Once a rideshare driver accepts a ride request and begins traveling to pick up the passenger, full commercial insurance coverage activates. This Period 2 coverage provides $1 million in protection—a significant increase from the limited waiting-period coverage.
Period 2 Coverage Details
When a driver has accepted a ride and is traveling to the pickup location, Uber and Lyft provide:
$1 million liability coverage protecting anyone injured by the driver's negligence during this period.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protecting the driver and any occupants if injured by a motorist without adequate insurance.
Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for vehicle damage, available if the driver maintains personal comp/collision coverage (subject to deductible).
Importance of Precise Timing
The exact moment a driver accepts a ride request triggers the coverage increase from Period 1 to Period 2. This timing can be critical:
App records show precisely when ride acceptance occurred, establishing whether an accident happened during limited or full coverage.
Disputes may arise when accidents occur very close to the acceptance moment, with insurers potentially arguing the driver was still in Period 1.
GPS data helps establish whether the driver was traveling toward the pickup location, supporting Period 2 classification.
Claims for Different Parties
Third parties injured by a rideshare driver en route to pickup can access the full $1 million liability coverage. This includes other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and property owners.
The waiting passenger who requested the ride but hasn't been picked up yet isn't in the vehicle, but may have claims if the driver's accident prevents pickup and causes consequential damages.
The driver can access UM/UIM coverage if injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist during Period 2.
Common En Route Accidents
Period 2 accidents often involve:
Driver distraction from checking the app for pickup location, navigation updates, or passenger communications.
Rushing to pickup to minimize passenger wait time and maintain ratings, potentially leading to speeding or aggressive driving.
Unfamiliar areas where drivers don't know local traffic patterns, leading to errors at intersections or lane changes.
Pursuing Period 2 Claims
If injured during a Period 2 rideshare accident:
Confirm the coverage period by obtaining app data showing the driver had accepted a ride request before the accident.
Report to the rideshare company through the app or website to initiate the insurance claims process.
Document your damages thoroughly, as the $1 million coverage should adequately compensate most injury claims.
Consider whether driver negligence applies—rushing to pickup, distraction from the app, or other factors may strengthen fault claims.