Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Tiers in Texas
Uber and Lyft carry three tiers of insurance in Texas based on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. The coverage gap between tiers is nearly $1 million — which is why establishing the correct period is the most important step in every San Antonio rideshare accident case. Wayne Wright secures trip log data immediately to lock in your coverage tier before platform adjusters can reclassify.
Period 1: App Off — Zero Platform Coverage
The app is turned off. The driver is a private individual. Only their personal auto policy applies — typically the Texas minimum of $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident. Uber and Lyft have no coverage obligation. This is the outcome platform adjusters fight hardest to establish because it saves them nearly $1 million.
Period 2: App On, No Ride Accepted — $50K/$100K Contingent
The driver is logged in and available but has not accepted a ride. Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage — but only if the driver’s personal carrier denies the claim. Personal carriers frequently disclaim rideshare activity under commercial exclusions, triggering this tier.
Period 3: Ride Accepted Through Completion — $1 Million
From the moment a driver accepts a ride through the passenger’s exit, Uber provides a $1 million commercial liability policy through James River Insurance. Lyft provides identical coverage through Zurich Insurance. Both include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Period 3 begins at the acceptance tap — including travel to pick up the passenger.
Call 210-888-0078 immediately after any San Antonio rideshare accident. Trip data preservation is time-critical.
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