The app status decides the insurance
Rideshare drivers use personal cars, so which policy pays depends on what the driver was doing in the app at the moment of the crash.
| Driver’s app status | Main coverage |
|---|---|
| App off | The driver’s personal auto policy |
| App on, waiting for a request | Rideshare company contingent coverage, commonly $50,000 per person / $100,000 per crash / $25,000 property |
| Trip accepted, on the way or with a rider | Rideshare company coverage of $1 million liability, plus UM/UIM in many states |
State laws set the minimums for each period, and they differ. The calculator lets you pick the status to set the insurance ceiling.
Passengers, other drivers and pedestrians
A passenger hurt during a trip usually claims against the $1 million policy, whether the rideshare driver or another driver caused the crash. If another driver was at fault, that driver’s insurance pays first and the rideshare UM/UIM coverage can pay the rest. Other drivers and pedestrians hit by a rideshare car claim against whichever policy applied at that moment.
Get the trip record
Screenshots of the ride receipt, the driver’s name and plate, and the trip route establish the period. The companies keep trip data, and a lawyer can request it formally.
Questions people ask
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Usually the claim is against the driver and paid by the company’s insurance. The companies treat drivers as contractors, which limits direct claims against them in most cases.
How much does Uber or Lyft insurance pay?
Up to $1 million of liability coverage during a trip. With the app on but no trip accepted, much lower contingent limits apply.