Being injured in a rideshare accident is stressful enough. But when the rideshare insurance company denies your claim, the frustration can multiply. If you’ve been hurt while using a service like Uber or Lyft or even hit by one of their drivers, you may assume their insurance will cover your damages. Unfortunately, that’s not always how it plays out.
Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line, not looking out for your best interests. If your claim has been denied don’t throw the towel in. You still have options and this post will walk you through what to do next.
WHY RIDESHARE INSURANCE CLAIMS GET DENIED
Before taking action, it’s important to understand why a rideshare insurance company might deny your claim. Some common reasons include:
- Driver Was Not “On the Clock”
Rideshare insurance policies like those from Uber and Lyft only apply when the driver is:
- Logged into the app, and
- Waiting to be called, on route to pick up a passenger, or literally carrying one.
If the driver wasn’t officially working (i.e., not logged into the app), their personal auto insurance typically applies, not the rideshare company’s.
- Lack of Evidence
If there’s little or no evidence to support your version of the accident (e.g., no police report, no witness statements, or lack of medical documentation), the insurer may argue that your injuries are unrelated or exaggerated.
- Policy Exclusions
Some injuries or circumstances may fall outside the rideshare insurance policy. For example, if you were injured outside the vehicle or at a pickup/drop-off point, the company might claim it doesn’t fall under their coverage.
- Blame Shifted to Another Party
The insurer may deny responsibility by pointing fingers at another driver, pedestrian, or even you. Liability disputes are common in multi-vehicle or intersection crashes.
STEP-BY-STEP: WHAT TO DO AFTER A DENIAL
- Request a Written Explanation
Write to the insurance company asking them to explain in writing why they deny it. This document will state the exact reason your claim was rejected. You need this to evaluate whether the denial was legitimate—or a tactic to avoid paying.
- Review the Rideshare Company’s Policy
Both Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of insurance depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s a general breakdown:
- App off: The rideshare company will not have coverage; personal auto insurance is applied.
- App on, waiting for ride: Limited liability coverage (typically $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury).
- En route or transporting passenger: Liability of no more than one million dollars and potential uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage.
Knowing the driver’s status at the time of the accident is key to determining whether your claim was wrongfully denied.
- Collect More Evidence
A denial may be overturned if you can strengthen your case with additional documentation. Gather:
- Police accident reports
- Medical records and bills
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Rideshare app records (trip history, time stamps)
If the insurer claimed you weren’t injured or that the driver wasn’t working, you may be able to disprove that with proper evidence.
- File an Appeal
Most insurance companies have an internal appeals process. You can submit additional evidence and ask for a second review. However, don’t expect an unbiased outcome—insurers rarely reverse denials unless the new evidence is overwhelming.
- File a Claim with Another Insurance Carrier
If another party was involved in the crash (e.g., a third-party driver), you may be able to file a claim with their insurance provider instead. Additionally, if your own auto insurance policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or MedPay, that could help cover your losses.
WHEN TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
If your claim has been denied and you’re not getting anywhere with the insurance company, it’s time to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Investigate the accident to determine liability and identify all potential sources of compensation.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies which otherwise can attempt to outsmart you.
- Fill a lawsuit if required to collect fair trial compensation.
- Evaluate your damages including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs.
Rideshare insurance claims involve multiple parties, overlapping policies, and legal complexities.
CONCLUSION
The statute of limitations regarding a personal injury will exist in every state. In Florida, for example, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case could be dismissed entirely, no matter how strong it is.
That’s why it’s critical to act promptly after a denial. The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better your chances of building a solid case.