Uber and Lyft Drivers Beware – Your PIP Insurance May Not Cover You in a Crash!

In Florida, all drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000.00 in Personal Injury Protection insurance benefits (PIP) and $10,000.00 in Property Damage liability. Back in 2017, the law was amended for UBER and LYFT drivers- they have to carry more insurance coverages.

Ride share drivers that are logged on but not providing a ride have to carry at-least $50,000 of Bodily Injury Liability per person and up to $100,000.00 per incident. They also have to carry $25,000 of Property Damage insurance. PIP coverage is still required – however, most individual policies specifically exclude PIP when a vehicle is being used for commercial purposes. Many drivers do not disclose to their personal insurance company that they are operating a ride share vehicle.

When an UBER or LYFT driver is actually providing a ride to a passenger, the insurance law requires coverage of $1,000,000 for Bodily Injury liability however, PIP and Underinsured Motorist are not addressed under the law except that PIP is mandatory. Again, the same problem for UBER and LYFT drivers exist when carrying a passenger as to their own claims for PIP; unless their carrier knows (by written disclosure) they are operating their vehicle in a ride share program, coverage would likely be denied or excluded.

It is essential that UBER and LYFT drivers verify the types of coverage they will be provided with and/or can purchase directly from UBER or LYFT when commencing service. If they are uncertain as to their coverages, they should contact their ride sharing program office immediately and learn whether they will be covered for Uninsured Motorist benefits, PIP benefits, Medical Payment benefits and all other coverages (insurance products) that are available. It is also essential that a LYFT, UBER or any ride share program driver disclose to their personal vehicle insurance company that they are using their vehicle for this purpose. An insurance company has the right to declare a policy of insurance void if a person lies or makes a material misrepresentation on their policy application- (THIS MEAN YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE!). Every responsible ride share driver should examine their insurance coverages to be sure they and their passengers have complete protection in the event of a crash. If not, they should purchase supplemental insurance to protect them since their own coverage may not be applicable!

If you have motor vehicle insurance coverage questions or concerns or have been injured as a driver or passenger in an UBER or LYFT vehicle, please contact Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. immediately. Our office in Miami is bilingual and we have 24/7 coverage. The telephone number is (305) 577-3777 or you can look us up on our website at jeffreydavislaw.com.