How coverage changes with the app
Uber and Lyft describe their coverage in stages. When the app is off, the driver is treated like any other driver and their personal policy applies.
When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a request, both companies say they provide third party liability coverage if the driver causes the crash. Lyft says this applies when the driver's personal insurance doesn't. Once the driver accepts a trip, is on the way to pick someone up, or has a rider in the car, both companies say much higher liability limits apply. Exact limits vary by state.
What Arizona and Georgia require
Arizona law sets one level of required coverage while a driver is logged in and available, and a higher level once the driver is providing a ride, along with uninsured motorist coverage for that period (A.R.S. § 28-4038). Lyft notes that its Arizona limits differ from many other states.
Georgia law also sets a lower minimum while a driver is logged on and waiting, and a higher minimum once a ride is accepted. During a ride, the policy must include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (O.C.G.A. § 33-1-24). Georgia law also lets a driver's personal insurer exclude coverage while the driver is logged on.
The 3-Point Claim Check
- 1
An injury
You were hurt, even if it didn't seem serious at first.
- 2
Someone else at fault
Another driver or company caused the crash.
- 3
Insurance coverage
There's a policy that may cover what happened.
If you were a passenger
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, the trip was in progress, so the rideshare company's trip coverage usually applies. If your driver caused the crash, that coverage is usually where your claim starts.
If another driver caused it, your claim is usually against that driver's insurance. If they had little or no insurance, rideshare uninsured motorist coverage or your own policy may help. Uber says it doesn't carry this coverage in every state, so it's worth checking.
If you were in another car or the rideshare driver
If a rideshare driver hit you, take a screenshot or photo showing which company they drive for, and ask whether they had a rider or were on the way to one. That status affects which policy applies.
If you drive for Uber or Lyft and another driver hit you, your claim is usually against the at fault driver. If you were hurt by an uninsured driver while on a trip, rideshare uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
Evidence to save
- A screenshot of the trip in your app, including the time and route.
- The driver's name, car and license plate from the app.
- Photos of the scene and any rideshare sticker on the car.
- The police report number.
- Any messages from Uber, Lyft or their insurers.
Deadlines still apply
Even with several insurers involved, you generally have 2 years to file an injury lawsuit in Arizona (A.R.S. § 12-542) and Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Sorting out which policy is primary can take time, so it helps to start early.
It's free to check your claim, and you don't have to go ahead.