Crashes involving Uber, Lyft, or delivery drivers confuse people fast — mostly because more than one insurance policy might apply .

What matters most is what the driver was doing at the time of the crash .

These companies provide insurance, but it only applies in certain situations.

If the driver was:

• Actively driving a passenger , or
• On the way to pick someone up , or
• Actively making a delivery

Then the company’s insurance usually applies.

If the driver was just driving around with the app off, then it’s treated like any normal car accident and their personal auto insurance applies.

If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft and the driver caused the crash, you can pursue a claim through the company’s insurance .

You’re not limited to the driver’s personal policy, and you’re not suing the driver personally — you’re dealing with the insurance coverage the company provides for exactly this situation.

If you were hit by an Uber, Lyft, or delivery driver while they were working, their company’s insurance may apply even if they weren’t carrying a passenger yet .

That’s often a major difference, because these policies typically carry higher limits than personal auto insurance.

These claims usually come down to one question: Was the driver actively working at the time of the crash?

That’s not always obvious, and insurance companies don’t always volunteer the answer. App data, trip logs, and timing all matter.

Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or delivery drivers aren’t handled like ordinary crashes. The insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of impact.

If you assume the wrong policy applies, you can miss out on significant coverage.

If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare or delivery driver and aren’t sure which insurance should apply, getting clarity early can make a big difference in how the claim plays out.