Rideshare is everywhere in Portland, from downtown and the Pearl to PDX airport runs and late nights on Alberta or Division. With thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road, rideshare accidents are increasingly common. And when one happens, the first question is usually the most confusing: whose insurance pays?
The answer depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the moment of the crash. This guide explains rideshare insurance in Oregon in plain language for passengers, drivers and other motorists.
Key Takeaways
- Rideshare coverage depends on the "period": app off, app on waiting for a ride, or ride in progress
- During an active ride, Uber and Lyft carry high liability coverage, typically up to $1 million
- Oregon PIP still applies and is usually the first source of payment for medical bills
- Passengers almost always have a claim, since they are rarely at fault
- Screenshot the trip details and report the crash in the app immediately
The Three Rideshare Insurance Periods
Period 0: App is off
The driver is just a regular driver. Only their personal auto insurance applies.
Period 1: App on, waiting for a request
Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage if the driver's personal insurance does not pay. Limits are lower than during a trip.
Period 2: Ride accepted, driving to pick up
Full rideshare commercial coverage applies, typically up to $1 million in third-party liability.
Period 3: Passenger in the car
Same high coverage as Period 2. This also usually includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that protects passengers if another driver causes the crash.
Whose Insurance Pays? By Situation
You were a passenger
You are almost never at fault. Your medical bills are usually paid first through PIP: either your own (if you own a car and have a policy) or the PIP tied to the rideshare vehicle. You can then pursue a claim for pain and suffering and other losses against whoever caused the crash, the rideshare driver, another driver, or both, through the applicable coverage.
You were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver
If the driver was in Period 2 or 3, you may claim against the rideshare company's commercial policy. In Period 1, contingent coverage may apply. Your own PIP pays your medical bills first either way.
