Rideshare Insurance
Ridesharing companies are here to stay. Although some fads are here today and gone tomorrow, it seems like the luxury of using a ridesharing company to get from one place to another using an application will be a mainstay across the world. The demand for rideshare drivers has increased with the growing demand of riders. Uber alone owns 73 percent of the market share while Lyft has risen to 27 percent as of March of 2018. This makes each company worth billions of dollars.
This value has translated to millions of rideshare employees on the road trying to get a piece of the wealth available for dedicated drivers. As Uber and Lyft try to turn a profit each year, the requirements to become a driver are surprisingly easy when a person considers what a taxi driver has to go through to become part of the workforce. Instead of a federal background check and fingerprint check all rideshare drivers have to do is have a newer vehicle, pass a third-party background check, and get insurance.
Rideshare Insurance Lawyer
Abrams Justice has experienced ride share attorneys who can help you navigate the confusing insurance policies of both Uber and Lyft. If you are in an accident involving a rideshare driver it is important for you to know what is covered under their insurance policy.
If you live in Miami-Dade County including Miami, Kendall, Doral, Miami Gardens, Aventura, Cutler Bay or any other surrounding area contact Abrams Justice at (305) 709-0880 or fill out an online form for your free consultation.
Rideshare Insurance Information Center
Rideshare Insurance
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specific responsibilities when employing drivers and putting them on the road as members of their companies in Florida. Drivers are required by law to have a minimum insurance level of $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person and a minimum of $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident if they want to drive for either Uber and Lyft. The following are insurance requirements from the two major ridesharing companies in the United States.
Uber
App on- while waiting for a request
If a driver is online with Uber and they are waiting for a rider’s request, they are covered for liability if the accident is their fault. This coverage includes liability to pay another person’s medical bills and property damage.
Minimum coverage limits
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Request accepted and on trip
After a driver has picked up a passenger and is on a trip, they are covered for three things:
- Third party liability coverage
- Covers liability for damages to any third party like a pedestrian, driver or property in case of an accident. Coverage limit is $1,000,000 per accident
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist
- Covers driver and anyone else in the vehicle in case of an accident where another driver is at fault. This can also cover hit and run accidents. Coverage limit is $1,000,000 per accident
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
- Covers a driver’s vehicle in case of an accident even if it is not the driver’s fault. The driver must maintain collision coverage while not on an Uber trip. The insurance covers the entire cash value of the vehicle with a $1,000 deductible
Lyft
Coverage when ride is accepted and during trip
After a driver has accepted a request for pickup and during a trip they are covered for:
- Primary liability insurance
- Designed as primary insurance coverage from the time a driver accepts a ride, until the time the ride is over in the app. This policy has a $1,000,000 per accident limit
- Contingent collision coverage
- Covers any physical damage to a driver’s vehicle resulting from an accident if the driver has maintained collision coverage on their personal automobile policy. The policy covers the cash value of the vehicle and has a $2,500 deductible
- Contingent comprehensive insurance
- Covers physical coverage to a driver’s vehicle resulting from a non-collision event as long as the driver has maintained comprehensive coverage on personal automobile policy. The policy covers the cash value of the vehicle and has a $2,500 deductible
Reason to Involve a Lawyer
Although rideshare drivers are often covered for accidents, there may still be issues when dealing with an insurance company. Whether it is an accident caused by distracted driving due to a rideshare driver or negligence of some other kind on their part, the rideshare insurance policy should cover your accident. The following are common issues when dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
Insurance claim denial
An accident can be a scary thing to deal with. Not only can injuries occur but dealing with an insurance company can be an added stress many people don’t need. Dealing with a multi-billion-dollar company and their insurance can be even more stressful. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the rideshare driver may claim to not be at fault and refuse to take liability for the accident. If his insurance company agrees with him, then it is important to contact an attorney if a person feels their claim was decided incorrectly.
Lowest possible offer
An insurance claim can be complicated and often times frustrating when dealing with insurance companies. Depending on the damages to a person’s vehicle and their injuries, it could cost a lot to get everything fixed correctly. If a rideshare insurance company is offering a low amount for what a person considers considerable damages it is important to contact an attorney who can fight to get every cent they deserve.
Comparative negligence law
The comparative negligence law in Florida is one of the most frustrating and confusing parts of an accident. The negligence of an accident is not decided by law enforcement, insurance companies or by drivers right after the accident. A jury or court decides what percentage of negligence to assign to each driver. This percentage determines how much a person can receive in damages. For example, if a person is found to be 45% negligent for an accident than they can only sue for 55% of the damages incurred after the accident. This is one of the most important reasons to involve a lawyer. An experienced lawyer will fight to prove the negligence of the rideshare driver.
Miami-Dade County Resources for Rideshare Insurance
Uber Insurance– This link provides information on Uber’s insurance policy and what they will cover in an accident. This link also provides information on exceptions to Uber’s insurance policy and information for anyone interested in becoming an Uber driver including requirements of vehicle, insurance, and background checks.
Lyft Insurance– This link provides information on Lyft’s insurance policy and what they will cover during an accident. This link also provides information on what states are covered by the policy and information on when coverages are applied and what is covered during an “express drive.”
Abrams Justice | Miami-Dade County Rideshare Insurance lawyer
If you or someone you know has had issues when dealing with a rideshare driver and their insurance, contact Abrams Justice today. Ivan and Isabel Abrams will use their trial experience, dedication, passion, and resources to ensure that you are getting properly compensated for any damages you may have incurred during an accident.
If you live in Miami-Dade County including Virginia Gardens, Westchester, Golden Beach, Miami Springs, or South Miami, or any other of the surrounding areas contact Abrams Justice at (305) 709-0880 for a free consultation about your case.