Which policy pays first?
When multiple policies could potentially apply, including a driver’s personal auto policy, the rideshare company’s contingent coverage, and a third party’s insurance, insurers often dispute the order of responsibility to delay or reduce payouts. Generally, the coverage period active at the moment of the crash determines which policy takes priority, but personal insurers frequently attempt to deny claims by citing rideshare activity as an exclusion, even when a company policy should be responding instead. This is one of the most common reasons rideshare claims get delayed.
What if the insurance company denies your claim?
A denial isn’t the end of the road. Insurers sometimes deny claims prematurely, dispute which coverage period applied, or undervalue the claim in hopes you’ll accept a lowball settlement. An attorney can review the trip data, driver app status, and policy language to determine whether the denial was proper, and push back when it wasn’t. Don’t accept a denial or a lowball offer as final without a second opinion.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage while you’re a rideshare passenger or during an active trip as a driver, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage through Uber or Lyft’s policy may apply. This coverage exists specifically to protect you when the at-fault party can’t fully cover your damages themselves.
Related reading: See how Prop 22 affects (and doesn’t affect) these coverage obligations, or jump to guidance for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians & cyclists.
