Who Will Cover My Auto Repairs After an Uber Accident?

If you’re involved in a car accident with an Uber driver, and the car accident is not your fault, then technically the at-fault party is responsible.

Uber is a popular ride-sharing service that is ever-present on the streets of St. Louis. However, when there is a car accident involving an Uber driver, the process of getting compensation is far from easy. It can be intimidating to navigate the process of insurance claims under normal circumstances, but when you are also going head to head with a giant corporation, the pressure is even stronger.

In Missouri, all drivers must carry auto insurance to protect them in the event of a collision. These policies generally cover both bodily injury and auto repairs. However, is it the same in case of an Uber car accident?

If You’re in the Passenger Vehicle

If you’re involved in a car accident with an Uber driver, and the car accident is not your fault, then technically the at-fault driver is responsible for your damages, car repairs included.

There are three possible scenarios here. First, the Uber driver was officially on the clock, meaning they were on the app and mid-ride or on their way to pick up a passenger. In these cases, Uber has its own insurance policy available to drivers. However, this is not a mandatory policy, so you may be dealing with a driver who only has their personal auto insurance.

Or, the Uber driver may have not been on an official ride, which means that Uber’s insurance doesn’t apply. Still, because they are in Missouri, they have their personal auto insurance policy to cover for damages. Knowing what policy the driver has is essential in these cases, because it is often your responsibility to file a claim, and it’s rare to see the process started by the at-fault driver or their insurer.

The last scenario is a bit tricky. If a driver breaks the law and causes the car accident, then it’s likely they will not have any policy to fall back on. Many insurance policies have these disclaimers in their fine prints, essentially removing their responsibility to cover any damages if the driver breaks the law or intentionally causes an accident.

If You’re the Uber Driver

It depends on the policy you have, if you are the victim, and whether you were on the clock at the time of the accident. If you’re not at fault, then the at-fault party’s policy should generally cover your auto repairs.

If you are at-fault but did not break the law or hurt someone on purpose, then you can file a claim with Uber’s insurance provider or your provider, depending on your circumstances.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Uber car accidents are rarely easy to settle. There are always high stakes when it comes to these types of cases, so to ensure you make it through successfully, reach out to a St. Louis car accident lawyer now for a case evaluation and support.