In This Article
Rideshare services are everywhere in Las Vegas and Reno, and crashes involving Uber and Lyft vehicles raise insurance questions that ordinary car accidents do not. Whose policy applies often depends on exactly what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash.
Coverage Depends on the App Status
Rideshare insurance generally works in phases. When the app is off, only the driver's personal insurance applies. When the driver is logged in but waiting for a request, a limited contingent policy applies. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is aboard, a much larger commercial liability policy is typically in effect.
Why This Creates Disputes
Because the available coverage changes dramatically based on app status, insurers have an incentive to argue about which phase applied. Establishing the driver's status at the moment of impact — through app records and trip data — can be the difference between a small policy and a large one.
Passengers, Other Drivers, and Pedestrians
If you were a rideshare passenger, another motorist, or a pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle, you may have a claim against the driver, the rideshare company's policy, or both. Your own UM/UIM coverage may also come into play depending on the circumstances.
Protecting Your Rideshare Claim
Save your trip receipt, screenshots, and driver information, and report the crash through the app as well as to police. These records help establish app status and coverage. A free review can sort out the layered insurance and identify who is responsible for your losses.