If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, YOU ARE PROTECTED. As a rideshare passenger you should be covered by a $1,000,000 liability policy if the rideshare driver is at fault for the crash. If your rideshare driver is NOT at fault, you may be covered by the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist (UM) policy. This amount can range from $20,000 to $250,000 depending on the rideshare company.

Things become a bit more complicated if you are the rideshare driver. IF YOU ARE THE DRIVER, INSURANCE COVERAGE IS A BIG MAYBE! Rideshare companies have different coverage “tiers”. If you have the rideshare app turned off, you are covered by your own insurance. Once you enable the rideshare app, you may be covered by $50,000 bodily injury coverage, and $25,000 in property damage. These coverages will protect you from personal liability in the event you cause a crash. Finally, from the time you accept a fare on the app, to the point you drop off your passenger, you may be covered by bodily injury liability of $1,000,000, comprehensive and collision coverage, and uninsured motorist protection ranging from $20,000 to $250,000.

If you are a rideshare driver, YOU NEED TO INFORM YOUR OWN INSURANCE COMPANY YOU ARE USING YOUR VEHICLE FOR RIDESHARES! Your premium may increase, but failing to inform your insurance company of this fact is grounds for them to cancel your policy when you need them the most. You may also want to consider asking your carrier if they provide rideshare insurance. If they do, this can be an extra layer of protection in the event of a collision.

While the above information can be helpful, keep in mind coverage amounts are constantly changing. For example, over the years, Lyft has reduced their UM coverage from $1,000,000, down to $250,000, and ultimately to $20,000. THIS IS WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY. We can investigate to find all available coverage and ensure you’re seeing the correct doctors who will properly document your injuries so we can prove your injuries and help you recover the settlement you deserve.

Involved in a crash that involves Uber or Lyft? Give us a call at 1-800-332-1992! We can help!