Uber Car Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Uber has revolutionized the transportation industry by providing a quick, easy, and affordable way to get around. However, with this convenience comes the risk of accidents, which is why it is essential to understand your insurance options as an Uber driver or passenger.

What is Uber Car Insurance?

Uber car insurance is a type of auto insurance that provides coverage specifically for Uber drivers and passengers. It is designed to protect both parties in the event of an accident or other incident while using the Uber app.

There are several types of Uber car insurance available, including liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Each type of coverage provides different levels of protection, and it is essential to understand what is covered under each policy.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the most basic type of coverage that all Uber drivers are required to have. This type of insurance provides protection for any damages or injuries that you may cause to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians while using the Uber app.

Uber’s liability insurance policy covers up to $1 million in damages per accident, which is typically more than enough to cover most accidents. However, as an Uber driver, it is still essential to have your own liability insurance policy to cover any gaps in coverage.

It is also important to note that Uber’s liability insurance policy only covers you while you are actively using the Uber app. If you are offline or using your car for personal reasons, you will need your own personal auto insurance policy to provide adequate coverage.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance is another type of coverage that is available to Uber drivers. This type of insurance provides coverage for any damages to your vehicle that occur as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object.

However, it is important to note that collision insurance is not required by Uber, and it is up to the individual driver to decide if they want to purchase this additional coverage.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is another optional coverage that is available to Uber drivers. This type of insurance provides protection for any damages or losses that occur to your vehicle as a result of non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.

Like collision insurance, comprehensive insurance is not required by Uber, but it may be a good idea to consider this coverage if you live in an area with a high risk of theft or vandalism.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection for you and your passengers in the event that you are in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance coverage. This type of coverage is not required by Uber, but it is worth considering if you live in an area with a high number of uninsured drivers.

How Does Uber Car Insurance Work?

When you are driving for Uber, your insurance coverage will depend on your driver status at the time of the accident. There are three driver statuses that Uber recognizes:

• Offline: when you are not logged into the Uber app
• Available: when you are logged into the app but not actively transporting a passenger
• En Route: when you are actively transporting a passenger

Here is how your insurance coverage works for each driver status:

Offline

If you are not logged into the Uber app and are involved in an accident, your personal auto insurance policy will be responsible for covering any damages or injuries that occur.

Available

If you are logged into the Uber app and are available to pick up passengers but do not have a passenger in your car, Uber’s contingent liability coverage will be in effect. This coverage provides up to $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident.

En Route

If you are actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s liability coverage provides up to $1 million in coverage for damages or injuries that occur to you, your passenger, or any other party involved in the accident.

If the other driver is at fault and they have adequate insurance coverage, their insurance will be responsible for covering any damages or injuries that occur. However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will be in effect to cover any gaps in coverage.

FAQ

Do I need my own auto insurance as an Uber driver?

Yes, all Uber drivers are required to have their own personal auto insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements for their state of residence. Uber’s insurance policies are designed to provide additional coverage, but they are not a substitute for your own insurance policy.

What happens if I get into an accident while driving for Uber?

If you are involved in an accident, the first step is to ensure that everyone involved is safe and call for emergency services if necessary. After that, you should report the accident to Uber and your personal auto insurance company as soon as possible.

Am I covered by Uber’s insurance policy if I’m driving for a different rideshare company?

No, Uber’s insurance policies only apply when you are driving for Uber. If you are driving for another rideshare company, you will need to check with their insurance policies to understand what coverage is provided.

What should I do if my personal auto insurance company cancels my policy because I’m an Uber driver?

If your personal auto insurance company cancels your policy because you are driving for Uber, you should contact Uber’s insurance company to ensure that you have adequate coverage while driving for Uber.

Can I use Uber’s insurance policy if I’m driving for a delivery service like UberEATS?

No, Uber’s insurance policies only apply when you are transporting passengers. If you are driving for a delivery service like UberEATS, you will need to check with their insurance policies to understand what coverage is provided.

Conclusion

Understanding your insurance options as an Uber driver or passenger is essential for protecting yourself and others in the event of an accident. By knowing what types of coverage are available and how they work, you can ensure that you have adequate protection while using the Uber app.