Uber Lyft Accident Lawyer Serving NC & SC | Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney

The amount of available insurance can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding a Lyft or Uber accident. In particular, it depends on whether the driver has activated the rideshare app or has an active fare. Lyft and Uber have substantial insurance policies that cover damage caused by their drivers. Additionally, these companies generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, which means they may be liable for damages exceeding their listed coverage. Insurance coverage can vary based on different circumstances, including:

1. When the Uber or Lyft driver has a passenger or is on the way to get a passenger. If a Lyft or Uber driver causes an accident while transporting a passenger or is logged on the app and on the way to pick up an assigned passenger, the full coverage of their insurance is available. Uber and Lyft generally have $1 million in first-level liability insurance for bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage per accident. In many cases, recovery in excess of the first level of insurance is possible. Passengers in a rideshare vehicle and persons in other cars may claim against this increased coverage if the accident occurs while the driver is transporting a passenger or on the way to pick up an assigned ride and causes the accident.
2. When the Uber or Lyft driver is logged on to Uber or Lyft’s app but is not providing transportation services. If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash while logged into the rideshare company’s app but is not on an active fare, there is typically $50,000 in liability insurance available for the injury or death of any one person. For two or more people, the total insurance coverage increases to $100,000. It’s important to note that these insurance limits do not necessarily restrict recovery, as both Lyft and Uber may be held liable for the driver's actions in the accident. Additionally, there is usually $25,000 available for property damage.
3. When a rideshare driver is not working and does not have the Uber or Lyft app turned on. When an Uber or Lyft driver is “off duty” and has the app turned off, indicating they are not available to accept rides, their personal insurance coverage applies. For instance, if an Uber or Lyft driver is running personal errands and not actively working, their personal insurance will apply.

North Carolina mandates a minimum liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injury or death, along with a property damage requirement of $50,000.

In contrast, South Carolina has lower minimum insurance limits, set at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, many individuals choose to carry insurance amounts that exceed the minimum requirements. Additionally, you may have insurance that offers coverage if the other driver does not have sufficient insurance.