When COVID-19 began and companies around the world started laying off and furloughing employees without pay, millions were faced with figuring out how they would pay the rent or put food on the table.
While additional unemployment helped some, many individuals chose to turn to gigs like rideshares and food and grocery delivery services to make some extra money.
Uber has long been a popular option for those looking to be their own bosses or earn a little side income. Today, there are more than 3 million people driving for the company.
For riders, Uber is a convenient way to get where you need to go if you don’t have a car or it doesn’t make sense to drive. But what happens if you get into an accident?
If you enjoy using rideshares, keep reading to learn what Uber insurance is and how it will cover you if you get into an accident.
What Insurance Do Uber Drivers Need to Have?
Uber drivers are required to have valid car insurance in order to drive.
This gets a little tricky, as driving for a rideshare company can actually invalidate some standard auto insurance policies.
It’s up to drivers to make sure that their insurance provider knows that they are driving for the company, and to make sure that they are covered.
In addition to the driver’s individual car insurance, Uber also provides some supplemental coverage. However, this insurance only works if the app is turned on.
If the Uber app was off and the driver gets in a car accident, their own car insurance will need to cover it. If the app is turned on when the accident occurs, Uber’s supplemental insurance will cover a low level of liability.
The level of coverage provided by Uber is higher when there is a paying passenger in the vehicle when the accident occurs.
What is Uber Insurance?
Uber insurance refers to the insurance available to Uber drivers, called their “Optional Injury Protection” insurance.
As the name suggests, this insurance is optional. It’s up to each individual driver whether or not they choose to add this protection.
Uber advertised that their Optional Injury Protection costs less than $0.04 per mile driven. This insurance doesn’t come directly from Uber. Instead, it is provided through Affinity Insurance Services Inc.
Some of the benefits that this insurance provides drivers include:
- Disability payments
- Medical expenses
- Survivor benefits
For passengers, this insurance coverage doesn’t apply. Instead, your injuries and damages will be covered by the driver’s insurance or Uber’s supplemental coverage. Or, if the driver of another involved vehicle causes the accident, their insurance will cover your costs, unless they were uninsured.
What to Do if You Get in an Accident in a Rideshare
Uber insurance, their supplemental insurance, and the driver’s insurance will all go into effect if a car accident takes place.
But sometimes that isn’t enough to get your medical bills and other expenses paid.
If you’ve been injured in an accident while riding in a rideshare like Uber, we can help. Contact us today to find out how we can handle your case and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Gary P. Falkowitz is the Managing Partner and Founding Attorney of the Falkowitz Law Firm PLLC‚ one of the premiere personal injury law firms in New York. Gary received his J.D., in 2005 from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
