practices well above mandated levels, has a booking app and valid first-dollar for-hire insurance filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles and available for your inspection. For more information on Teddy’s, go to www.teddyslimo.com or call 800-888-3339.
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