If you are involved in a crash with an Uber or Lyft, whose insurance coverage matters? Does the driver of the car have to pay up? Do rideshare companies offer their own coverage? What if you’re the one driving the Lyft or Uber? These types of accidents can get confusing, so it’s important to talk to a Snohomish County auto accident lawyer about what happened if you have injuries and plan to sue for damages.

What Kind of Insurance Do Rideshare Companies Carry?

Rideshare companies actually carry quite robust insurance policies. These policies have higher limits than the typical driver’s policy would, mostly because many drivers just stick with the minimum coverage mandated by the state. They also carry both first-party and third-party types of coverage.

What this means is that the driver of a Lyft or Uber vehicle, the passengers of that vehicle, and anyone involved in an accident with that vehicle could make a claim against the company’s insurance policy. This policy is likely to offer at least $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.

When Does the Rideshare Company’s Insurance Cover an Accident?

However, the issue here is figuring out when this comprehensive energy policy actually kicks in and covers an accident. Fortunately, the rideshare companies have divided up a driver’s time into “periods” to show when their coverage would be in effect. These are:

  • Period 1: A rideshare driver’s app is off.
  • Period 2: The driver’s app is on and they are waiting for a ride.
  • Period 3: The driver is on their way to pick up a fare.
  • Period 4: The passenger is in the car and the ride is in progress.

Lyft or Uber’s full coverage should be in effect during periods 3 and 4. A less robust policy is in effect during period 2. In period 1, a driver’s own policy is in effect.

So whose policy matters depends on what was going on at the time of an accident. If you get hit by a rideshare driver when their app is off, or you could get into a crash when they have a passenger and a ride is in progress. The exact circumstances of the accident can really matter here and affect how much you can try to claim in damages.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

These rideshare accidents can be quite tricky. A lawyer from our firm can help you determine whose policy was in effect at the time of a crash and whether you need to make a first-party or third-party claim. Whether you were a passenger in a Lyft or a passenger hit by an Uber driver, an experienced attorney from our firm can help you figure out how to claim the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Law Firm and Schedule a Consultation

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC. We can schedule a case consultation and tell you more about your options. We’re ready to help you negotiate with the insurers and fight for a fair settlement.