What are the Three Rideshare Periods?

With ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft becoming more popular each day, there are many questions arising relating to insurance. What kind of coverage can an Uber driver expect and when are they covered by Uber? That answer depends on when the accident took place, and to better explain coverage, Uber has divided the driver’s time into three different “periods.”

These periods explain what is covered during each step of the ridesharing process.

Period 1: The Rideshare Application Is on and the Driver Is Waiting for a Request

As you may expect, Uber doesn’t take responsibility for drivers injured on their own time. It may, however, come as a surprise that Uber is not considered liable for its drivers’ crashes simply because the Uber application is running.

Why? The short answer is “because we can.” As ridiculously insensitive as it sounds, Uber does this because they can. Uber’s drivers are considered independent contractors by law rather than official Uber employees. You are “on the clock,” in this instance, once a passenger has requested a ride. During “period 1” Uber is NOT held liable and the car accident will be handled like a traditional accident. It’s worth noting that during this time Uber does provide liability insurance during period 1.

Period 2: The Driver Has Accepted the Rider Request and Is on the Way

Period 2 takes place when you are en route to a passenger’s location. During this time Uber’s insurance covers you and any damage taken. However, there are some things to be careful of.

Following an accident, you may not be able to make it to your passenger’s location which will result in a ride cancellation. This may cause some problems to arise because for all Uber knows, the passenger canceled before you got into an accident. Which means that although you were in period 2, Uber can make the claim that you were in period 1 and get off without paying.

Gathering evidence during this time can make or break your claim. Be sure to take a screenshot of the active ride showing the date and time.

Period 3: The Passenger Is in the Vehicle

Period 3 is the simplest period to explain. This is the time where a passenger is in your vehicle and you are on your way to the destination. During this time Uber’s insurance will always cover you, as you are “on the clock.” Since there is plenty of evidence that you were “on the clock” at the time of the accident, it will be easy for a qualified attorney to prove you were working.

Call us today at (267) 457-5570 if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident.

Categories
Related Posts
Put Us On Your Side
Name(Required)

I confirm I want to opt-in and receive news and marketing communication.
Text Marketing Terms and Conditions: We are using a text messaging platform, which is subject to the following terms and conditions. By opting-in for our text marketing and notifications in, you agree to these terms and conditions. By entering your phone number, you agree that we may send you text notifications and text marketing. You acknowledge that consent is not a condition for any purchase. This data will be used for sending you targeted marketing messages and notifications. Upon sending the text messages, your phone number will be passed to a text messages operator to fulfill their delivery. If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving text marketing messages and notifications reply with STOP to any mobile message sent from us or use the unsubscribe link we provided you with in any of our messages. You understand and agree that alternative methods of opting out, such as using alternative words or requests will not be accounted as a reasonable means of opting out. Message and data rates may apply. For any questions please text "HELP" to the number you received the messages from. You can also contact us for more information. If you wish to opt out please follow the procedures above.