New Jersey Rideshare Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Rideshare insurance is essential in case a driver is involved in an auto accident. An Uber or Lyft accident can result in severe injuries, disability, death, or property damage. In addition, victims can face mounting medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.

Lyft and Uber provide different types of insurance coverage, but only in certain situations. Drivers must meet specific terms and conditions for the coverage to apply to rideshare accidents. The limited coverage offered by ridesharing apps exposes drivers to financial risk. It can also leave the victims of Uber or Lyft accidents stranded with medical bills and other losses.

An injury attorney can apply their experience and New Jersey  rideshare legislation to pursue fair financial compensation following an Uber-related crash and injuries.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is mandatory in New Jersey and most states. It covers bodily injury and property damage to other parties in an at-fault accident. Although liability coverage doesn’t cover injuries or property damage of the at-fault driver, it protects them from out-of-pocket payments for the losses of others.

Some states require minimal liability coverage, exposing victims to financial losses. All rideshare drivers and companies should have adequate liability insurance in case they cause a crash.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Uninsured coverage shields policyholders who are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. Underinsured coverage protects you from loss following an accident involving someone with insufficient insurance.

In both cases, uninsured/underinsured coverage protects the driver and passengers from injury-related expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. While it is not required in NJ, both Uber and Lyft provide uninsured policies. When the policies apply, they should cover losses if an uninsured driver hits a rideshare vehicle, or if a rideshare driver does not have insurance.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your car from minor and major damages due to things beyond your control. Some of the damage covered by comprehensive coverage include:

• Fire
• Natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and floods
• Theft including specific parts of the vehicle
• Riots and vandalism

This coverage does not apply to rideshare accidents, but it is important for rideshare drivers who might leave their vehicles in high-risk areas.

No matter what insurance policies you are dealing with, navigating claims after a rideshare crash is complicated. You might be juggling claims with the rideshare driver’s provider, Uber or Lyft, or even a third-party driver. You need an attorney to review the coverage available and determine the best way to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses.

Consult an Experienced San Diego Uber Accident Attorney

Following an accident, getting coverage from a rideshare policy is more challenging than you might think. Never negotiate directly with an insurance company on your own, as an insurer will work to reduce the total payout. Always consult with an experienced attorney for legal representation.

Author

Dawn M. Pinnisi is a Managing Partner of the Firm.  She was born and raised in Brooklyn and attended Brooklyn Law School.  Ms. Pinnisi predominantly handles professional Malpractice in New Jersey/ New York on behalf of victims of product liability, construction accidents, professional malpractice, and negligence.  She has twenty years of litigation experience advocating for injured clients and has recovered millions of dollars in jury verdicts, settlements, arbitrations, and mediations on behalf of injury victims.