Does Uber Cover Accidents for Drivers? Understanding Uber's Policy for a Driver's Accident

Getting into a car accident is scary for anyone. But when you’re driving for a rideshare company like Uber, that stress and fear are amplified because it’s not just your personal car and your health on the line. It's your livelihood, your ability to make money, and a mountain of confusing questions about insurance, liability, and what you’re supposed to do next.

If you’re an Uber driver and you just got into a crash, you’re probably thinking, "I got into an accident while driving for Uber, what do I do now?" With over 7 million Uber drivers out there, you’re not alone. 

Uber's coverage is not a one-size-fits-all policy. It changes dramatically depending on what you were doing at the exact moment of the crash. 

The Smith Law Center has been helping people in complex car accidents just like yours for over 75 years. We understand the confusing challenges that come with rideshare accidents, and we're here to help you figure out Uber’s insurance policy so you can focus on your recovery.

If you need help with an Uber driver insurance claim after being involved in a car accident while driving for the company, reach out to our team online or by calling (757) 244-7000. 

“I had an outstanding experience working with Smith Law Center. From the beginning, they demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a deep understanding of the legal process. They communicated clearly, always kept me informed, and genuinely cared about my situation. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend anyone seeking a knowledgeable and reliable attorney. Special thanks to David Holt, Samantha Cohn, Katie Carroll, and Joan Brown. I really appreciate everything.”

- Raf | Client

I Got Into An Accident While Driving For Uber: What Should I Do Next?

If you’ve just been in an accident while driving for Uber, you’re likely feeling shocked and stressed. On top of worrying about your safety and the damage to your vehicle, you may also be concerned about how this will affect your ability to keep driving and earning.

Below are a few critical steps to follow to protect your legal rights down the line following an accident as an Uber driver:

• Check for injuries: Assess yourself, any passengers, and the people in the other vehicle. If anyone is hurt or if you feel any pain, call emergency services.
• Move to safety: If your car is still drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of the flow of traffic to the side of the road.
• Call the police: Even in a minor fender bender, it's essential to have an official police report. This document can be critical evidence for your Uber driver insurance claim. 
• Document everything: Take pictures and videos of the damage to all vehicles, the position of the cars, the accident scene itself, road conditions, and any visible injuries you or others may have.
• Exchange information and talk to witnesses: Get the other driver's name, license plate number, phone number, and insurance information. If anyone saw what happened, get their contact information.
• Report the accident to Uber: Uber requires you to report the accident through the app, as this is the official way to start your claim as a driver. 

Does Uber Cover Accidents For Drivers? 

Uber’s insurance policy for drivers is not a single, continuous plan. It’s broken down into three distinct “periods” based on your status in the app. 

The App is Off

If you are not logged into the Uber app at all and get into an accident, Uber provides zero coverage. In this case, your personal auto insurance policy is your only source of coverage, just like any other private driver.

It’s important to reach out to an attorney if your app was off during the incident, since some personal insurance policies may even have exclusions that deny a claim if they find out you were driving for commercial purposes at any point.

The App is On, Waiting for a Request

Once you're logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, you are officially "on the clock." During this period, Uber's third-party liability policy applies. The coverage is as follows:

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability per accident

En Route to a Passenger or with a Passenger

This is the period with the most robust coverage. It begins the moment you accept a ride request and ends when the passenger is dropped off. During this time, the Uber policy for a driver accident provides significant coverage:

• $1 million in third-party liability coverage: This covers the other driver, their passengers, and any property damage if you are found to be at fault for the accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This protects you and your passengers if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance.
• Comprehensive and collision coverage: This can cover damage to your own vehicle with a deductible, but only if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal policy.

It’s important to know that Uber’s insurance is secondary to your personal auto policy. That means your own insurance must respond first, and only after those limits are exhausted does Uber’s coverage kick in.

This can lead to delays, denials, and disputes, especially if your insurer pushes back or tries to exclude rideshare driving altogether. At The Smith Law Center, we help Uber drivers prove coverage, fight unfair denials, and recover every dollar they’re owed. Call (757) 244-7000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Happens When You're Injured In A Car Accident As An Uber Driver

In a normal car accident, your injuries would be covered by either your own personal injury protection (PIP) or the at-fault driver’s insurance. When you're driving for Uber, it's not so simple.

First, you need to file a claim with Uber and see if their policy covers your medical expenses. Whether you're covered will depend on several factors, including what you were doing in the app at the time of the crash, whether your personal insurance applies or has already been exhausted, and who was at fault. 

For example, the coverage is very different if you were on your way to pick up a passenger versus if your app was off entirely. And if another driver caused the crash but doesn’t have enough insurance, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply, but only under specific conditions.

You may also be asking yourself, “Does workers’ compensation apply if I got into an accident while driving for Uber?” 

Since Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, drivers are generally not eligible for workers' compensation. However, some states are starting to reconsider this classification.

"We’re always ready for trial. Sometimes to get it done, you have to fight harder."

- David Holt | Attorney at The Smith Law Center

Can You Still Drive For Uber After An Accident?

After you report the accident, Uber will likely temporarily deactivate your account while they conduct an investigation. This is standard procedure. Depending on the severity of the accident and the outcome of the investigation, your account could be reactivated, or it could be permanently deactivated.

If you are found to be at fault for a serious accident, or if you have a history of accidents or safety issues, Uber may choose to terminate your partnership. In this case, an attorney can help you understand your legal options and may be able to assist in getting your account reinstated, especially if Uber made a mistake or was unfair in their determination.

For Uber drivers, where so much depends on proving details like app status, fault, and insurance eligibility, having a lawyer isn’t just helpful; it can mean the difference between a successful claim and a failed one.

According to a nationwide survey by Martindale-Nolo, more than 90% of people who hired a lawyer received a settlement or award. However, only about half of those tried to handle their injury claim on their own.

How An Uber Accident Attorney Can Help You

Filing a claim with an insurance company is rarely easy. Filing a claim with a rideshare company's insurance provider is an entirely different challenge with its own roadblocks.

Uber’s insurance companies, like any other, are businesses first and foremost. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they have powerful legal teams on their side to make that happen.

You can expect to face significant challenges:

• Denial of your claim: They may argue that your personal insurance should cover the accident or that you were in a different status than you believe, such as only claiming you were on your way to a passenger.
• Lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies will often try to settle your case for a fraction of what it's worth, hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation.
• Disputes over liability: They may try to shift blame to you, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.

An Uber accident attorney is familiar with these tactics and knows how to fight back. We can handle all communications with the insurance companies and Uber, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.