Rideshare Accident Insurance: What Georgia Drivers and Passengers Need to Know
Rideshare accident insurance can be confusing, especially when different policies apply at different times. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, understanding how insurance coverage works under Uber and Lyft is essential after a crash. Georgia law requires certain protections, but coverage gaps can still leave you exposed.
Knowing what is covered, what is not, and when to contact an Alpharetta Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can make a major difference in getting fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
The Rideshare Insurance Framework: Who Covers What and When?
Rideshare accident insurance depends on what phase the driver is in during the ride. Each period affects which insurance policy applies and what coverage is available.
Period 0: App Off — Personal Auto Insurance Applies
When the rideshare app is off, the driver is not considered active. If a car accident occurs during this time, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage available. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do not provide any insurance during this phase. Many personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial activity, which can lead to coverage gaps.
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
Once a rideshare driver turns on the app and is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. In Georgia, this includes $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage does not include collision coverage or comprehensive coverage for the driver’s own vehicle. Drivers should consider additional coverage through their insurance provider to avoid exposure.
Period 2: En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
When a driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, Uber and Lyft offer full rideshare accident insurance. This includes up to $1 million in liability coverage and may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, depending on state law. This period provides broader protection for injury, property damage, and other losses involving all parties involved.
Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
From the moment the passenger enters the vehicle to the time they are dropped off, the rideshare company’s full insurance coverage continues. This includes the same $1 million in liability insurance, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage if the driver also has it under their personal insurance. This protects against medical expenses, lost wages, and other rideshare accident claims that may arise.
Why the Ride Period Matters
The coverage available during a rideshare accident depends entirely on whether the app is off, waiting, en route, or in active service. Understanding these periods helps drivers and passengers know which insurance company may be responsible and what insurance coverages apply.
Georgia Law and Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Georgia law defines specific insurance requirements for rideshare companies and drivers to ensure proper coverage during every phase of a trip.
State-Mandated Coverage Levels
Under Georgia Code §33‑1‑24, rideshare companies must maintain active insurance policies that cover both the driver and passengers. When a driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the minimum liability coverage required is $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Once the driver accepts a ride and a passenger is either being picked up or transported, the rideshare company must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage. This includes protection for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury.
Personal Auto Insurance and Coverage Gaps
Most personal auto insurance policies exclude accidents that occur while a driver is using their vehicle for commercial activity. This means a driver’s own insurance may not apply when logged into the rideshare app or transporting passengers. Drivers should consider adding rideshare coverage or an endorsement from their insurance provider to avoid coverage gaps.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Rideshare companies in Georgia must also provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The current minimum limit is $300,000 per accident, $100,000 per person, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage helps protect drivers and passengers if an at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Disclosure and Documentation Requirements
Rideshare companies must notify their drivers that their personal auto insurance policy may exclude coverage while using the app. Drivers must also carry proof of both their personal insurance coverage and the rideshare company’s policy while logged into the app.
Why These Laws Matter
Understanding Georgia’s rideshare insurance laws helps drivers and passengers know what protection is available after a rideshare accident. It also ensures both parties can identify which insurance policy applies and who is responsible for covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Coverage Gaps: Where Rideshare Insurance Leaves You Exposed
Rideshare accident insurance is not always complete. There are situations where drivers and passengers may not have enough protection.
Limited Protection While Waiting for a Ride
When a rideshare driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, coverage is limited. Uber and Lyft offer only low-level liability insurance during this period. This does not include collision coverage or personal injury protection for the driver’s own vehicle or injuries.
Exclusions in Personal Auto Policies
Many personal auto insurance policies do not cover accidents that happen during rideshare activity. If a driver has not purchased a rideshare endorsement, their personal insurance provider may deny a claim. This can leave the driver responsible for medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
No Coverage Without Ride Acceptance
If the driver is active on the app but has not accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft will not provide full insurance coverage. The driver’s own insurance company may also exclude the claim. This creates a coverage gap that affects both drivers and other parties involved in the accident.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage Are Conditional
Uber and Lyft only offer collision and comprehensive coverage if the driver also carries it on their personal insurance policy. If the driver has no such coverage, damage to their own car is not covered, even during an active ride. This applies during both the pickup and transport periods.
Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers Increase Risk
If the at-fault driver in a rideshare accident has no insurance or carries too little, the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage applies. However, this coverage has limits and may not cover all medical expenses or lost wages.
Drivers Must Buy Extra Protection
To avoid these risks, rideshare drivers should ask their insurance provider about additional coverage. Options include a rideshare endorsement or a hybrid policy that blends personal and commercial use. This helps close gaps and ensures drivers are not left uncovered after an accident.
After the Crash: Steps to Protect Your Rights
After a rideshare accident, actions taken at the scene and soon after can impact your ability to file a claim and seek compensation.
Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
Call emergency services right away, even if injuries seem minor. Always seek medical attention after a crash. Delayed symptoms are common in personal injury cases. Medical records help link your medical expenses directly to the accident.
Document the Accident Scene
Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, damage, road conditions, and injuries. Get names and contact information from all parties involved, including passengers and witnesses. Capture screenshots of the driver app if you are a rideshare driver or passenger.
Exchange Insurance Information
Collect insurance details from everyone at the scene. This includes the rideshare driver, any other drivers, and any insurance company representatives contacted. Make note of whether the rideshare driver was en route to pick up a passenger, had a passenger, or was waiting for a ride request.
Report the Crash to the Rideshare Company
Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident. This notifies their insurance provider and starts the claims process. Keep a record of all communications and claim numbers for reference.
Do Not Rely on Verbal Promises
Do not accept blame or make informal agreements at the scene. Let the insurance providers and, if needed, your rideshare accident attorney handle all liability discussions.
Contact an Alpharetta Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Speak to an Alpharetta Uber and Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the claim, protect your rights, and help you seek fair compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. Early legal help makes it easier to file a claim without missing deadlines.
Get Help from an Alpharetta Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today!
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, do not wait to protect your rights. Our team at Horst Shewmaker has experience handling complex rideshare accident claims across Georgia. We help drivers and passengers deal with insurance companies, understand their coverage limits, and fight for full compensation.
Contact us at (404) 400-1175 for a free case consultation today!
