After a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the first question is not only who was at fault. It is also which insurance policy was active. The answer depends on what the driver was doing in the app at the time.
It starts with the app
App off
A rideshare driver who is logged out is just another motorist. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and the rideshare company’s coverage does not.
App on, waiting for a ride request
Once the driver logs in and is available, California requires a tier of liability coverage for injuries the driver causes. The limits in this period are lower than when a ride is under way.
Ride accepted, through drop-off
From the moment the driver accepts a request until the passenger gets out, the highest tier applies. California has required $1 million in liability coverage during this period.
This is a general summary. Coverage requirements, including uninsured motorist coverage, have been changed by recent legislation, so ask an attorney what applied on your crash date.
If you were a passenger
Passengers are almost never at fault, and a trip in progress means the highest tier of coverage was active. If another motorist caused the crash, that driver’s insurer is primarily responsible. If your rideshare driver caused it, the company’s commercial policy generally applies.
If a rideshare driver hit you
For other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, everything turns on the app status described above. That is why securing the trip data early matters. If the driver was logged out or coverage is too low for your injuries, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help.
If you drive for Uber or Lyft
When another driver hits you, you can claim against that driver. Coverage provided through the rideshare company may also apply, depending on the period you were in. Check your personal policy: many exclude rideshare driving unless you added an endorsement.
What to do after a rideshare crash
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Screenshot the trip details, driver name and receipt.
- Get insurance information from every driver involved.
- Report the crash in the app, briefly and factually.
- Do not accept a quick settlement before you know the extent of your injuries.
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer page goes deeper into how these claims work. If the crash did not involve a rideshare vehicle after all, see car accidents.
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This article is general information about California law as of its publication date. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and how they apply depends on your facts. Consult an attorney about your situation.
