Uber and Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage

The Three Phases

Direct Answer: California divides rideshare driving into periods: app on and waiting, ride accepted through completion, and app off, and each has different insurance.

While the app is on but no ride has been accepted, the law requires primary coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for injury or death and $30,000 for property damage, plus excess coverage of at least $200,000. From acceptance of a ride until it is completed, $1,000,000 of primary coverage for death, injury and property damage applies. Off the app, the driver's personal policy applies, which often excludes commercial driving.

Passengers and Other Drivers

A passenger injured during a ride is generally covered by the $1,000,000 policy, and the statute requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for passengers, which is primary and the responsibility of the rideshare company. Other drivers and pedestrians hit by a rideshare vehicle can claim against the applicable policy, and disputes often arise over which phase the driver was in, so app data is important evidence.

After a Rideshare Crash

Take screenshots of the trip status, get driver and vehicle details, report the crash through the app and get medical care. Insurers may dispute which coverage applies and offer early settlements, so consider advice before signing a release or giving a recorded statement.