If you get in an accident while driving an Uber, the details of the incident determine what insurance coverage applies. If the app was off or you weren’t actively seeking riders, your personal insurance would generally apply. However, if the app was on and you were waiting for a request or transporting a passenger, Uber’s insurance policies offer different levels of coverage.
Being involved in a crash as an Uber driver can be confusing. An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Boston will help you navigate the complicated insurance process. The sooner you get legal representation, the more time an attorney has to work on your case.
Whose Insurance Covers the Uber Crash?
Rideshare companies like Uber protect their interests by categorizing drivers as independent contractors. This classification allows them to limit their liability and avoid the costs associated with hiring employees, such as benefits and insurance. However, Uber does offer a layer of insurance coverage for drivers who are actively using the app.
Rideshare accident attorneys will clarify which insurance coverage is relevant to your specific case. By examining data from the Uber app (such as your status at the time of the accident, trip details, and GPS tracking information), attorneys will pinpoint the exact timing of the incident and determine which insurance coverage applies.
Phase One: You Are Offline
When you are not logged into the Uber app and not available to accept ride requests, your personal auto insurance coverage applies if you get into an accident. This means that any damages, medical bills, or property repair costs resulting from a crash would fall under your personal auto policy based on its specific limits and terms.
Uber drivers need adequate personal auto insurance that meets state requirements, as Uber’s policies don’t apply when they are not actively logged into the app.
Phase Two: You Are Online and Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
During this period, Uber provides third-party liability car insurance protection up to the limits required by applicable state law. This coverage ensures that if the rideshare driver is responsible for a crash, there is a financial safety net in place to cover damages.
As a strictly third-party liability coverage, it does not extend to injuries you may sustain in an accident or any damage to your own vehicle. Instead, you would need to rely on your auto insurance policy for coverage in such situations.
Additionally, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage only applies if the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy does not apply or is deemed insufficient. To navigate these intricacies effectively, work with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.
Phase Three: You Are Online and Driving to or With a Client
When an Uber driver is online and actively transporting a client, Uber’s full commercial insurance coverage applies in the event of an accident. This coverage includes up to $1 million in liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage for any third parties involved.
In addition, Uber provides uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects both the driver and passenger if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient or has no insurance.
This enhanced coverage is in effect from the moment you accept a ride request until the passenger is dropped off. Both you and the passenger are protected in case of an accident during an active ride.
When your policy does not apply, Uber provides this insurance coverage:
- $25,000 in property damage coverage per collision
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
Where Did the Uber Accident Happen?
Various states in the U.S. have specific car insurance coverage requirements for rideshare companies, which impact the level of protection available to drivers and passengers. An Uber accident lawyer will help you make informed decisions about your insurance needs and ensure they are adequately protected while on the road.
The differences in state regulations often create confusion for drivers who may not fully understand their coverage options or the requirements in their particular state. Familiarize yourself with your state’s insurance laws and the specific provisions offered by your rideshare company.
If You Get in an Accident While Driving for Uber, Call a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
A skilled Uber accident attorney from Jason Stone Injury Lawyers will investigate your accident and help you understand your options. We have been helping injury victims since 2004. Our lawyers understand that each case is unique, and we create personalized legal strategies.
We know that your livelihood may depend on the outcome of this case, which is why we will handle it with care and urgency. With a track record of successful case results, we know how to protect your rights and represent your interests.
Our team operates on a contingency fee basis, so we only receive payment if we win your case. When we do, our fees are taken as a percentage of the compensation or settlement, meaning you never have to pay out of pocket. That’s our Stone Cold Guarantee®.
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