Hurt as a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft in Utah: Which Insurance Applies
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Utah's rideshare law, Utah Code § 13-51-108, requires a transportation network company (TNC, such as Uber or Lyft) or its driver to carry insurance covering a driver's use of the vehicle during a prearranged ride — which runs from when the driver accepts the request until the passenger exits the vehicle (§ 13-51-102) — with liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, personal injury protection to the extent required by Utah's no-fault law, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage where required. That insurance must be primary. If the driver's own policy lapses, the TNC must provide the required coverage "beginning with the first dollar of a claim." By statute, the driver is an independent contractor, not an employee, of the TNC (§ 13-51-103(2)).
Who this guide is for
Utah passengers hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash — and families after a fatal one — who want to know which policies apply and who to claim against.
When the passenger-ride coverage applies
A prearranged ride begins when the driver accepts a passenger's request through the app and ends when the passenger exits the driver's vehicle (§ 13-51-102(2)). During that period § 13-51-108(1) requires insurance that:
- covers the driver's use of the vehicle on a primary basis;
- includes an acknowledgment that the driver is using the vehicle in connection with a TNC or for a commercial purpose;
- provides liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence;
- provides PIP to the extent required by Utah Code §§ 31A-22-306 through -309; and
- provides UM and UIM coverage where required by §§ 31A-22-305 and -305.3.
The insurer providing this coverage has a duty to defend a liability claim arising during transportation network services (§ 13-51-108(8)).
Who might be responsible
| Party | Basis |
|---|---|
| The rideshare driver | Negligent driving (speeding, distraction, impairment) |
| The TNC's insurer | The $1,000,000 prearranged-ride policy responds to the driver's liability |
| Another driver | If another driver caused the crash, your claim runs through that driver's liability insurance first, and the TNC's UM/UIM coverage may add to it |
| The TNC itself | Because the statute classifies drivers as independent contractors, direct claims against the TNC rest on its own conduct (negligent screening, for example), which is fact-specific. TNCs must screen drivers under § 13-51-107 (driving history, criminal background, age and license rules) |
| The vehicle manufacturer | If a defect contributed. See Utah's Product Liability Act Explained |
PIP, UM and UIM for passengers
PIP pays your reasonable medical expenses (at least $3,000 per person under a standard policy) and part of lost income regardless of fault; rideshare coverage must include PIP to the extent the no-fault law requires. If the at-fault driver in another car is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare UM/UIM coverage may be available. See Utah's PIP Coverage Explained and Utah Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims.
The no-fault tort threshold applies to claims for general damages (pain and suffering) in auto accidents: death, dismemberment, permanent impairment, disfigurement, a fracture, or medical expenses over $3,000. See Utah's No-Fault Tort Threshold.
What to do after a rideshare crash
- Get medical care and call 911.
- Screenshot your trip in the app (driver name, plate, time, route) and save the receipt and emails.
- Photograph the vehicles and collect witness and other-driver information.
- Report the crash in the app to the TNC, but don't give a recorded statement to any insurer without understanding your rights. See Should You Give a Recorded Statement to the Adjuster?.
- Don't sign a release from the TNC or its insurer without legal advice. See Utah Injury Settlement Offers and Releases.
- Calendar the deadline (many negligence claims have four years). See Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations.
Related: Utah Rideshare Accident Claims and Hit by an Uber or Lyft as a Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Other Driver.
Frequently asked questions
How much insurance covers an Uber or Lyft passenger in Utah?
At least $1,000,000 per occurrence in liability coverage during a prearranged ride, plus PIP and UM/UIM as required, under § 13-51-108(1).
When does a prearranged ride start and end?
It starts when the driver accepts your request and ends when you exit the vehicle.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft?
Claims against the company depend on the facts; by statute the driver is an independent contractor, but the insurance requirements apply to the company or the driver.
What if the driver's insurance lapses?
The TNC must provide required coverage beginning with the first dollar of a claim.