Rideshare Insurance Florida Laws: What Riders and Drivers Should Know

Taking an Uber or Lyft around Florida has become a regular part of life. But what happens if there's an accident? Who's responsible? That's where rideshare insurance Florida laws come in. Whether you're a driver or a passenger, it's important to understand how rideshare insurance works in Florida so you're protected if something goes wrong. In this post, we'll walk through what rideshare insurance means, when it applies, and what both drivers and riders should know about filing a claim.

What Is Rideshare Insurance in Florida?

In Florida, rideshare drivers fall under their own set of rules. They're not quite private drivers, and they're not part of a taxi company either. That's why the state created special laws just for rideshare drivers. Rideshare insurance in Florida refers to the type of car insurance that applies when someone is driving for a service like Uber or Lyft. It's based on what stage the driver is in during the ride process. These stages matter because they decide what kind of coverage is active:

• Offline (Not using the app): The driver's personal car insurance is in effect.
• Logged in but no ride yet (Period 1): Limited rideshare coverage applies.
• Ride accepted or passenger on board (Periods 2 and 3): Full rideshare insurance kicks in.

Florida's Insurance Rules for Rideshare Drivers

If you're driving for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft in Florida, you need more than just a regular car insurance policy. That's because Florida law sees rideshare drivers differently than everyday drivers. Since you're transporting paying passengers, the law requires you to carry extra insurance in case something goes wrong. These rules were officially put in place on July 1, 2017, as part of Florida Statute §627.748. They were designed to make sure both passengers and drivers are covered if there's an accident, but the type of insurance coverage you need depends on what you're doing at the time of the accident.

What Happens When the App Is On, But You Haven't Picked Up a Passenger Yet? (Period 1)

This is the time when you're logged into the Uber or Lyft app and waiting to get a ride request, but you haven't accepted one yet. You're considered "available," and this period is known as Period 1. As of the time of writing this, Florida law says you must have:

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident (total for everyone involved)
• $25,000 in property damage liability

These amounts are much higher than what's required for regular drivers in Florida, which shows how seriously the state takes rideshare safety. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is also required unless the driver chooses to waive it in writing. This type of coverage helps protect you if you're hit by someone who doesn't have enough insurance (or any at all). Do Uber or Lyft drivers have to buy a separate policy to meet these requirements? Not necessarily. Uber and Lyft typically provide this coverage for you during Period 1. But it's limited. For example, if your own car is damaged while you're waiting for a ride, their insurance might not pay to fix it. You'd need to rely on your personal policy, and even then, only if you've added a rideshare endorsement to your plan.

What If You've Accepted a Ride or Have a Passenger in the Car? (Periods 2 & 3)

Once you've accepted a ride request or have a passenger in your vehicle, things change. This is when Period 2 (ride accepted) and Period 3 (passenger onboard) kick in. At this point, the law says you must be covered by:

• $1 million in liability coverage (this protects others if you're at fault in an accident)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage (but only if you already carry this on your personal insurance)

Here's the good news: Uber and Lyft provide this coverage automatically when you're actively driving a passenger or en route to pick them up. This means that if you're in an accident during this time, both you and your passenger should be protected under their commercial policy.

What's the difference between liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage?

• Liability covers damage you cause to other people.
• Collision pays for damage to your car if you hit something or someone hits you
• Comprehensive helps if your car is damaged by things like storms, vandalism, or theft

It's important to know that Uber and Lyft only offer collision and comprehensive coverage if you already have those types of coverage on your personal policy. If you don't, their policy won't fill in that gap.

Why This Matters for Florida Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare insurance rules are strict for a reason - they're meant to protect everyone involved. Whether you're behind the wheel or riding in the back seat, accidents can lead to expensive medical bills, car repairs, or even lawsuits. Florida law makes sure that:

• Passengers have financial protection during rides
• Drivers have minimum coverage when using the app
• Victims in other vehicles or on the street are also covered

But there's still a lot of confusion around when and how these insurance policies apply. That's why it's a good idea for drivers to talk with their personal insurance company and make sure their policy won't deny claims just because they were driving for a rideshare app. Can a personal insurance company deny a claim if they find out you were driving for Uber or Lyft? Yes, if you don't have a rideshare endorsement or commercial insurance, some insurers may deny your claim. That's why it's important to be upfront and ask about your options before hitting the road as a rideshare driver.

What Passengers Should Know in a Rideshare Accident

If you're taking an Uber or Lyft and your driver gets into an accident, your first question is probably: "Am I covered?" The good news is yes, most of the time, you are. Once the driver accepts your ride request, Uber or Lyft provides a $1 million insurance policy that covers both you and the driver. This means that if your driver causes the accident while you're on the way to your destination, you shouldn't be stuck paying for medical bills or damages. But, like many things with insurance, it's not always that simple.

What if the Accident Wasn't the Uber Driver's Fault?

Let's say another driver runs a red light and crashes into your rideshare vehicle. Who's responsible now? In this case, it depends on who caused the accident and how much coverage that other driver has. If the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover your injuries, Uber or Lyft's uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may step in to help. What if the other driver's insurance isn't enough to cover everything? Uber and Lyft provide backup coverage in these situations. If the person who caused the crash doesn't have enough (or any) insurance, the rideshare company's policy may cover the rest, but you'll likely need to file a claim and provide evidence of what happened.

What If the Driver Wasn't Using the App?

Sometimes, passengers get into cars they think are official rideshare vehicles, but the driver isn't actually logged into the app at the time. If that happens, Uber and Lyft are not responsible for the accident because their insurance only applies when the driver is actively working on the platform. How do I know I'm covered before getting in the car? Always make sure your ride matches the app. Check the license plate, car make and model, and the driver's name. If the app says your ride has started, then you're covered by the company's insurance.

What If Several Cars Are Involved?

Accidents with multiple vehicles, like chain-reaction crashes, are more complex. Different insurance companies may get involved, and they often argue over who should pay what. In these cases, you're still covered under the rideshare company's policy, but you may need help filing a claim and making sure your medical bills and other costs are taken care of properly. Tip: Keep any photos, receipts, or medical records related to the accident. They can be helpful when sorting out claims. If you're injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you're usually protected by the company's $1 million policy. But if another driver was involved or the rideshare driver wasn't using the app, figuring out who's responsible can be tricky. When in doubt, speak to a personal injury attorney who understands rideshare insurance in Florida and can help protect your rights.

Uber Driver Insurance: What Florida Drivers Should Know

If you drive for Uber in Florida, it's not enough to just have regular car insurance. You need to know how Uber driver insurance works and when each type of coverage applies. That's because the kind of insurance you have, and the kind Uber provides, changes depending on what you're doing at the time of an accident. Let's break it down.

When You're Offline (Not Using the App)

If you're not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, you're considered a regular driver. That means your personal auto insurance is the only coverage you have. Uber and Lyft do not provide any protection when you're off the clock. Can I drive around town without worrying about rideshare insurance when I'm off duty? Yes, as long as you're not logged into the app. But the moment you go online, the rules change.

When the App Is On, but You Haven't Accepted a Ride Yet (Period 1)

Now you're available to accept a ride, but you haven't picked anyone up yet. This is where Uber offers limited insurance coverage:

• $50,000 for injury per person
• $100,000 total per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

However, this coverage only kicks in if your personal insurance doesn't cover the accident. Also, there's no coverage for damage to your own car unless you've added collision and comprehensive coverage to your personal policy. What happens if I get rear-ended while waiting for a ride request? You're covered by Uber's liability policy for damage or injuries you cause to others, but your own vehicle damage won't be covered unless you have personal collision insurance.

When You've Accepted a Ride or Have a Passenger in the Car (Periods 2 & 3)

Once you accept a ride or a passenger is in your car, Uber provides full commercial insurance coverage:

• $1 million in liability insurance
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage
• Collision and comprehensive coverage (only if you already have it on your personal policy)

This coverage is meant to protect you, your passenger, and anyone else involved if there's an accident during the ride. Does Uber always cover damage to my car if I'm in an accident during a trip? Only if you already have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own insurance. Uber's policy will then match your deductible and help cover the repairs.

Why You Need a Rideshare Endorsement

Some drivers think Uber's coverage is all they need, but that's not always the case. Your personal auto insurer might deny a claim if they find out you were driving for a rideshare service without telling them. That's why many drivers choose to add a rideshare endorsement to their personal policy. It's a small upgrade, and it helps:

• Fill in coverage gaps
• Prevent claim denials
• Give you peace of mind

How do I add a rideshare endorsement? Call your insurance company and ask if they offer a rideshare endorsement. It usually costs a bit more each month, but it's worth it to avoid problems later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need special insurance to drive for Uber in Florida? Yes. Uber's insurance helps, but you also need a personal policy that includes rideshare coverage. Otherwise, your insurer might not cover accidents.
• What if I get into a crash while waiting for a ride request? Uber's limited coverage applies, but it doesn't cover your own car unless you have extra coverage through your personal policy.
• If I'm a passenger in an accident, who pays for my injuries? Usually, the rideshare company's $1 million policy will cover you. But if another driver caused the crash, their insurance might come into play first.
• Can I still make a claim if I was hit by an Uber driver while walking or biking? Yes, but the coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app or on an active ride.
• Will my own insurance help if I'm hit during a rideshare trip? Yes. Florida is a no-fault state, so your personal injury protection (PIP) will help first, no matter who caused the accident.

Understanding Fault and Rideshare Coverage in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance helps with medical bills even if someone else caused the accident. But for bigger injuries or other damages, you may still be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver, as long as the injuries meet Florida's legal standards for serious harm. In a rideshare crash, there could be several insurance companies involved:

• Uber or Lyft's policy
• The driver's personal insurance
• Another driver's policy
• Your own insurance

Trying to figure out which policy applies can be overwhelming. And if those companies don't agree on who's at fault, you could be stuck waiting. A personal injury lawyer can help sort through the details and stand up for your rights.

Why Legal Help Matters After a Rideshare Accident

If you've been in a rideshare crash, whether as a driver, passenger, or even someone in another car, there's a lot to think about. You may have injuries, car damage, and a pile of paperwork, all while dealing with insurance companies that may not have your best interest in mind. That's why having someone on your side who understands rideshare insurance Florida laws can make a big difference. At Casas Law, we help people make sense of complicated accident cases and guide them through the legal process from start to finish.

Final Thoughts on Rideshare Insurance Florida Laws

Rideshare apps make it easy to get around, but if there's an accident, things can get confusing fast. Rideshare insurance in Florida is meant to protect drivers and passengers, but understanding how and when it applies is key. If you've been injured in a rideshare accident and aren't sure what to do next, contact Casas Law, P.A. for help. We're here to answer your questions and make sure you get the support you need.