Lyft, as a transportation network company (TNC), operates in compliance with the regulations and laws set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In California, Lyft provides liability coverage for its drivers and passengers during different phases of a trip. 

These coverage policies are designed to ensure protection and safety for Lyft drivers and passengers in the event of an accident or incident during a Lyft ride. The specific liability policies maintained by Lyft in California are regulated by state laws and may be subject to change.

California State Rideshare Insurance

In California, ridesharing companies like Lyft are required by law to provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has established specific insurance regulations for rideshare companies to ensure the safety and protection of individuals using these services.

The insurance coverage provided by Lyft in California typically consists of three main periods, which are defined based on the driver’s activity:

• Offline Period: This refers to the time when the Lyft driver is not logged into the Lyft app and is not free to take any rides. During this time, the driver’s own vehicle insurance is the primary coverage.
• Period 1: This period begins when the Lyft driver logs into the app and is available to accept ride requests but has not yet accepted a passenger. During this period, Lyft offers contingent liability coverage. If the driver’s own vehicle insurance does not offer coverage, it protects the driver for liability claims up to set levels.
• Period 2 and Period 3: These periods include the time when the driver has accepted a passenger request and is actively transporting passengers.  Lyft’s business liability insurance covers these time periods. It covers uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as well as liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage incurred by the Lyft driver.

It’s important to note that the insurance coverage and policy details may vary based on the specific circumstances of each incident. Lyft’s insurance policies in California are intended to complement the driver’s personal auto insurance and provide additional coverage when necessary.

Additionally, Lyft drivers in California are required to maintain their own personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. Lyft’s insurance coverage may come into effect when the driver’s personal insurance coverage is insufficient or does not apply.

When Lyft Driver Mode Is Off

When a Lyft driver mode is off in California, it refers to a period when the driver is not actively engaged in providing rides through the Lyft platform. During this time, the driver is not available to accept ride requests, and they are essentially using their vehicle for personal purposes.

In California, Lyft’s insurance coverage during the “offline period” is limited. Since the driver is not logged into the Lyft app and is not available to accept ride requests, their personal auto insurance policy is typically the primary coverage in case of an accident or incident. The driver is responsible for maintaining their personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements during this period.

It’s important for Lyft drivers in California to ensure that they have appropriate personal auto insurance coverage even when they are not actively driving for Lyft. This coverage is essential to protect themselves, their vehicle, and any other parties involved in case of an accident or other unforeseen events.

Lyft’s insurance coverage generally comes into effect when the driver is logged into the app and available to accept ride requests. Once the driver accepts a passenger request and enters the active driving period, Lyft’s insurance coverage becomes more comprehensive to provide protection for the driver, passenger, and any third parties affected by the ride.

When Lyft Driver Mode Is On

When a Lyft driver mode is on in California, it means that the driver is actively logged into the Lyft app and available to accept ride requests from passengers. During this period, Lyft provides insurance coverage to protect both the driver and passengers.

In California, Lyft’s insurance coverage is structured based on different periods that define the driver’s activity. These periods are as follows:

• Period 1: This period begins when the Lyft driver is logged into the app and available to accept ride requests but has not yet accepted a passenger. During this period, Lyft provides contingent liability coverage. This coverage is intended to supplement the driver’s personal auto insurance and may come into effect if the driver’s personal insurance does not provide coverage or is insufficient.
• Period 2 and Period 3: These periods encompass the time when the driver has accepted a passenger request and is actively transporting passengers. Lyft’s commercial liability insurance provides coverage during these periods. It includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by the Lyft driver. Additionally, it may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect against accidents involving other drivers who lack sufficient insurance.

Lyft’s insurance coverage during the driver mode in California is designed to provide a layer of protection for both the driver and passengers throughout the ride. It helps ensure that individuals using the Lyft platform can have peace of mind knowing that they are covered in case of an accident or incident during the ride.

It’s worth noting that Lyft drivers in California are still required to maintain their own personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. Lyft’s insurance coverage is intended to complement the driver’s personal insurance and provide additional protection when necessary.

What Can I Do, If Lyft Liability Insurance Does Not Cover Every Accident Expense?

If Lyft’s liability insurance does not cover all the accident expenses in California, there are a few potential scenarios that may occur, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the parties involved:

• Personal Insurance Coverage: If a Lyft driver is at fault for an accident and their liability insurance coverage provided by Lyft is insufficient to cover all the expenses, the driver’s personal auto insurance may come into play. The driver’s personal insurance policy would be responsible for covering any remaining costs, up to the policy limits.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: In cases where another driver is at fault and they do not have sufficient insurance coverage, Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply. This coverage is designed to protect Lyft drivers and passengers in situations where the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate or nonexistent.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: In some instances, if neither Lyft’s insurance coverage nor the driver’s personal insurance policy can fully cover the accident expenses, the affected parties may be responsible for paying the remaining costs out of pocket. This can include medical expenses, property damage, or other related expenses.

It’s important to note that the specific outcomes and procedures for handling insurance claims can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance policies involved. It is advisable for individuals involved in such situations to consult with an attorney or seek legal advice to understand their rights and options for pursuing compensation or resolving any disputes.

If you find yourself in a situation where Lyft’s liability insurance does not cover all accident expenses in California, it is recommended to contact Lyft directly, review the details of your insurance policy, and potentially seek legal counsel to ensure you understand your rights and options for pursuing appropriate compensation.

Here Is How We Can Help

We, the Pacific Attorney Group, are here to help if you’ve been involved in a Lyft car accident in California. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys specializes in handling Lyft car accident cases and can provide the necessary guidance and legal representation to protect your rights and seek fair compensation.

By choosing our firm, you can expect the following assistance:

• Comprehensive Legal Support: We will provide you with personalized legal support throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the resolution of your case. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your Lyft car accident, gather evidence, and build a strong legal strategy tailored to your specific needs.
• Expertise in Rideshare Accidents: Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge and expertise in handling Lyft car accident cases. We understand the unique challenges and complexities that arise in rideshare accidents, including insurance coverage issues, liability determination, and navigating the legal framework specific to California.
• Maximizing Compensation: We will diligently pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Our attorneys will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage, to determine the fair value of your claim. We will negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurance companies to seek a favorable settlement. 

If you need help with your Lyft car accident case in California, we are ready to assist you. Contact us at the Pacific Attorney Group to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward seeking the compensation you deserve.