Uber or Lyft Ride Sharing – Am I Insured?

What happens if I am injured in an auto accident while riding in a Lyft or Uber car?

This is a great question and one that should be considered before choosing to ride in a Lyft or Uber car. This is not an issue when using a traditional taxicab because local regulations require insurance coverage for their vehicles and drivers. If there is an incident, an established system with ample insurance exists to manage the problem.

There are a number of insurance companies that are beginning to offer policies that are tailored specifically for Uber/Lyft drivers.  Another choice is commercial vehicle insurance, which can be very costly when compared to personal vehicle insurance coverage. If your driver is not adequately insured the ride hailing services do provide coverage that will pay for any claims that are in excess of the driver’s coverage. These amounts vary from state to state.  The coverage includes liability and underinsured motorist insurance.

The ride hailing services are new, so the landscape is constantly changing and the market is adapting as it evolves. Insurance carriers are introducing new products for the drivers, while government regulations are being introduced to regulate the service for the safety of the users.

If you are injured in a Lyft or Uber car accident seek medical treatment as quickly as possible, file a police report and notify your insurance company of the incident.  Get the name of the driver and any witnesses and retain copies of your medical records and other pertinent information related to the accident. If possible, it’s a good idea to get pictures of the scene and the damage.

Regardless of the circumstances, if you are injured in an accident it is a good practice to consult a personal injury lawyer before signing any settlement agreement. A personal injury lawyer can help you get the best possible settlement.