Getting into an accident involving a rideshare vehicle can leave you with many questions. Who pays for your medical bills? Which insurance company should you contact? Understanding how rideshare insurance works can help you protect your rights after a collision. A car accident lawyer from Farha Law, PLLC, can help.
What Insurance Coverage Do Rideshare Drivers Need?
Every Uber and Lyft driver must carry their own personal auto insurance that meets Oklahoma’s minimum requirements. Oklahoma law requires all drivers to maintain liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for multiple injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
However, personal auto insurance alone isn’t enough when drivers work for rideshare companies. Most individual policies exclude coverage during commercial activities, which creates a potential gap in protection. For this reason, Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance coverage that activates at different stages of each trip.
How Does Coverage Change During Different Phases of a Trip?
Rideshare insurance operates in three distinct phases. The amount of coverage varies depending on which phase applies.
- Phase 1: Driver is online but waiting for a ride request: Both companies provide contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. (However, this coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.)
- Phase 2: Driver accepts a ride and travels to pick up the passenger: Coverage increases to $1 million in liability protection, plus uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive collision coverage if the driver carries these on their personal policy.
- Phase 3: Passenger is in the vehicle: The same $1 million coverage continues until the passenger exits at their destination. This coverage protects passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and property owners who might suffer harm in an accident.
What Happens If Another Driver Causes the Accident?
When an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes a collision with a rideshare vehicle, both Uber and Lyft provide additional protection. Their policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to help pay for medical treatment and other losses when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
This coverage protects both the rideshare driver and any passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The coverage amounts vary based on which phase of the trip was active when the collision occurred.
Why Can Filing a Claim Be So Complicated?
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurance companies, each with different coverage limits and requirements. You might need to deal with the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially another driver’s insurance company as well.
Determining which policy applies requires understanding precisely when the accident occurred, as well as what the driver was doing at that moment. Claims can become more challenging when insurance companies dispute whether the driver was logged into the app, whether they had accepted a ride request, or whether a passenger was present. These details directly affect which coverage applies and how much compensation might be available.
When Should You Contact an Attorney?
After suffering injuries in a rideshare accident, you deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you’ve experienced. However, the path to justice is rarely straightforward—especially for those who are not thoroughly familiar with the ins and outs of insurance law.
The team at Farha Law, PLLC, understands how complicated and confusing rideshare insurance claims can be, and we can pursue the full compensation you deserve. We will handle negotiations with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. Our Oklahoma City attorneys can investigate your case, determine all available insurance coverage, and fight for your rights throughout the claims process. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced rideshare accident attorney.