Do you ride with Uber or Lyft? Whether for convenience or cost savings, ridesharing has quickly become a popular form of transportation. While many people understand that drivers who use Uber/Lyft are required to have special insurance policies to make sure they’re covered in the case of an accident, many don’t know what protections riders may receive, beyond those offered by their car insurance policy if they were driving. Understanding Uber and Lyft’s unique coverage is important to staying safe on the road. Keep reading to learn more!   

What Types of Coverage are Offered by Uber/Lyft Insurance Policies?  

Uber and Lyft insurance policies provide a variety of coverage elements for drivers. All drivers are required to carry their insurance, but they receive supplemental insurance from their prospective rideshare company while working. These policies are designed to protect drivers from certain risks and costs associated with providing paid transportation services. As Uber and Lyft become increasingly popular modes of transportation for commuters around the world, drivers and passengers should understand the insurance that these rideshare companies offer those using their services.   

What Happens if an Uber/Lyft Driver is Involved in an Accident While Carrying a Passenger?  

As an Uber or Lyft driver, if you are involved in an accident while carrying a passenger, there can be serious financial repercussions. If the accident is determined to be your fault, that means your car insurance policy may not cover the damages for you and your passenger as it does not provide coverage for ridesharing services. In such cases, Uber and Lyft may provide a certain amount of additional liability coverage to cover any claims against you. It is important to contact the company immediately after an accident so that they can provide the necessary information regarding these supplemental policies and assist with any claims.  

Are Passengers Covered Under Uber/Lyft’s Insurance?  

As a passenger, you may have concerns over whether you are covered under a rideshare company’s insurance while being transported by an Uber/Lyft driver. Fortunately, Uber/Lyft and its drivers have specific insurance coverage that ensures a safe and protected ride for their passengers. While the level of coverage depends on different factors, it provides coverage ranging from emergency medical expenses to physical damages caused due to an accident. Additionally, many of the licensed and premium Uber rides now offer additional services such as comprehensive and third-party liability, bringing greater peace of mind to customers all across the country.  

What Other Safety Measures Can Passengers Take When Using Uber or Lyft Services?  

When using Uber or Lyft services, passengers should be aware of the insurance measures in place to protect them. This includes comprehensive coverage provided by both Uber and Lyft, as well as supplemental car insurance for drivers. In addition, there are other safety measures that passengers can take such as asking the driver for their name before getting into the car, checking the make and model of a vehicle against what’s listed in the app, ensuring that their ride share is equipped with necessary safety features (such as seatbelts), and familiarizing themselves with their surrounding area beforehand. By following these precautions and staying alert, passengers can avoid any potential conflicts or uncomfortable situations while using Uber or Lyft services.