Rideshare Driver Injury Settlement Calculator (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors and have no workers compensation coverage. When injured on the job by a third-party driver, recovery sources depend on which 'period' you were in: Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted) — Uber/Lyft contingent liability/UM of $50K-$100K; Period 2 (en route to pickup) — full $1M policy; Period 3 (passenger in car) — full $1M policy. Personal auto policies often exclude commercial use, creating coverage gaps.

The Three Periods Matter Enormously

Period definitions are written into every Uber/Lyft contract and dictate coverage. Period 0: app off — personal auto insurance only. Period 1: app on, no accepted ride — Uber/Lyft provide $50K bodily injury per person, $100K per accident, $25K property damage as contingent coverage (only kicks in if personal insurance denies). Period 2: ride accepted, driving to pickup — $1M third-party liability + $1M UM/UIM. Period 3: passenger in car — same $1M layer. Many drivers don't realize that their personal auto policy will deny coverage during any rideshare activity unless they purchased a 'rideshare endorsement' for $10-$30/month.

What If Other Driver Is Uninsured

This is the most valuable Uber/Lyft coverage layer. Periods 2-3 include $1M in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — much higher than typical personal auto UM limits ($25K-$100K). If you're hit by an uninsured driver while carrying a passenger, you can recover up to $1M from Uber/Lyft's commercial UM carrier. Important: file the UM claim with Uber/Lyft's insurer (typically James River Insurance, Progressive Commercial, or similar) NOT your personal auto carrier. The commercial layer is excess to your personal coverage, meaning your $50K personal UM pays first and the $950K commercial fills above it. Most drivers don't know this and leave money on the table.

Last updated May 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.