If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an Uber—whether as a passenger, driver, or third party—you may be wondering who’s on the hook for the damage. The answer depends on timing, fault, and whether the Uber driver was actively using the app at the time of the crash. Uber provides limited coverage in some situations and robust insurance in others, but getting paid often means jumping through legal and insurance hoops.
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So, when does Uber cover car accidents, and how do victims get them to pay up?
When Uber Covers Car Accidents (and when they don’t)
Uber’s insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s the breakdown:
Driver Has Passenger or Is En Route to Pick Up
Coverage:
- $1 million in liability insurance
- $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This is the highest level of coverage Uber provides.
Driver Logged In, Waiting for Ride Request
Coverage:
- Contingent liability only
- Up to $50,000 per person injured
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Uber acts as secondary coverage here—the driver’s personal policy applies first.
Driver Not Using the App
If the driver is offline (even just finishing a shift or driving home), Uber provides no coverage. The driver’s own insurance is the only available policy.
Uber Passenger Rights After an Accident
As a passenger, you’re almost never considered liable for an Uber accident. You may have a claim against:
- The Uber driver (if at fault)
- Another driver (if they caused the crash)
- Uber’s insurance company
Make sure to follow medical advice, keep copies of all bills and treatment records, and file your claim quickly.
Does Uber Cover Drivers in Accidents?
Yes, but only if the driver was actively using the app at the time of the crash. Uber’s insurance covers accidents that occur:
- While a driver is picking up or transporting passengers
- While waiting for ride requests (with limited coverage)
Uber drivers are independent contractors, so they’re not covered by workers’ compensation—even when driving on the job. Personal car insurance won’t always cover commercial driving, which is why drivers should carry rideshare gap coverage to avoid coverage gaps.
What About Uber’s Zero Tolerance Policy?
Uber bans all forms of impaired driving. If a driver is reported for suspected intoxication, Uber will investigate and may permanently deactivate their account.
If you believe your Uber driver is under the influence:
- End the ride immediately
- Report the driver through the app
- Call 911 if necessary
Safety should always come first. Taking these steps can significantly reduce the chances of you, or someone else, getting hurt.
How to Seek Compensation After an Uber Crash
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or third party in a car accident involving Uber, you have rights. To protect your ability to file a claim:
- Seek medical treatment if you haven’t already
- Preserve all evidence (photos, reports, receipts)
- Notify Uber and the relevant insurance companies
- Speak to an attorney before accepting any offer
Uber accident claims are rarely straightforward. Multiple insurers, unclear liability, and independent contractor loopholes can complicate recovery. An experienced Uber accident lawyer can help you cut through the red tape and hold the right parties accountable.
What to Do Now if You’ve Been Injured in an Uber Accident
If you’ve already been treated for your injuries and are now facing medical bills, lost wages, or pain that’s impacting your life, the next step isn’t calling the insurance company—it’s calling Ankin Law.
Uber accident claims involve multiple insurance layers, finger-pointing between parties, and fine print that isn’t designed to benefit you. Here’s what you should focus on now:
1. Understand Who’s Financially Responsible for Your Crash
You may be entitled to compensation from:
- Uber’s $1 million commercial insurance policy
- The Uber driver’s personal insurance
- Another driver who caused the crash
- A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or government agency (in road design/failure cases)
Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys will identify all sources of compensation so you don’t leave money on the table.
2. Get Organized for Filing an Uber Accident Claim
At this stage, documentation is everything. Our lawyers will help you gather:
- Medical records and treatment plans
- Diagnostic imaging and doctor statements
- Proof of income loss
- Transportation and home care costs
- Photos and the police report (if you don’t have them)
If you’ve already received a settlement offer, don’t sign anything until your lawyer reviews it. Insurance companies are betting you’ll settle fast and cheap.
3. Let Our Accident Lawyers Handle the Insurance Runaround
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple adjusters, conflicting policy limits, and unclear liability. Trying to sort this out yourself is like fighting three different chess matches at once—with a concussion. Our attorneys can help.
An attorney at Ankin Law will:
- Take over all communications
- Investigate liability
- Negotiate your claim
- File suit if needed
4. Don’t Wait—Deadlines Apply
Uber accident injury claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations. The sooner you act, the better your chance of recovering full compensation. Evidence disappears. Witnesses vanish. Insurance companies stall. Don’t give them the advantage of time. Call 312-600-0000 for Ankin Law.
As a Passenger, What You Should Know
The following are some key things to know as an Uber passenger in an accident:
Liability Doesn’t Apply to Passengers in Most Cases
Passengers in Uber accidents aren’t normally responsible for accidents. Exceptions in these cases may be if the passenger attempted to physically overtake the vehicle or otherwise forcefully disrupt the driver.
Filing a Claim Is Important
Passengers in Uber accidents may be able to file a claim against negligent drivers responsible for the accident, or Uber itself. Filing a claim helps you get the money you need to replace lost wages and pay for your medical care. Also, holding Uber accountable helps prevent similar accidents from happening to other people.
Following Doctor’s Orders Is Also Critical
If you sustain injuries in an Uber accident, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible following the accident. Even if your symptoms appear minor, they could indicate more serious underlying conditions that may worsen over time. For example, you may suffer from whiplash that isn’t immediately noticeable after the accident, in which case you should visit a doctor early on.
Not only will seeking medical treatment help you begin the recovery process, but it can also begin the generation of medical records and bills. This is key as it will provide you with documentation that can help prove the extent of your injuries during insurance investigations.
Final Answer: Does Uber Cover Car Accidents?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. If the driver was using the Uber app at the time of the crash, Uber’s insurance may cover damages. If the driver was offline or using their vehicle for personal reasons, Uber’s insurance likely won’t apply.
Before you file a claim or accept a settlement, talk to a qualified Uber accident attorney at Ankin Law in Chicago to understand your rights and your options..
