Here’s Why Lyft and Uber Car Accidents Are Different
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Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re in a car accident, there are some steps you’ll take immediately following, as a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN can attest. You’ll call the authorities, swap information with the at-fault driver, gather evidence and seek medical attention. All of these steps are the same if you’re in an accident with a Lyft or Uber, though these accidents are different in other ways. The following breaks it down.

Insurance Coverage

When you file a claim for your accident, you’ll need to file it with the correct party. Whether you were in the Lyft or Uber, were driving another car, or were a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft, insurance is going to come either from the driver’s personal coverage or the rideshare company.

Knowing Where to File

Both companies offer insurance coverage for their drivers to a certain extent. Beyond that, the drivers are responsible for having personal auto insurance.

Lyft Coverage

  • Period 0 – This is when the driver app has been turned off and the car is not being used commercially. The driver’s personal insurance would cover the accident.
  • Period 1 – This is when the driver app has been turned on, but the driver hasn’t committed to a passenger yet. Lyft offers contingent liability coverage for this, which includes a $50,000 limit per person, a $25,000 limit for property, and a $100,000 limit per accident.
  • Period 2 – This is when the driver has accepted a client and is en route to pick him or her up. Lyft offers primary liability up to $1 million for the accident, contingent collision coverage based on whether the driver also has personal collision, contingent comprehensive coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist up to $1 million per accident.
  • Period 3 – This is when the driver has picked up a passenger and is en route to the passenger’s destination. This has the same coverage as period 2.

Uber Coverage

  • App Off – If the Uber driver’s app is turned off, there is no coverage from the Uber company. The driver’s personal insurance would cover any accidents.
  • Waiting for Request – If the Uber driver’s app is turned on and he or she is waiting for a ride request, Uber offers third-party liability if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident. This includes $50,000 injury per person, $25,000 property per accident and $100,000 injury per accident.
  • En Route to Passengers – If the Uber driver has accepted a job and is en route to pick up a passenger, Uber offers $1 million liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage up to the value of the car.
  • Transporting a Passenger – If the Uber driver is transporting a passenger, the same insurance coverage applies as when he or she is en route to the passenger.

More info at Car Accident Law Firm Indianapolis.