Uber and Lyft Crashes in Pennsylvania: Whose Insurance Pays?

Rideshare crashes create a tangle of insurance questions. Understanding the coverage phases is the key to getting paid.

Coverage Depends on the App Status

Rideshare insurance in Pennsylvania depends on what the driver was doing. App off: the driver's personal policy applies. App on, waiting for a ride: limited liability coverage applies. Ride accepted or passenger aboard: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage. Pinning down the phase is the first task in any rideshare claim.

Passengers Are Well Protected

If you were a passenger when a crash occurred, the rideshare company's $1 million policy typically applies, and you are almost never at fault. You may also have claims against other negligent drivers. The challenge is usually getting insurers to acknowledge coverage, not establishing your right to it.

Other Drivers and Pedestrians

When a rideshare driver causes your crash, the applicable coverage depends on their app status at the time. Insurers may dispute which policy responds, delaying payment. Establishing the driver's status early — through app records and trip data — resolves these disputes.

Protecting a Rideshare Claim

Screenshot trip details, get the driver's information, photograph the scene, and seek medical care. Report the crash in the app and to police. As always, avoid recorded statements before advice, and remember the two-year deadline.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.