What Happens If I’m at Fault in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Damage or injuries you caused to others

• App off. You're an ordinary private driver. Your personal policy applies, and Uber's and Lyft's rideshare coverage doesn't.
• Online, waiting for a request. Uber and Lyft maintain third-party liability coverage, but limits in this window are materially lower than after you accept a ride. Your state sets the minimums.
• After you accept a ride. Both platforms describe at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage while you're en route or on the trip.

There are exceptions. Lyft notes Maryland uses $125,000 combined single limits while a driver is en route to a passenger, and that it does not procure insurance for TLC drivers in New York City and certain New York counties, or for livery and TCP drivers.

Damage to your own car

Fault isn't what decides this. Uber says its qualifying rideshare collision coverage can protect your car regardless of fault, and Lyft lists contingent comprehensive and collision coverage too. Both apply once you've accepted a ride, and only if you carry comprehensive and collision on your personal policy.

Both list a $2,500 deductible. Lyft publishes different arrangements in Arizona, Nebraska and Maryland.

While you're only waiting for a request, the platforms' coverage generally doesn't pay for your own car.

What fault does change

Getting a deductible back depends on money being recovered from whoever caused the crash. If that was you, there's usually no one else to recover it from.

Does Uber or Lyft insurance cover damage to my car? →What insurance applies after I accept a ride? →