Whether it’s buying the right car insurance or finding the best credit card, people want an easy way to understand and compare financial products online. In fact, when it comes to buying car insurance, 80% of drivers think they’d find a better policy if they could compare more than two providers. That’s why today we’re introducing Google Compare for car insurance in California, with more states to follow. This represents the newest addition to a suite of Google Compare products designed to help people make confident, more informed financial decisions.
Today, RSG Senior Contributor, Scott Van Maldegiam, takes a look at what happens after you get into an accident while driving for Uber or Lyft. Scott has years of experience in the insurance industry and his review is one of the most thorough guides I’ve seen on the subject to date. Understanding what to do in the event of an accident and how the process works will help to relieve some of the stress that is involved with each and every accident. This article should help prepare you for the inevitable but working with a good personal agent is probably your next best bet.
More and more states are starting to offer rideshare friendly policies which means there are more and more agents that you can contact for help. You can find a full list of rideshare insurance options by visiting our Rideshare Insurance Page where we also have recommendations for local agents who know what type of policies drivers need. Let’s talk a bit about how insurance works in general when you get into an accident. I will be talking exclusively about states that assign fault. No fault states simplify things as your insurance company will always pay your damages regardless of fault, but most states assign fault and financial responsibility.
Liability – This part of your policy will cover damage to other cars, property and people that were involved in the accident. Any injured persons that were in your car that are not direct family members are covered by liability as well. There is no deductible for any liability claims. This is certainly a better situation than the first example, but this is where most people get confused. Coverages are used differently.
Medical – This is one of the most misunderstood parts of insurance. Medical insurance covers yourself and anyone else in your car for medical expenses prior to assignment of fault. Collision – This coverage is used temporarily until your insurance coverage can get payment from the other insurance company. With most insurance companies, you will be subject to a deductible until the other insurance company pays. License plate – Make sure you get the license plate of the other car in case they decide to take off.
Uninsured/Underinsured – This coverage is to protect you and your passengers should you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. This coverage will pay out in the case the other person is at fault but does not have insurance. If fault needs to be determined, then it is handled like the other person is at fault until responsibility for the accident can be assigned. With all the boring, but important, background information out of the way, here is what you should do if you get into an accident while in a ride request with Uber, Lyft or Sidecar.
Exchange information – Take pictures of the other person’s insurance card and drivers license. Allow them to do the same. Witnesses – If there are witnesses, ask for their information and if they are willing to speak to police and insurance companies if asked. If the other party is protesting that they were at fault and they clearly were, you would surprised how many people will come to your aid.
Police – Yes, they should be called, but do not rely on their information to help at all when determining fault or assisting in recovery of damages. I have had more than one occasion where the police were actually a hinderance to the insurance claim process. Be nice and keep an open mind – Regardless of who was at fault, be nice. Emotions will be high so it is best to bring calm to a situation that can be the exact opposite of calm.
