Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Car Accident, Slip-and-Fall, Work-related Injury
If you plan to drive for Uber or Lyft in Louisiana, talk to your car insurance company first. Your regular car insurance may not cover you when you drive passengers for money.
Louisiana has no general law requiring every rideshare driver to tell their insurer. But your insurance policy may require you to report that you’re using your car for rideshare work.
If you don’t check your coverage first, you could have trouble getting your insurer to pay after an accident. Here’s what you need to know about rideshare insurance in Louisiana and when Uber or Lyft’s insurance may cover you.
Regular car insurance covers everyday driving, such as going to work, shopping, or visiting friends. Driving for Uber or Lyft is different because you use your car to earn money.
Louisiana law lets insurance companies exclude coverage when you’re driving for a rideshare service. This means your regular policy may not cover an accident while you’re driving for Uber or Lyft.
You may need a rideshare endorsement. This is extra coverage added to your car insurance policy. Ask your insurer if you need one and what it covers before you start accepting rides.
Louisiana law does not require every Uber or Lyft driver to notify their personal insurer before starting rideshare work. However, your insurance policy may require you to report this change.
If you don’t follow your policy’s rules, you could have trouble getting coverage after an accident. What happens depends on your policy and the situation.
Louisiana also has rules about rideshare insurance. Under La. R.S. 45:201.9, you may need to share certain insurance details and information about your rideshare activity after an accident.
To avoid problems later, contact your insurer before you start driving for Uber or Lyft. Tell them how you’ll use your car and ask if you need extra coverage. Get their answer in writing.
If you have an accident while driving for Uber or Lyft, your insurance company may investigate how you were using your car.
They may check:
Your insurer may also check claims history records. Being honest about your rideshare work can help avoid problems with your claim.
The insurance that covers you depends on your app status when the accident happens. Under Louisiana law, La. R.S. 45:201.6, minimum coverage limits vary by trip stage.
|
Your app status |
Insurance coverage |
| App is off | Your personal auto insurance |
| App is on, waiting for a ride | At least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage |
| Ride accepted or passenger onboard | At least $1 million in liability coverage |
The policy terms and accident details still matter.
Not always. Liability insurance covers injuries or damage you cause to others. It doesn’t automatically cover damage to your own car.
Uber or Lyft may provide collision and comprehensive coverage during a trip, but conditions apply. You may need these coverages on your personal policy, and a deductible may apply.
You should also check your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It may help if the other driver has no insurance or not enough coverage.
If you’re in a crash while driving for Uber or Lyft:
Give insurers accurate information. Don’t agree to a settlement before you understand your losses.
If you don’t tell your insurer about your rideshare work, you could face problems if your policy requires you to report it.
These may include:
However, failing to notify your insurer does not automatically cancel the coverage Uber or Lyft must provide.
Louisiana law allows personal insurers to exclude certain rideshare risks. The coverage available depends on your policy, app status, and accident details.
If you cause a crash and insurance doesn’t cover all the damages, you may have to pay the remaining amount yourself. Learn more about liability in drunk-driving accidents.
It’s best to tell your insurer before you start. Your policy may require you to report rideshare work.
Yes, it’s best to check with your insurer. Ask if your policy covers rideshare driving or if you need extra coverage.
It may. The cost depends on your insurer, driving history, and the coverage you choose.
You need car insurance that meets Louisiana’s requirements. But your policy may not cover you while driving for Lyft, so check with your insurer first.
Yes. If you cause a crash, an injured person may sue you. Whether your insurance pays depends on your policy and the accident details.
Don’t assume your regular car insurance covers every part of a rideshare trip. Check your policy, ask about a rideshare endorsement, and find out when Uber or Lyft’s insurance applies.
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident or are having trouble with an insurance claim, Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC can review your situation and explain your legal options.
You can request a free consultation.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
