How Uber's insurance covers backup drivers in accidents
Uber's insurance covers you as a backup driver only when the app is on and you are logged in, even if you do not have a passenger. The moment you turn off the app or log out, Uber's coverage ends and your personal auto insurance takes over. This matters because your personal policy may not cover commercial driving — you need to know what your own insurer will and will not pay before an accident happens.
When you are logged in with no passenger (sometimes called "waiting for a ride"), Uber provides third-party liability coverage, which pays for damage you cause to other people's property or injuries to other people. Uber does not cover damage to your own vehicle at this stage. Once a passenger accepts your ride, Uber's coverage expands to include collision and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle as well.
The coverage limits vary by state and by Uber's current policy terms. You can find Uber's current insurance details in the app under Account > Insurance or on Uber's website under the Insurance section. Your state's insurance commissioner's office can also tell you what minimum coverage Uber is required to carry in your state.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's insurance only covers you when the app is on and you are logged in; turning off the app means your personal insurance takes over when ready.
- With the app on but no passenger, Uber covers liability for damage or injuries you cause to others, but not damage to your own car.
- Once a passenger accepts your ride, Uber's coverage expands to include collision and comprehensive protection for your vehicle.
- Your personal auto insurance may not cover commercial driving, so contact your insurer before you drive to understand what they will and will not pay.
- After an accident, report it to Uber through the app and file a claim with Uber's insurance carrier, not your own insurer, if the app was on.
Steps to take when ready after an accident
Stop the vehicle in a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights, check for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is significant damage. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident to the other driver, even if you think you caused it — let the police report and insurance investigation determine that.
Take photos of all vehicle damage, the other vehicle, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and the other driver's license plate and vehicle registration. Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, license plate, and insurance company name and policy number. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers too.
Do not leave the scene until police arrive and give you a report number, or until you have exchanged information with the other driver if police do not respond. Keep the police report number — you will need it for the insurance claim.
Reporting the accident to Uber
Open the Uber app and go to the menu. Look for "Safety" or "Report a Safety Issue" and select the option to report an accident. Uber will ask you for details about what happened, the location, the time, and whether anyone was injured. Upload the photos you took and provide the police report number if one was filed.
Uber will assign your claim to its insurance carrier. You will receive contact information for the claims adjuster who will handle your case. The adjuster will reach out to you within one to three business days to begin the investigation. Do not contact your own insurance company to file a claim if the Uber app was on during the accident — doing so may create confusion about which insurer is responsible.
Keep all documentation: photos, the police report, the other driver's information, witness contact details, and any medical records if you were injured. Send copies to the Uber claims adjuster when asked, and keep your own copies for your records.
What happens if your personal insurance gets involved
If you filed a claim with your own insurer before reporting to Uber, or if your insurer contacted Uber's insurer, the two companies will coordinate to determine who pays. This process is called subrogation. Uber's insurer will likely take the lead since the app was on, but your insurer may still be involved in the investigation.
Some personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial driving entirely, which means they will deny your claim outright. Others will cover you but charge a higher deductible or premium. If your insurer denies coverage, Uber's insurance should still cover you — but the process takes longer because Uber's insurer will have to prove the app was on and you were logged in.
To avoid this complication, tell your insurance company that you drive for Uber before an accident happens. Ask them directly whether they cover commercial rideshare driving and what their terms are. Some insurers offer rideshare coverage as an add-on; others will not cover you at all. Knowing this in advance prevents delays if you need to file a claim.
Damage to your vehicle when no passenger is in the car
If the accident happened while you were logged in but had no passenger, Uber's liability coverage pays for damage you caused to the other vehicle or property. However, Uber does not cover damage to your own vehicle at this stage — that is a gap in coverage that many backup drivers do not realize until an accident happens.
To cover damage to your own car while you are waiting for a ride, you have two options. First, you can purchase rideshare coverage from your personal insurer, which fills this gap. Second, you can purchase a commercial auto policy that covers you while you are logged in but have no passenger. Both cost more than standard personal auto insurance, but they protect you during the waiting period.
If you do not have either type of coverage and your vehicle is damaged while you are waiting for a ride, your own collision or comprehensive coverage (if you have it) may pay, but only if your policy does not exclude commercial driving. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to find out.
Injury claims and medical expenses
If you are injured in an accident while logged in, Uber's insurance covers your medical expenses as part of its liability coverage. However, the process depends on whether you were injured by your own actions or by the other driver's actions.
If the other driver caused the accident, Uber's insurer will pursue a claim against the other driver's insurance to recover your medical costs. If you were at fault, Uber's insurance will still cover your medical expenses, but you may face higher premiums or other consequences depending on Uber's policies.
Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts. Send them to the Uber claims adjuster as soon as you receive them. Do not pay medical bills out of pocket and then try to get reimbursed later — let Uber's insurer know about the bills while your claim is still open so they can arrange payment directly with the provider if possible.
What to do if Uber's insurance denies your claim
Uber's insurance carrier may deny your claim if they determine the app was not on, you were not logged in, or you were not engaged in a ride at the time of the accident. They may also deny the claim if they believe you caused the accident through reckless driving. If this happens, you will receive a written denial letter explaining the reason.
Review the denial letter carefully. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can file an appeal with the insurance carrier. Provide any additional evidence: screenshots showing the app was on, GPS data, witness statements, or a police report that contradicts the insurer's findings. The appeals process typically takes two to four weeks.
If the appeal is denied and you still believe you have a valid claim, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. The commissioner's office can investigate whether the insurer violated state insurance laws. You can also consult with an attorney who handles insurance disputes, though this is usually only worth doing if the claim amount is substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber's insurance cover me if I turn off the app right after an accident?
No. Uber's insurance only covers you while the app is on and you are logged in. If you turn off the app after an accident, Uber will not cover it. The app timestamp is recorded, so Uber's insurer will know whether the app was on at the moment of impact.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Uber's liability coverage will pay for damage to the other vehicle and any injuries to the other driver, even if they have no insurance. You will not be held personally responsible. However, if the other driver sues you, Uber's insurer will defend you in court.
Can I use my personal insurance and Uber's insurance at the same time?
No. Uber's insurance is primary when the app is on, which means it pays first. Your personal insurance is secondary and only pays if Uber's coverage is exhausted or denied. Filing with both at the same time creates delays and confusion — report to Uber first.
Will an accident claim raise my rates with Uber?
Uber may deactivate your account if you are found at fault for a serious accident, but a single accident claim does not automatically raise your rates. Uber reviews each accident individually. However, multiple accidents or a pattern of claims may result in deactivation.
What if I was injured and cannot work while I recover?
Uber's insurance covers medical expenses but not lost income. If you cannot work, you may be able to file for workers' compensation in some states, though rideshare drivers are often classified as independent contractors and do not may have access to. Check your state's labor department website or consult an attorney to understand your options.