Insurance coverage for Uber drivers and passengers

Many people in California and elsewhere use Uber and other rideshare services to get around town. Rideshare programs also offer drivers a way to make extra money, but people may not know what types of insurance coverage they have whether they are an Uber driver or passenger. The following offers details regarding insurance coverage.

Uber insurance for drivers

Whether Uber drivers primarily transports passengers or uses their car to make deliveries, Uber requires all drivers to maintain their own car insurance to cover accidents that may happen when they are offline or not driving for the company. If a driver is waiting for a passenger ride or delivery request, Uber offers the following insurance coverage to those whose third-party car insurance doesn’t apply:

• $100,000 per accident bodily injury
• $50,000 per person bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident property damage

If a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or make a delivery, Uber offers $1,000,000 third-party liability with comprehensive and collision coverage contingent on a $2,500 deductible the driver must pay.

Uber insurance for passengers

Passengers who sustain injuries in an Uber accident are covered under the company’s policy, which will kick in when the driver’s coverage has been exceeded. If the driver was not logged into the Uber app, their own insurance will cover the damage; otherwise, the limits mentioned above will apply. An injured passenger will need to submit a claim to the Uber driver’s insurance company as well as Uber. If the accident was caused by another motorist, an injured passenger will need to submit claims to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Obtaining insurance compensation

California is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the injuries is responsible. Things can get tricky if the at-fault driver did not have insurance or not enough insurance, and drivers should also maintain underinsured/uninsured driver coverage on their policies. Any passenger injured in an Uber accident should strongly consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain their rights and options for obtaining compensation and help the injured party get all he or she deserves.