Ride Sharing Know How

doug • July 1, 2019

Ride Share

Ride sharing is more like taking a taxi than what it sounds like involving carpooling to work with a coworker, hitching a ride to an event with a neighbor, or getting a lift to the store from a friend.

It typically involves a company that connects riders with drivers who make them selves available. Ride sharing, which has grown quickly in popularity over the past several years, has three components:
  • You’re riding in a car, SUV, truck, or van owned and driven by a private individual.
  • Typically, you pay for the ride.
  • Usually, a ride is booked using a smartphone app or a website, so some simple tech skills may be required to hitch a ride.

Ride sharing is a way to get from Point A to Point B instead of using public transportation, such as taking a bus or a train, and livery services, or such as grabbing a taxi, a limo, or an airport shuttle.

Ride Sharing Know How. How Does It Work?

Ride sharing companies are officially known as Transportation Network Companies, and they connect people who need rides to drivers who want to use their private vehicles to make money, often as a side job.

Ride sharing has grown in popularity over the past few years, and you probably have heard of names like Uber and Lyft. You may have heard of someone right here is Spartanburg say they are going to “uber” to a movie.

Using a ride sharing service is a simple as finding a ride sharing company that operates in our area, download their app to your smartphone, and use that app to book a ride.

After you book a ride, the app will give you the name and photo of your driver, the make, model, and color of the vehicle they drive, and an approximate time for when they will reach your location. You may also be able to see the driver’s license plate number, as well as the driver’s rating, which is based on reviews from other riders.  This identification process is important for your safety.

The app will charge the credit card or other payment method you’ve put on file so you won’t have to dig through your wallet or purse for cash or plastic. Once you reach your destination, you will be able to go on your way.

If you want to save money you can actually share your ride with others headed in the same direction. For example, Uber offers an option called  UberPOOL. If you select the carpool option, your driver can pick up a maximum of two additional riders, and everyone pays a lower fare—guaranteed. Note that the carpooling option is only available in some of the cities served by the company—typically larger cities, such as Atlanta, New York and San Francisco.

Ride Sharing and Safety

Ride sharing offers many benefits, including the convenience of being able to quickly summon a ride such as when a play lets out, you have finished shopping, or the rain has started pouring.

There are some  issues with ride sharing  that you should know about before you use them. Although using a ride sharing service may seem similar to using a taxi service, there are differences.

Unlike taxi and limousine drivers, ride sharing drivers typically do not have a commercial driver’s license, or the training and testing required to obtain one. And they are driving their own personal vehicles, which are not licensed or insured as commercial vehicles.

For accidents involving ride sharing, being compensated for an injury can become complicated because a number of parties involved. Some larger ride sharing companies carry $1 million in liability coverage that will cover injuries to passengers. Some also carry the same amount in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These coverages help to protect passengers who incur medical bills as a result of an accident in a ride sharing vehicle. It’s a good idea to check what coverages a ride sharing service has before you start riding.

Some ride sharing companies have implemented technology-based safety features. For example, Uber has a “Send Status” button that allows you to send family and friends your location and ETA. With one swipe of your phone, you can text your driver’s name and license plate number, as well as your real-time map location to up to five contacts. This offers peace of mind to you and your loved ones who might worry about your safety when you’re riding with a stranger.

Ride Sharing and Older Riders

For older adults who do not drive , ride sharing may offer a convenient transportation option. In fact, some companies and nonprofits exclusively offer ride sharing to riders 60 and up. Some charge for rides, but some don’t. For example:

SilverRide offers door-to-door transportation for older riders in several cities. Specially trained drivers assist riders from the door to the vehicle and then to their destination. Drivers are trained in Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and serving older adults.

If you or someone you love has handed over their car keys, ride sharing may be a great option for maintaining independence.

By Doug Stockman October 27, 2025
The TL;DR (No Cap) Car insurance isn't some cheugy boomer paperwork. It’s about protecting your present and future bag. It’s what turns a life-altering financial disaster into a manageable Tuesday. Think of your insurance agent as your hype squad. We're here to explain the tea on deductibles, coverage limits, and make sure you're not paying for a policy that’s mid. The Bottom Line: Don’t simp for a cheaper premium that leaves you exposed. Get the right coverage. Secure your whip. Protect your peace. That's true main character energy. The Tea on Car Insurance: Why Do I Need to Drop Stacks on Something I(hopefully) Won't Even Use? Hey besties. Let's be real. Nobody is stoked about spending their hard-earned cash on car insurance. It feels like one of those things your parents—bless their hearts, they're kind of cheugy—keep telling you is "essential." You’re probably thinking, "Big Yikes, is this even a vibe? Why do I need to drop stacks on something I (hopefully) won't even use?" We get it. You're trying to save your bag, maybe finally afford that drip, or just keep that avocado toast habit alive. But hear us out, because don't simp for cheaper premium, because life without car insurance is seriously not the vibe, and honestly? That’s some major delulu behavior. 🚗 Scenario 1 : You're on Vibe Check Street and Things Go Sideways Picture this: You’re cruising, the playlist is absolutely slapping, and you're feeling like the main character. Then, BAM! A chaotic squirrel runs into the road, you swerve, and now your bumper is looking kinda… mid (or worse, completely busted). Without car insurance, that little "oopsie" instantly becomes a gigantic L. You are now personally funding the body shop, which is an express ticket to Brooksville (population: you). If you have a loan, your lender is going to be shook—and not in a good way. The Insurance Slay: If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you can low-key just file a claim. You pay your deductible (which is usually much smaller than a whole repair bill), and your insurance company steps in and says, "Bet." Suddenly, that Big Yikes situation is just a minor inconvenience, not a financial dumpster fire. You're winning, which is a big fat W. 💥 Scenario 2 : It Wasn’t You, It Was Karen Okay, so let’s say you are driving perfectly. You have that rizz behind the wheel. But then, some absolute NPC runs a stop sign and totals your whip. What about your car? If the other person has terrible insurance (or, yikes, none), and you only have basic liability, your car is toast, or is it? Would you be getting ghosted by your savings account? The Insurance Slay: If you went for Uninsured(required)/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (which is a total flex), your policy steps up to pay for your stuff (up to the limits) when the other driver is broke or capping about their coverage. You get your ride fixed, you avoid being salty, and you keep the good vibes rolling. What if it is your fault? This is where your Liability Coverage is the real MVP. Legally, you need this at a bare minimum. It means if you are at fault for an accident, your insurance pays for the other person's damages (car repairs, medical bills, etc., up to the policy limits) so that they don't drag you in court and take your house money. Do you have the right limits? Ready to stop being delulu and get a quote that actually slaps? Hit us up. We'll make it quick, easy, and not at all cheugy. Bet! "Yo, need to scoop a quote for car insurance. What's the tea on the cheapest rates for my whip?" Our clients live in Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Inman, Duncan, Roebuck, Moore, Lyman and the general upstate.
But it wasnt my fault
By Doug Stockman September 25, 2025
Ugh, My Rate Went Up for a Not-at-Fault Accident? It's the ultimate insurance head-scratcher. You're driving along, minding your own business, and then BAM! Some other driver turns your day into a metal-crumpled mess. But wait, it's not your fault! The police report says so, the other driver's insurance company agrees, and you're feeling pretty good about the whole thing. You and the other driver are not hurt and now your car is fixed. Then you get your renewal notice. Your heart sinks. Your insurance rate has gone up. But…why? Didn't we just establish that you were the innocent bystander in this whole debacle? It's a frustrating, perplexing situation that feels about as fair as getting a parking ticket for a car you don't even own. At Select Source Insurance, we hear this question a lot. We get it, it's maddening. So let's try to demystify this insurance riddle together, one slightly-less-maddening explanation at a time. The Crystal Ball of Risk Insurance companies are essentially professional fortune-tellers. They use all sorts of data to predict who is most likely to file a claim in the future. The "riskier" you appear, the more you're likely to pay for insurance. A not-at-fault accident, while not your fault in the traditional sense, can still be a blip on their risk radar. Here's what they're seeing: You're on the road more. If you're involved in an accident, even if it's not your fault, it indicates you're spending time on the road where these things happen. The more you drive, the higher the chance of being in an accident, even if you are the world's most defensive driver. Driving Habits: Even if you're not at fault, an accident can be a sign of unsafe driving habits. Consider this common scenario: you're following a car too closely, and they suddenly hit their brakes. You manage to stop in time, but the car behind you doesn't, resulting in a rear-end collision. While you may not be considered at fault, your decision to tailgate created a domino effect, leading to the crash. This is just one of many examples of how a lack of attention to safe driving practices can contribute to an accident. Stand Alone: This one incident, in and of by itself, may not impact the rate that much, but if another incident similar or different it will have more impact on the rate. The insurance company starts to see a pattern. The "Luck" Factor. Some insurance companies use a more statistical approach. They see that you've been in an accident, and their data might show that people who have been involved in one accident, even a not-at-fault one, are slightly more likely to be involved in another. It's not a judgment on your driving skills, but a cold, hard, and somewhat comical statistical reality. The Cost of Doing Business. Even in a not-at-fault claim, your insurance company might still have to pay for things. They might cover the rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or towing until they're reimbursed by the other driver's insurance. These costs, however small, are still part of a claim, and claims affect rates. The Solution: We Can Help! So, what's an innocent driver to do? The good news is, you're not stuck. This is precisely where being an independent insurance agency like Select Source Insurance makes all the difference. We aren't tied to a single insurance company. We work with a whole bunch of them! If one company decides to punish you for being a victim of circumstance, we can shop around for you. We can find a different insurance company that has a more favorable view of not-at-fault accidents. Think of us as your personal insurance matchmaker. We know which companies are more forgiving and which ones are more likely to raise rates for even the smallest claim. Our job is to find you a policy that offers great coverage without making you pay for someone else's mistake. The Bottom Line Yes, it's a bit ridiculous that your rates can go up for a not-at-fault accident. It's one of those bizarre insurance quirks that makes you want to shake your fist at the sky. But it's not a dead end. Give us a call. We'll do the shopping and negotiating for you. Let us find you a rate that reflects your driving, not someone else's.
Car Tax Refund
By Doug Stockman August 21, 2025
Getting your Spartanburg vehicle tax refund: A guide from Select Source Insurance. Did you sell, trade, or wreck (as in a total loss) your vehicle? Did your vehicle get repossessed, or have you moved out of state? You may be eligible for a refund! We understand that navigating property taxes can be confusing, especially when life events like selling or wrecking a car come into play. Many Spartanburg residents don't realize they might be eligible for a refund on their vehicle property taxes in such situations. At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help clarify the process and ensure you get the refund you deserve. When are you eligible for a refund? Spartanburg County offers vehicle property tax refunds in several instances: Selling, Trading, Wrecking, or Repossessing a Vehicle Returning a Leased Vehicle Moving Out of State before your vehicle tag decal expires Transferring a tag does to another vehicle does not qualify What documentation do you need? The required documentation varies depending on why you are seeking a refund. The Spartanburg County Auditor's Office may require: a Bill of Sale Trade-in agreement A statement from your insurance or repossession company Documentation from the leasing company Your new out-of-state registration. How to apply for your refund? You can apply: in person by email: countyauditor@spartanburgcounty.org. by mail: to the Spartanburg County Auditor's office at 366 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29303 We're here to help Understanding vehicle property tax refunds can be complex. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to assist with your car insurance needs and related questions. Here is a link: Spartanburg County Tax Refunds Also, did you know you can turn a vehicle tag in online? Yes, it is called a virtual tag turn in or decommissioning a tag. Here is the link: Decommission a Tag If you have questions about eligibility or need help with documentation, contact Spartanburg County. Informational purposes only. Check with the appropriate government entity for actual process.