Rideshare accident: What should drivers do after an accident
Had an accident while driving for a rideshare service? Learn how to handle the rideshare insurance claim process, what info you need and which coverages might apply based on your app status.
Overview: While all car accidents are stressful, getting into a car accident as a rideshare driver may be especially challenging. When filing an insurance claim, it is important to check for injuries, call 911, and gather important information from those involved. However, as a rideshare driver, it is also important to understand the rideshare periods. Your insurance coverage could depend on if you were in Period one (app is on and waiting for a request), Period two (en route to passenger) or Period three (passenger occupying vehicle). Knowing what insurance coverage applies when the accident happened can help prepare you for the rideshare claim process.
Driving for rideshare companies may be a great way to earn money. However, it also comes with unique challenges, especially after an auto accident. Navigating the insurance process and understanding what coverages might apply at each stage of the ride is important. It’s helpful to understand the steps to follow after a rideshare accident, the information you should gather and how to prepare for the rideshare insurance claim process.
What to do immediately after a rideshare accident
A car accident is nerve-racking for anyone, but when you're driving for a rideshare service, you have added responsibilities. Like any accident, your first steps after a car accident should focus on safety:
- Check for injuries — look to see if you, your passengers (if any) or people in other vehicles are hurt.
- Call 911 — always report the accident to local law enforcement, even if it seems minor. This establishes an official record of the incident, which is important for your claim.
- Move vehicles to a safe location —if your car is still operable, safely move it to the side of the road or another safe spot. Then, activate your hazard lights to alert nearby drivers.
Gathering information for your rideshare claim
The more accurate and detailed the information you collect at the scene, the potentially smoother your insurance claim process may be. Try to collect:
- Status on rideshare app — waiting for a ride request, driving to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger. Your app status often determines the insurance coverage that applies to the accident.
- Contact information — names, phone numbers, and addresses of all drivers, passengers, and any witnesses.
- Insurance details — insurance company name and policy numbers for other drivers involved.
- Driver's licenses — license numbers for all involved drivers.
- License plates — plates for all vehicles involved.
- Police report — ask the responding officer for their name, badge number, and instructions on accessing the accident report.
- Photographic evidence — capture photos of damage to vehicles and road conditions.
Who to notify after a rideshare accident
Reporting the accident quickly is important. Make sure to contact:
- Your rideshare company — report the accident to your rideshare company as required by their procedures. Often, you will be required to contact them through your driver app.
- Your personal auto insurance company — reach out to your auto insurer to inform them of the incident and follow their specific claim reporting process.
Understanding which auto insurance coverage applies
The insurance coverage applicable after a rideshare accident depends on when the accident occurred relative to your app activity.
Be aware that coverage limits and policy details vary between insurance carriers and rideshare companies. To fully understand your liability and auto coverage, always review your policy documents and discuss options with your insurance agent.
What to expect during the insurance claim process
Once the incident has been reported, your insurance company should contact you and guide the claims process. The insurance company may contact you and other parties to:
- Investigate the accident details using photos, witness accounts and the police report.
- Conduct interviews with drivers, passengers and witnesses (if applicable).
- Assess property damage and injury claims.
- Determine coverage based on driving status during the accident and applicable policies.
Throughout this process, it is helpful to keep records of all related expenses, such as medical bills or repair estimates. These documents will be necessary to support your claim.
Being prepared for the rideshare claim process
As a rideshare driver, it’s important to know the claim process steps and have the right insurance to help protect yourself and your finances. Rideshare insurance helps protect you and your car during an accident as a rideshare driver.
If you drive for a rideshare service and want to understand your coverage, explore insurance options, be prepared for the unexpected as much as possible, or need help navigating an active claim, contact a State Farm agent today or explore quotes online.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
This is only a general description of coverages and is not a statement of contract. Details of coverage or limits vary in some states. All coverages are subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions and conditions in the policy itself, and in endorsements.
This article was drafted with the help of AI and reviewed by State Farm editors.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
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Bloomington, IL
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Richardson, TX
