Uber's safety record and what the data shows

Uber publishes a yearly safety report that counts reported incidents across its platform. In 2023, Uber reported approximately 0.0005 serious safety incidents per trip — a rate that has remained relatively stable year to year. The company does not publish the total number of trips, so comparing this rate to other transportation methods requires external data from sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What Uber's report does show is the types of incidents users report: sexual assault, physical assault, and accidents. The company separates reports by whether the driver or passenger initiated the incident. Serious incidents are rare relative to the volume of trips taken, but they do occur. Uber's own data does not tell you whether Uber is safer than taxis, personal vehicles, or public transit — only what happens on Uber's platform.

The report covers only incidents reported through Uber's in-app system. Incidents that go unreported, or reported to police but not to Uber, do not appear in these numbers. This means the actual rate of incidents may be higher or lower than what Uber publishes.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber publishes annual safety data showing the types and rates of reported incidents, though the numbers do not include unreported incidents or incidents reported only to police.
  • Driver background checks, in-app emergency buttons, and ride tracking features are built into the platform, but their effectiveness depends on how and when you use them.
  • Your own actions — sharing your location, checking driver details before the ride starts, and staying alert — reduce risk more than any single platform feature.
  • Uber's insurance covers passengers and drivers during active trips, but coverage limits and what is covered vary by location and circumstances.

How Uber screens drivers and what that means

Uber requires all drivers to pass a background check before they can drive on the platform. The background check includes a criminal history search, a driving record review, and a sex offender registry check. The depth and recency of these checks vary by state and country — some states require checks to be updated yearly, others do not mandate updates at all.

A background check does not prevent someone with a clean record from committing a crime after they are hired. It also does not catch crimes that were not reported or prosecuted. Uber can remove a driver from the platform if they receive a report of serious misconduct, but the company does not publish how many drivers are removed each year or for what reasons.

Drivers are also required to maintain a certain rating based on passenger feedback. Uber can deactivate drivers whose rating falls below a threshold (typically 4.6 stars out of 5), though this threshold varies by city. A high rating means passengers have reported good experiences, but it does not may provide safety on any individual ride.

Safety features built into the Uber app

Uber's app includes several features designed to reduce risk. The emergency button in the app connects you to emergency services (911 in the United States) with one tap and shares your location automatically. The app also allows you to share your trip details with contacts in real time — they can see the driver's location and route as the ride happens.

The app records the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and license plate before you get in the car. You can verify these match the actual driver and vehicle. If something does not match, you can cancel the ride without penalty.

After each ride, Uber asks you to rate the driver and offers a text box for comments. You can also report safety concerns through the app after the ride ends. Uber says it reviews these reports, but the company does not publish how many reports lead to driver removal or what the average response time is.

What Uber's insurance covers

Uber provides insurance coverage during active trips — from the moment you request a ride until the trip ends. The coverage includes liability (damage you cause to others), uninsured motorist protection, and medical payments. Coverage limits vary significantly by state and by whether the driver is waiting for a passenger, driving to pick you up, or actively transporting you.

In most states, Uber's coverage is secondary, meaning your personal auto insurance is billed first if you are injured or cause damage. If you do not have personal auto insurance, Uber's coverage becomes primary. The specifics of what is and is not covered depend on your state's insurance regulations and Uber's current policy in that state.

Uber's coverage does not extend before you request a ride or after the trip ends. If you are injured while waiting for the driver to arrive, or after you have exited the car, Uber's insurance may not cover it. You would need to file a claim through your own insurance or pursue a personal injury claim against the driver.

Steps you can take to reduce risk on any ride

Before you request a ride, share your trip details with someone you trust using the in-app feature. This person can see your location and the driver's location in real time. Tell them when you expect to arrive and ask them to check in if you do not message them by that time.

When the driver arrives, verify the car's license plate, color, and model against what the app shows. Verify the driver's name and photo. If anything does not match, cancel the ride and request a new one. Do not get in the car to check — cancel first.

During the ride, stay alert and keep your phone accessible. Sit in the back seat rather than the front. If you feel unsafe at any point, use the emergency button in the app or ask the driver to pull over and let you out. You can also text or call someone to let them know you are uncomfortable.

After the ride, rate the driver honestly and report any safety concerns through the app. If you experience a crime or serious incident, report it to police as well as to Uber. Police reports create an official record that Uber may use when reviewing the driver's account.

Factors that vary by location

Uber operates in different cities and countries with different regulations. Background check requirements, insurance coverage limits, and driver training standards all vary by location. Some cities require Uber drivers to have commercial licenses or permits; others do not. Some states mandate that Uber update background checks annually; others have no such requirement.

The availability of safety features also varies. The emergency button connects to 911 in the United States but may connect to different emergency numbers or services in other countries. Ride tracking and contact sharing work in most locations, but some regions have restrictions on data sharing or location tracking.

If you use Uber in multiple cities or countries, check Uber's local safety information for each location. The company publishes location-specific safety guides that explain what features are available and what the local regulations are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I feel unsafe during a ride?

Use the emergency button in the app to contact 911 when ready, or ask the driver to pull over and let you out. You can also text or call someone to let them know you are uncomfortable. After the ride, report the incident to Uber through the app and to police if you believe a crime occurred.

Can Uber remove a driver for safety complaints?

Yes, Uber can deactivate drivers based on safety reports. The company does not publish how many drivers are removed or the average time it takes to investigate a complaint. If you report a safety concern, Uber will review it, but you may not receive updates on the outcome.

Does Uber's insurance cover me if I am injured in a crash?

Uber's insurance covers medical payments and liability during active trips in most states, but coverage limits and what is covered vary by location. Your personal auto insurance is typically billed first. If you are injured, you can file a claim with Uber's insurance, your own insurance, or both.

What information should I verify before getting in an Uber?

Check the driver's name, photo, vehicle color, model, and license plate against what appears in the app. If any detail does not match, cancel the ride. Do not get in the car to verify — cancel first and request a new ride.

Is Uber safer than a taxi or my own car?

Uber does not publish data that allows direct comparison to taxis or personal vehicles. Uber's safety report shows incident rates on its platform, but external sources like the NHTSA publish data on taxi and personal vehicle incidents. Comparing these requires looking at data from multiple sources and understanding what each one measures.