Report the crash to Uber and get a case number before you leave the scene
Open the Uber app on your phone while you are still at the location of the crash. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select "Safety" or "Help." Choose "Report a safety incident" and select "Accident." Describe what happened, note the time and location, and upload photos if you can do so safely. Uber will assign you a case number — write this down or screenshot it.
Do not close the app or assume the report went through. Confirm you received a case number before moving on. This creates a timestamped record that Uber has documentation of the crash from your account, which matters if you later file a claim or speak to insurance.
If you are injured or the other vehicle is damaged, also call 911 or the local police non-emergency line to file a police report. You will need the police report number for any insurance claim. Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, address, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, license plate, and insurance company name and policy number.
Key Takeaways
- Report the crash through the Uber app when ready and save your case number, because this creates an official record tied to your account.
- Call police to file a report if anyone is injured or property is damaged, and get the police report number for insurance purposes.
- Uber's insurance covers passengers for medical expenses and vehicle damage, but only if you report the crash through the app within a specific timeframe.
- Photograph the damage, the scene, and the other vehicle's information, because your photos are evidence if a dispute arises later.
- Keep copies of the police report, Uber case number, medical records, and repair estimates in one place for your insurance claim.
Understand what Uber's insurance covers for passengers
Uber carries commercial auto insurance that covers passengers injured in a crash. This policy covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to the policy limits. The coverage applies whether the crash was the Uber driver's fault, the other driver's fault, or caused by road conditions — as long as you were a passenger in an active Uber ride when the crash happened.
The coverage does not pay for damage to your personal belongings inside the vehicle, such as a phone, laptop, or glasses. It also does not cover damage to your own vehicle if you were driving your own car and collided with an Uber. For those losses, you would file a claim through your own auto insurance or the at-fault driver's insurance.
Uber's insurance has limits — typically $1 million per incident for bodily injury and property damage combined. If your medical bills exceed the policy limit, you may be able to pursue additional recovery from the at-fault driver's personal insurance, but this requires a lawyer and a lawsuit.
Document everything at the scene and afterward
Take photographs of the crash scene from multiple angles: the damage to the Uber vehicle, the damage to the other vehicle, the road conditions, traffic signals or signs, and the overall scene. If you are injured, photograph your injuries. Take photos of the other driver's license, insurance card, and vehicle registration — do not rely on memory or handwriting.
Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the crash. Ask them if they are willing to speak to Uber or insurance investigators later. If a police officer is present, get their name and badge number, and ask which police department to contact for a copy of the report.
Keep all documents in one folder: the police report, Uber case number, photos, witness contact information, medical records if you were injured, and any repair estimates. Do not throw away the Uber receipt or your ride history. Insurance companies and Uber's claims team will ask for these.
File a claim with Uber if you have medical expenses or injuries
Contact Uber's claims team through the app using your case number. Explain your injuries and provide medical documentation: doctor's visit notes, hospital records, X-rays, or prescriptions. Uber will assign a claims adjuster who will review your case and the police report.
The adjuster may ask for a recorded statement about how the crash happened. You are not required to give one, but refusing may slow the process. If you have a lawyer, tell the adjuster and provide your lawyer's contact information instead of speaking directly.
Uber typically responds to claims within 30 to 60 days, though complex cases take longer. If Uber denies your claim, you have the right to appeal or pursue a claim through the at-fault driver's insurance. If the at-fault driver was also an Uber driver, both Uber policies may cover you.
Decide whether to involve your own auto insurance
If you own a car and were injured as a passenger in an Uber, you may be able to file a claim through your own auto insurance under the medical payments or personal injury protection coverage. This is separate from Uber's claim and can cover costs that Uber's policy does not, such as copays or deductibles.
Contact your insurance company and tell them you were a passenger in an Uber that crashed. Provide your case number and police report number. Your insurer will coordinate with Uber's insurance to avoid duplicate payments. Filing a claim with your own insurance does not affect your rates in most states, because you were not at fault.
If you do not have auto insurance or medical payments coverage, you can still pursue a claim through Uber or the at-fault driver's insurance. You do not need your own insurance to recover.
Know when to hire a lawyer
You do not need a lawyer for minor injuries or small medical bills. Uber's claims process is designed to handle straightforward cases without one. However, consider hiring a lawyer if your medical bills are over $5,000, you have ongoing pain or disability, Uber denies your claim, or the other driver was uninsured.
Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your settlement (usually 25 to 40 percent) and you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer will handle communication with Uber and insurance companies, which can speed up the process and often results in a higher payout than you would receive on your own.
To find a lawyer, search your state bar association's website for personal injury attorneys in your area, or ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Most offer a free initial consultation where you can explain what happened and ask whether your case is worth pursuing.
Understand your options if the Uber driver was at fault
If the crash was caused by the Uber driver's negligence — speeding, running a red light, distracted driving, or driving under the influence — Uber's insurance still covers you as a passenger. You do not have to prove the driver was at fault to receive coverage. Uber's insurance is designed to protect passengers regardless of who caused the crash.
However, if you want to pursue additional damages beyond Uber's policy limits, you may file a lawsuit against the driver personally. This is rare and usually only happens in severe cases with permanent injury. Your lawyer can advise whether this is worth pursuing based on the driver's personal assets and insurance.
Uber may also deactivate the driver from the platform if the crash was caused by reckless behavior. You can report the driver's conduct through the app, but Uber does not share details of its investigation with passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I did not report the crash through the Uber app right away?
Report it as soon as you remember. Uber prefers reports filed within 24 hours, but will still investigate claims filed later if you have a police report and medical records. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence and witness information, so report it as soon as possible.
Does reporting a crash to Uber affect my driver rating or account?
No. Reporting a crash as a passenger does not affect your account status or rating. Uber separates passenger safety reports from driver ratings. You can report a crash without fear of retaliation or account suspension.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Uber's insurance covers you regardless of whether the other driver is insured. You file your claim with Uber, not with the uninsured driver. If you want to pursue the uninsured driver personally, your lawyer can advise whether it is worth the cost and time.
Can I claim lost wages if I miss work due to injuries?
Yes. Uber's insurance covers lost wages as part of your claim. Provide documentation from your employer showing the dates you missed work and your hourly rate or salary. Medical records should also note that you were unable to work during your recovery.
How long does it take to receive a settlement from Uber?
straightforward cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in 30 to 60 days. Complex cases with serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties involved can take 6 months to over a year. Your claims adjuster can give you a timeline based on your specific situation.