Report a lost item to Uber within the first 24 hours of your trip

If you left something in an Uber, report it through the Uber app or website as soon as you realize it is missing. Open your trip history, find the ride where you lost the item, and select "I lost an item." Describe what you left behind, where in the car it was, and any details that might help the driver identify it — color, brand, size, or condition.

Uber sends your report to the driver who completed that trip. The driver has 24 hours to respond and tell Uber whether they found your item. If the driver confirms they have it, Uber will show you their contact information so you can arrange a pickup or delivery. If the driver does not respond within 24 hours, or says they did not find it, you will need to take the next step.

The 24-hour window is important because after that, Uber stops actively routing your report to the driver. Reporting quickly gives the driver the best chance to check the car and respond while the trip is still fresh in their mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Report lost items through the Uber app within 24 hours by finding your trip and selecting "I lost an item."
  • The driver has 24 hours to respond; if they confirm they have your item, Uber provides their contact details for pickup or delivery.
  • After 24 hours, you can still contact the driver directly if Uber showed you their phone number, or reach out to Uber support for help locating the item.
  • Some drivers use third-party lost and found services or turn items in to Uber's support team, so follow up even if the driver does not respond when ready.
  • High-value items like phones, wallets, or keys may be turned in to police or a local business if the driver found them after your trip ended.

What happens if the driver does not respond within 24 hours

If the driver does not confirm they found your item, or if 24 hours pass with no response, you can still try to reach them directly. When you reported the item through Uber, the app may have displayed the driver's phone number. You can call or text them to ask if they found anything.

Some drivers turn in lost items to an Uber support hub or a local business (like a restaurant or hotel where they were dropping off passengers). If the driver does not respond to your direct message, contact Uber support through the app and explain that you have not heard back. Uber support can sometimes reach the driver through internal channels or tell you if the item was turned in elsewhere.

Be aware that after 24 hours, Uber does not actively push your report to the driver, so a response becomes less likely. However, drivers sometimes find items days later when cleaning their car, so it is worth following up even if the initial window has closed.

Contact Uber support if you need additional help

Open the Uber app, go to the menu, and select "Help." Search for "lost item" or scroll to find the option to report a lost item. If you have already reported through the standard process and need more help, you can start a chat with Uber support. Explain what you lost, when the trip occurred, and what steps you have already taken.

Uber support can see the history of your report and whether the driver responded. They may be able to contact the driver on your behalf, check if the item was turned in to a hub or business, or provide additional contact information. Response times vary, but Uber typically replies to support messages within a few hours to a day.

Keep your trip details handy when you contact support: the date and time of the ride, the pickup and dropoff locations, and the driver's name. This information helps Uber locate your report quickly.

Items turned in to police or local businesses

If your lost item is valuable — a phone, wallet, keys, or laptop — the driver may have turned it in to local police or a nearby business rather than keeping it. This is especially common if the item was found after you exited the car, or if the driver was dropping off passengers at a restaurant, hotel, or office building.

If Uber support cannot locate your item, ask them whether it was turned in to any local business or police department. They may have that information on file. You can also call the police non-emergency line in the city where you lost the item and ask if anyone turned in something matching your description.

For phones and wallets, check with the main businesses or institutions near your dropoff location. A hotel front desk, restaurant host stand, or office building security desk may have your item in a lost and found.

What to do if you cannot find your item

If after contacting the driver and Uber support your item is still missing, you have limited options through Uber itself. Uber does not reimburse passengers for lost items, and the company's role is to connect you with the driver, not to replace what you lost.

If the item was valuable and you believe the driver kept it, you can file a police report in the city where you lost it. Provide the police with the driver's name and vehicle information (which Uber can give you), the date and time of the trip, and a description of the item. Police can investigate if they believe theft occurred.

For items like phones or credit cards, contact the relevant company or bank to report the loss. Your phone carrier can disable the device remotely, and your bank can cancel cards and issue replacements. These steps protect you from fraud even if you never recover the physical item.

Prevent loss by checking before you exit

Before you leave an Uber, do a quick check of the seat, floor, and door pockets where you were sitting. Look under the seat if you placed a bag or jacket there. Take a moment to verify you have your phone, wallet, keys, and any bags you brought into the car.

If you are traveling with multiple people, assign someone to do a final sweep. If you are tired, distracted, or in a hurry, you are more likely to leave something behind. A 10-second check before closing the door can save you hours of searching later.

If you realize you left something as the car is pulling away, wave at the driver or knock on the window if it is safe to do so. Some drivers will turn around when ready if they see you trying to get their attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Uber keep lost items?

Uber does not operate a centralized lost and found. Items stay with the driver who found them, or are turned in to a local business or police department. There is no set storage period — it depends on where the item ends up. Contact the driver or Uber support as soon as possible to maximize your chances of recovery.

Can Uber tell me the driver's name and phone number if I lost something?

Yes. When you report a lost item through the app, Uber displays the driver's phone number so you can contact them directly. If you reported the item but did not see the number, Uber support can provide it when you ask for help locating your item.

What if the driver says they found my item but wants money to return it?

You can offer to pay for the driver's time or gas if you want to, but you are not required to. Report this situation to Uber support if the driver is demanding payment or threatening to keep your item. Uber can take action against drivers who extort passengers.

Does Uber insurance cover lost items?

No. Uber's insurance covers accidents and injuries, not lost or stolen personal items. You are responsible for items you bring into the car. If you believe your item was stolen rather than lost, you can file a police report and potentially claim it on your homeowner's or renter's insurance if you have that coverage.

Can I report a lost item if I do not remember which driver picked me up?

Yes. Open your trip history in the Uber app and look through your recent rides. Find the trip where you think you lost the item based on the date, time, pickup location, and dropoff location. Once you identify the correct trip, you can report the lost item. If you are unsure which trip it was, contact Uber support with the approximate date and locations, and they can help you narrow it down.