Utah Rideshare Accident Claims (Uber, Lyft): Insurance Coverage by Trip Stage
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Utah's rideshare law (Utah Code Title 13, Chapter 51) requires a transportation network company (TNC, such as Uber or Lyft) or its driver to carry insurance that covers the driver on a primary basis in two stages. During a prearranged ride — from when the driver accepts a passenger's request until the passenger exits the vehicle — the coverage must include liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, plus personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage where required. During a waiting period — the driver is logged into the app but not on a ride — the minimum liability limits are $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage, plus PIP and UM/UIM where required (§ 13-51-108).
Who this guide is for
Rideshare passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists injured in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or similar rideshare vehicle in Utah.
The three app phases
| Phase | Definition | Minimum liability coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Prearranged ride | Begins when the driver accepts a passenger's request in the app; ends when the passenger exits | $1,000,000 per occurrence |
| Waiting period | Driver logged into the app, not on a prearranged ride | $50,000 / $100,000 / $30,000 |
| App off | Driver is not providing transportation network services | The driver's personal auto policy applies; § 13-51-108 doesn't require a personal policy to cover rideshare use |
A TNC or driver can satisfy the requirements by the driver buying coverage, the company buying coverage on the driver's behalf, or a combination. If a driver's coverage lapses, the TNC must provide compliant coverage "beginning with the first dollar of a claim." An insurer that explicitly covers a driver's rideshare services has a duty to defend liability claims arising during those services.
PIP and UM/UIM
The rideshare policy must include personal injury protection to the extent required by Utah's no-fault statutes, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage where required. That matters if the rideshare driver was not at fault, a hit-and-run caused the crash, or the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. See Utah's No-Fault Tort Threshold, Utah Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims, and Utah Hit-and-Run Accident Claims.
Who can be liable
- The rideshare driver — for negligent driving, including distraction. See Utah Distracted Driving Accident Claims.
- The other driver if they caused the crash.
- The TNC — Utah law provides that a transportation network driver is an independent contractor of the TNC and not an employee (§ 13-51-103(2)). That doesn't stop the insurance requirements from applying and doesn't bar claims based on the company's own conduct (for example, negligent screening or unsafe policies), but it makes a vicarious-liability claim based on employment harder. Whether other legal theories apply depends on the facts.
Driver screening requirements
TNCs must collect the driver's information, a criminal background check, and a driving history report before allowing an individual to drive. A TNC may not allow a driver who has more than three moving violations in three years; was convicted within seven years of DUI, fraud, a sexual offense, a felony involving a motor vehicle, a property damage crime, theft, a crime of violence, or an act of terror; is on a registry; lacks a valid Utah driver license; or is under 18. Evidence of a driver's record can matter in a claim based on the company's own negligence.
Passenger claims
A passenger can generally claim against the rideshare policy, and PIP applies for medical bills. Seat-belt status can't be used against you in civil litigation. See Seat Belts and Utah Injury Claims. Children's car-seat rules apply to adults using rideshare for children in their care.
Steps after a rideshare crash
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Take screenshots of the trip in the app: date, time, driver name, vehicle, and the trip status.
- Get the driver's information and insurer, but expect the claim to run through the rideshare policy.
- Photograph the scene and vehicles.
- Report the crash through the app and keep the confirmation.
- Notify your own insurer — PIP and, for drivers of other cars, collision.
- Request the crash report. See How to Request a Utah Traffic Accident Report.
- Don't sign releases or give recorded statements before you understand them. See Utah Insurance Adjusters and Recorded Statements.
Automated rideshare vehicles
Utah's rideshare law now treats a Level 4 or 5 automated driving system operating the vehicle for compensation as a transportation network driver. See Utah Self-Driving Vehicle Accident Claims.
Frequently asked questions
How much insurance does a rideshare driver have in Utah?
At least $1,000,000 per occurrence during a prearranged ride, and $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 while waiting for a ride, plus PIP and UM/UIM where required.
What if the driver's app was off?
Then the driver's personal auto policy applies, which is not required to cover rideshare services.
Is the rideshare driver an employee of the company?
Utah law says a transportation network driver is an independent contractor, not an employee.
Do I have to use PIP first?
PIP covers medical expenses regardless of fault, subject to its limits and coordination rules.