Understanding ride-share insurance
After a ride-share accident in California, figuring out the insurance can be confusing. While Uber, Lyft and other ride-share companies provide supplemental coverage to people who are injured in ride-share accidents, the coverage does not come into effect until the ride-share drivers’ policy limits are exhausted. The coverage that is provided by ride-share companies also differs depending on which phase of the app the drivers were operating in at the time of their accidents.
While all ride-share drivers are required to carry liability insurance on their vehicles, regular automobile insurance normally includes exclusions for when the drivers are operating their vehicles for business purposes. If a ride-share driver is involved in an accident that injures someone and does not have ride-share insurance, the injured victim may find that the driver’s insurance company will refuse to cover the accident. Drivers for ride-share companies can purchase standalone ride-share policies or purchase an endorsement on their automobile insurance policies so that they will be covered in the case of an accident.
Some ride-share companies, including Lyft and Uber, offer supplemental liability insurance of up to $1 million. However, the coverage will not kick in until the policy limits of the ride-share driver’s insurance have been reached. In addition, when the app is turned off, no coverage is provided. If the app is turned on while the driver is waiting for a ride, the supplemental coverage will pay up to $50,0000 in bodily injury or $100,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. When the app is turned on and the driver is going to pick up a ride or is actively transporting someone, the coverage is up to $1 million in bodily injury and up to the replacement value of a vehicle.
People who are injured in Uber or Lyft ride-sharing accidents may want to consult with experienced accident lawyers for help in figuring out the claims process. An individual may seek compensation for their medical costs and lost wages due to recovering from their injuries.
