Specialized Coverage for Rideshare Drivers
Drivers are required to notify their insurance company, if they decide to drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft. This is because most personal policies exclude coverage when the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes (i.e., rideshare trips).In the event of an accident, and if the driver failed to notify his insurance company, the rideshare driver can be held in violation of his own policy, and the insurer may cancel or void the coverage.
Rideshare drivers caught in this situation can be held financially responsible for injuries or property damage they cause...
Fortunately, rideshare insurance and special endorsements are now available in many states to fill coverage gaps. But rideshare insurance isn’t always cheap, and it isn’t mandated by ridesharing companies… which means some drivers may not be fully covered.
How Does This Impact Rideshare Passengers?
If you get hurt as a rideshare passenger, your injuries will likely be covered by insurance. Whose insurance applies? That can be tricky…
If the rideshare driver has a commercial policy, rideshare insurance, or other provisions that extend coverage while engaged as a rideshare driver, the driver’s coverage applies to rideshare passenger injuries.
Uber and Lyft extend commercial coverages, typically up to $1 million, for personal injuries and property damage. But these policies only apply during certain periods of a rideshare trip, and only after the driver’s coverage has been exhausted.
Period | App Status | Description | Coverage |
Period 1 | Online | The app is open, but the driver is WITHOUT a ride request. | Rideshare liability coverage ($50,000 per person; $100,000 total injury; $25,000 property damage) |
Period 2 | Online | The driver has been matched with a rider and is in route to pick up the rider. | Rideshare commercial coverage; includes uninsured/underinsured coverage |
Period 3 | Online | The rider is in the car and the period ends when the rider gets out. | Rideshare commercial coverage; includes uninsured/underinsured coverage |
Notably, these commercial coverages are only available if the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident. If another driver is responsible, an injured rideshare passenger would seek recovery via a third party car insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
In the event that the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or their coverage isn’t enough to fully compensate your injuries, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured coverage could apply. But this coverage is only available in certain circumstances:
- The at-fault driver is unknown (i.e., a hit-and-run accident)
- The at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance
- The at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries
While major rideshare accidents are uncommon, it’s better to be informed should an accident occur. If you have questions about a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to give us a call.