Uber carries a $1 million insurance policy to cover ride-share accidents and injuries for drivers, passengers, and third parties, but restrictions apply.
Understanding Uber Accident Liability
Uber, a major ride-share company in the United States, is heavily insured with a $1 million policy for accident liability. However, different rules apply for Uber drivers, Uber passengers, and third-party accident victims. If an Uber driver is involved in a vehicle accident, Uber’s insurance can pay as much as $1 million in damages, as long as the Uber driver is officially on duty.
Officially on-duty status means the driver must be logged into the Uber app when the accident occurs. Driver login validates that the driver is performing official duties, so basic Uber insurance coverage applies:
- Bodily injury per accident – $100,000
- Bodily injury per person – $50,000
- Property damage per accident – $25,000 per accident
When the driver is logged into the Uber app, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger, Uber has a $1 million insurance policy that’s broken down into a three-part plan based on the time the Uber accident occurs.
Driver Not Available
When an Uber driver is using his/her personal vehicle and is not available to accept ride-share requests, Uber insurance does not apply. If ride-share accidents occur, accident and injury victims must rely on the driver’s personal insurance policy for damages.
Driver Available Without Passengers
When a driver is available on the Uber app but not transporting a passenger, Uber insurance does not apply. However, Uber’s basic insurance coverage (shown above) may apply if the driver puts in a request and if the driver’s personal liability coverage doesn’t cover all damages.
Driver Available With Passengers
When an Uber driver is logged into the Uber app and transporting passengers, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy kicks in for injured passengers and third-party injury victims like motorcyclists, bicycle riders, pedestrians, and uninsured motorists.
If an Uber driver is not logged into the Uber app when a car accident occurs, Uber will not assume liability for accidents and injuries. When Uber denies a claim, injury victims will be forced to file a personal injury lawsuit with a car accident lawyer to collect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Injury victims may also seek compensation through a car accident lawyer against the Uber driver’s personal insurance provider. However, many insurance policies prohibit driving a personal vehicle for work purposes.
