Uber Insurance Coverage for Passengers in Louisiana
(Last Updated: May 3, 2025)
Ridesharing with Uber in New Orleans should be simple and safe, especially when it comes to insurance protection. However, if you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber accident in Louisiana, the insurance situation can be confusing.
Recent changes in 2024–2025 have made it even more important to understand who covers what. This article breaks down how Uber’s insurance works for passengers in the Cresent City and throughout Louisiana, focusing on the differences between liability coverage and UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage.
We’ll also explain the latest legal updates (including Uber’s lack of default UM coverage in Louisiana) and what that means for you as a rider.
If you’ve been injured as an Uber passenger or rider, and would like to speak to an Uber accident lawyer, we are here to help. Con
Key Takeaways for Injured Uber Passengers and Insurance Coverage in Louisiana
Uber’s $1 Million Liability Coverage
When an Uber driver is carrying a passenger in Louisiana, Uber maintains a $1,000,000 third-party liability insurance policy to cover injuries and property damage if the Uber driver is at fault in a crash. This means if your Uber driver causes an accident, you can file a claim against Uber’s insurance for your injuries.
No Default UM/UIM Coverage from Uber
Louisiana law initially required rideshare companies to carry matching $1,000,000 in UM/UIM coverage during rides, but it allows this coverage to be waived if properly disclosed. Uber has opted out of providing UM/UIM coverage in Louisiana. If another driver causes the crash and lacks adequate insurance, Uber’s policy will not automatically cover your injuries in that scenario.
Who Pays Depends on Fault
If the Uber driver is at fault, Uber’s liability insurance covers passengers. If a third-party driver is at fault, that driver’s insurance is primary. But if the at-fault third party is uninsured or underinsured, there is now a potential gap, and Uber’s insurance won’t cover it (due to the UM waiver). So you’d have to rely on other sources, including your own auto insurance coverage.
Louisiana’s Rideshare Insurance Law
State law mandates specific insurance for rideshare trips. During a prearranged ride (from the moment a driver accepts your trip until drop-off), $1 million in liability coverage must be in place, and UM/UIM coverage is required unless waived in writing. Uber’s choice to waive UM coverage means that passengers are not automatically protected if an uninsured driver hits your Uber.
Check Your Own Insurance for UM Coverage
Because of this gap, Louisiana Uber passengers should check if they carry UM/UIM coverage on their own auto insurance policies. If you have your own auto policy with UM coverage, it can step in to cover your injuries when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance. If you don’t have UM coverage (or don’t have a personal auto policy at all), you are at risk, and could be left without full compensation after a serious accident.
An Experieced Uber Accident Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Navigating multiple insurance policies and a potential coverage gap is complex. An experienced New Orleans car accident attorney can help injured Uber passengers identify all available coverage and pursue compensation. This is especially important now that Uber’s UM coverage is absent. A lawyer can help determine if any other insurance (like the Uber driver’s own policy or your policy) can cover your losses and ensure you aren’t stuck with unpaid medical bills.
Liability vs. UM Coverage
Understanding the difference between liability insurance and UM/UIM insurance is key to knowing how Uber’s coverage works for you as a passenger.
Liability Coverage (Third-Party Liability)
This covers injuries and damages that a driver causes to others. In other words, if a driver is at fault in an accident, their liability insurance pays for the victims’ losses. For an Uber passenger, this means if your Uber driver is negligent and causes a crash, the driver’s liability insurance (in this case, Uber’s $1 million policy) will compensate you for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, etc.. Liability coverage is about the at-fault party paying for the damage they caused.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
This covers injuries to you when another driver is at fault, but has no insurance (or not enough insurance) to pay your losses. It’s essentially a safety net. For example, if you’re in a crash caused by a driver who carries minimal insurance or none at all, UM coverage steps in to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to the limits of the UM policy.
In everyday terms: liability insurance helps the other guy when you mess up; UM insurance helps you when the other guy can’t cover the damage they caused.
Why this matters for Uber riders
In a rideshare context, you could be injured either due to 1) your Uber driver’s fault; or 2) another driver’s fault. Liability vs. UM determines whose insurance pays:
- If the Uber driver is at fault, you’ll be relying on the Uber driver’s insurance (which Uber provides during the ride) to cover your injuries under liability coverage.
- If another driver is at fault, you’ll first look to that driver’s liability insurance. But if that driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance, you would normally turn to uninsured motorist coverage for relief.
In Louisiana, auto insurance companies automatically include UM coverage equal to your liability limits, unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. This public policy exists to protect people from uninsured drivers.
Rideshare companies historically were expected to carry UM coverage for your ride as well. However, Uber’s Louisiana policy now DOES NOT include UM/UIM by default. This means that safety net isn’t there through Uber’s insurance. We’ll discuss the impact of this in the scenarios below and why it puts more importance on your own coverage.
Louisiana’s Rideshare Insurance Requirements (2024–2025 Update)
Louisiana has specific laws governing insurance for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. These laws set out different insurance requirements for different phases of a ride to ensure both drivers and passengers are protected:
App On, No Ride Accepted (Period 1)
When an Uber driver is online waiting for a ride request, Louisiana law requires a modest level of coverage: at least $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage during this period. (These are often written as $50k/$100k/$25k, higher than the normal 15/30/25 minimum for personal cars.)
This coverage can be provided by the driver’s own insurer or the TNC’s policy. In practice, Uber provides a contingent policy in case the driver’s personal insurance won’t cover an “online” accident.
Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard (Periods 2 and 3)
Once the driver accepts a trip and is en route to pick up a passenger, and throughout the trip while the passenger is in the car, the law requires a much larger insurance policy.
Louisiana mandates at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage during any “prearranged ride.” This $1 million policy applies from the moment a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off. It covers injuries to passengers and others if an accident happens.
Importantly, the law also calls for matching UM/UIM coverage (up to $1 million) during this period, unless the coverage is waived.
Offline (Driver not logged into Uber)
If an Uber driver isn’t logged into the app (no connection to the TNC at all at the time of an accident), then Uber provides no coverage and the situation is like any regular accident. The driver’s personal auto insurance must cover any at-fault accident. (Passengers wouldn’t be in the vehicle in this scenario since no ride was active.)
UM Coverage Waiver
A Recent Change: Louisiana’s rideshare insurance statute originally anticipated that Uber’s $1 million policy would include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for the benefit of riders and drivers. In fact, the law ties the requirement to Louisiana’s general UM statute (La. R.S. 22:1295), which normally forces every auto policy to include UM coverage equal to liability limits unless the insured opts out in writing.
Rideshare companies are now allowed to opt out of UM coverage. And Uber has taken advantage of that waiver provision. Uber’s Louisiana policy rejects UM/UIM coverage, as noted on their insurance declarations. In plain language, Uber chose not to pay for UM coverage on its $1M policy in Louisiana, which is legal if done properly .
What does this mean? It means that during a trip, there is $1 million in coverage if the Uber driver is at fault, but $0 from Uber’s policy if an uninsured driver hits the Uber.
Uber essentially “self-insures” the liability portion but has left the UM coverage to either the driver’s own insurance or the passengers’.
This was a policy change that many drivers and riders only discovered recently. Uber now effectively requires its drivers to carry personal UM coverage if they want uninsured motorist protection to apply during rides. Otherwise, there’s no UM coverage for anyone in the car. (Most personal auto policies won’t cover any claims while the driver is using the car for rideshare unless the driver has a special rideshare endorsement or commercial policy. So a driver who wants UM must get a policy that covers rideshare use and includes UM.)
Bottom line: Louisiana law makes sure there’s a big liability insurance policy to protect you as an Uber passenger. But because Uber opted out of UM, that big policy only helps if the Uber driver was at fault.
If someone else caused the crash, Uber’s insurance may not help you beyond possibly some minimal medical payments (Uber does offer limited accident insurance in some states or optional coverages, but UM is not included in Louisiana).
To get compensation in a scenario where another driver is to blame, you’ll be looking at that driver’s insurance and any UM coverage you or the Uber driver have.
In the next section, we break down common accident scenarios and explain which insurance would apply to you as a passenger in each.
Who Pays in Different Uber Accident Scenarios?
When you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber, who pays your bills will depend on who was at fault for the crash and what insurance they have.
Below is a breakdown of different accident scenarios and which coverage would come into play for your injuries:
| Accident Scenario | At-Fault Party | Insurance Coverage for Injured Passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Uber driver causes the accident (e.g., your Uber driver rear-ends another car or runs a red light) | Uber driver (at fault) | Uber’s $1,000,000 liability insurance is the primary coverage for your injuries. As a passenger, you would file a claim under Uber’s policy (through their insurer) because the driver was working for Uber at the time. This liability coverage can pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, etc., up to $1 million.
The Uber driver’s personal auto insurance typically won’t pay anything in this scenario, because almost all personal policies exclude “driving for hire.” That’s why Uber’s commercial policy applies. |
| Another driver causes the accident (e.g., a third-party driver hits the Uber vehicle) – Other driver is insured | Third-party driver (at fault) | The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is responsible first. As an injured passenger, you would file a claim against the other driver’s auto insurance, just like in a regular car accident. In Louisiana, drivers must carry at least 15/30/25 in liability coverage.
If that driver’s policy doesn’t fully cover your damages, you’d normally turn to UM coverage. But Uber has rejected UM coverage in Louisiana, meaning no second layer of protection from Uber’s policy. You’d need your own UM/UIM coverage to make up the difference, if available. The Uber driver’s personal rideshare policy might also help, but most don’t carry high-limit UM coverage. |
| Another driver causes the accident – Driver is uninsured or it’s a hit-and-run | Third-party driver (no insurance) | No liability insurance is available from the at-fault driver. Since Uber has rejected UM coverage in Louisiana, Uber’s policy does not apply.
Your only source of recovery would be a personal UM/UIM policy. This coverage, if you have it, can pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If you don’t have UM coverage of your own, you may have no insurance recovery at all. Some Uber drivers may have personal rideshare policies that include UM for passengers, but this is rare. |
Important nuances
If both the Uber driver and another driver share fault for the accident, you may have claims against multiple parties’ insurance.
For instance, imagine your Uber driver was driving slightly above the speed limit, and another driver made an illegal turn, causing a crash. Both contributed to the accident. In that case, you could potentially tap Uber’s liability policy (since the Uber driver is partly at fault) and the other driver’s liability policy (since they are partly at fault).
Louisiana’s comparative fault rules would allocate responsibility between the drivers. But as a passenger you are not at fault, so you can seek recovery from all at-fault parties.
However, even in a mixed-fault scenario, Uber’s lack of UM coverage could affect you. For example, if the other driver was uninsured, Uber’s policy will only pay for the portion of damages attributable to the Uber driver’s fault, and nothing for the other driver’s portion. Your own UM insurance would be needed to cover the portion of damages caused by the uninsured third party.
As you can see, when another driver is to blame (fully or partially) and that driver doesn’t have enough insurance, it becomes much harder to get full compensation now that Uber has removed the UM safety net.
This is why the next point is so critical for Uber passengers in Louisiana.
Make Sure You Have UM Coverage on Your Own Policy
Given that Uber’s insurance may not cover you in a scenario where an uninsured or underinsured driver injures you during a ride, it’s more important than ever to check your own auto insurance policy.
If you own a car or have an auto insurance policy, review your declarations page to see if “Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist” (UM or UMBI) coverage is listed.
In Louisiana, any auto policy will include UM coverage by default (at the same limits as your liability coverage) unless you signed a waiver rejecting it .
Unfortunately, many people do sign off on waiving UM to save a little money on premiums, often without realizing the importance of it.
If you have UM/UIM coverage on your policy
Good, that means you have an extra layer of protection even while riding in someone else’s car. Your UM coverage follows you. It can apply if you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber, as a passenger in a friend’s car, or even as a pedestrian hit by a car.
In an Uber accident where the at-fault driver has no or not enough insurance, you can make a claim under your own UM policy to cover your injuries (after the at-fault driver’s insurance is exhausted, if they had any).
Keep in mind, your insurer will generally step into the shoes of the at-fault party up to your coverage limit. For example, if you carry $100,000 of UM and an uninsured driver causes you $80,000 in injuries, your UM can pay that $80k (this would be subject to your policy terms and usually a single accident deductible or offset, if any).
This prevents you from bearing the financial brunt of someone else’s lack of insurance.
If you do not have UM coverage on your policy
If you waived UM coverage, or bought “economic-only UM” (which doesn’t cover pain and suffering), or you don’t have a personal auto policy at all, you are taking a risk.
You might still assume “I’m covered because I have full coverage” or “I’m just a passenger, Uber will cover me.” But as we’ve explained, Uber’s policy won’t help if an uninsured driver hits you, and no one else’s insurance will magically appear.
That could leave you with significant out-of-pocket losses. For instance, medical bills from a serious crash can easily exceed $50,000. If the driver who caused the crash has no insurance and you have no UM, you could be stuck with those bills. This is a situation that is sadly not uncommon. In Louisiana many attorneys every month get calls from people hurt by uninsured drivers. And, those who waived UM coverage are often left in financial hardship.
Don’t let that happen to you.
Tip: If you frequently use Uber or Lyft and don’t own a car, consider your options. While you may not have a personal auto policy, you might be able to purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy with UM coverage.
These policies can provide liability and UM protection for individuals who drive occasionally or just want coverage as a passenger. At the very least, understand that if you don’t carry any auto insurance, you are essentially relying entirely on others’ insurance when you get in a rideshare. That makes it even more important to know the status of Uber’s coverage (or lack thereof) and perhaps be more cautious.
Lastly, Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law (which limits recovery of the first $15,000 of damages for uninsured drivers) does not apply to passengers. That law only penalizes owners/drivers of uninsured vehicles. As a passenger, you can recover your full damages from an at-fault party regardless of your own insurance status. However, “No Pay, No Play” is a good reminder that Louisiana strongly encourages everyone to carry insurance for their own protection. UM coverage is a part of that protection.
Practical Steps and Legal Protection for Injured Passengers
If you’ve been hurt as a passenger in an Uber accident, here’s what you should do to protect yourself:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your health comes first. Also, having prompt medical records links your injuries to the accident, which is important for any claim.
- Report the accident through the Uber app and to police. Make sure there’s an official record. In New Orleans and across Louisiana, you should call the police for any accident with injuries. The police report will document fault and insurance info – crucial for later claims.
- Gather information. If you can, collect the Uber driver’s info, the other driver’s info, and any witness contacts. Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage. This evidence can help establish fault and the severity of the crash.
- Notify your own insurance company. If you might need to use your own UM coverage, you’ll need to inform your insurer about the accident relatively soon. You can explain that you were a passenger in a rideshare. (This should not raise your rates if you were not at fault, but each insurer’s practices vary.)
- Consult an experienced accident attorney. Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance companies (Uber’s insurer, the other driver’s insurer, maybe your insurer) and potentially tricky questions about coverage. A Louisiana personal injury lawyer who understands Uber/Lyft cases can guide you. They can communicate with Uber’s insurance adjusters and the other driver’s insurer on your behalf, ensuring you don’t say anything that hurts your claim. Importantly, a lawyer will fight to get you the maximum compensation available – whether that’s through insurance settlements or, if necessary, a lawsuit.
Summary
Uber does provide significant insurance for passengers, but only in certain situations.
By knowing the difference between liability and UM coverage, and by carrying your own UM protection if possible, you can ride with more peace of mind.
After any Uber accident, take action to protect your rights. If you have questions about coverage or need help after a rideshare injury in New Orleans, consider reaching out to an experienced uber accident attorney, who can advocate on your behalf, and ensure you receive the full compensation you rightfully deserve to cover medical expenses, lost time at work, pain and suffering, etc…
We’re here to help you navigate the process so you can focus on getting healthy again. And, we’re committed to making sure that lack of insurance doesn’t stand in the way of the fairness and compensation you deserve.
- Louisiana law (La. R.S. 45:201.6) requires TNCs like Uber to carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance during a prearranged ride, and to include UM/UIM coverage up to the same amount unless waived.
- Uber’s policy in Louisiana has rejected UM coverage, as allowed by law, which means Uber’s $1M policy only covers liability and not uninsured motorists. This change was highlighted by legal experts after drivers and passengers discovered gaps in coverage.
- Liability insurance covers injuries to others when a driver is at fault (e.g., Uber’s policy covers passengers if the Uber driver is negligent). UM coverage covers your injuries if another at-fault driver has no or not enough insurance. Without UM, you could be left with no coverage when hit by an uninsured driver.
- If a third-party driver causes an Uber crash, that driver’s liability insurance is primary for passenger injuries. Uber’s policy would only contribute if the Uber driver was at fault or if Uber had UM coverage (which it does not in Louisiana).
- Louisiana auto policies include UM by default; policyholders must sign a waiver to opt out. Many attorneys advise never waiving UM because of Louisiana’s high rate of uninsured drivers. Passengers with their own UM insurance are far better protected in rideshare accidents.Example from a
- Make sure your auto policy includes UM coverage: An Uber driver injured by a hit-and-run found out Uber had rejected UM, and his personal policy didn’t apply, leaving him with no coverage for his injuries. The lesson for drivers (and by extension, passengers) is to secure UM coverage on a policy of their own if they want full protection.
Getting Help
We know that dealing with an accident is stressful. As an injured Uber passenger, you might be facing doctor visits, missed work, and uncertainty about bills. The goal of this information (and our law firm’s approach) is to give you clear, honest answers about your legal rights and options.
In Louisiana, you have the right to be compensated when you’re hurt due to someone else’s negligence . Even if the insurance situation is complicated. Don’t be discouraged by Uber’s insurance fine print or an at-fault driver’s lack of coverage.
By understanding the system and getting the right help, you can still secure the recovery you need to get back on your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uber Passenger Insurance in Louisiana
Does Uber have a $1 million insurance policy for passengers in Louisiana?
Yes. Uber carries a $1 million liability insurance policy to protect passengers in Louisiana during rides. From the moment your driver accepts a trip until drop-off, this coverage is in effect. It can pay for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages if an accident happens. In short, Uber provides up to $1 million of coverage per ride for its passengers.
Who pays if my Uber driver causes an accident in Louisiana?
If your Uber driver is at fault for a crash in Louisiana, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy covers your injuries. Because the driver was on the app and carrying a passenger, Uber’s liability insurance is primary. It will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages up to the $1M limit, rather than the driver’s personal auto policy.
What if another driver caused my Uber accident in Louisiana?
If another vehicle’s driver caused your Uber accident in Louisiana, that driver’s insurance is responsible first. As an injured Uber passenger, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. If their coverage isn’t enough or they have no insurance, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will step in — up to $1 million — to ensure your injuries and losses are still covered.
Does Uber’s insurance cover me if the at-fault driver is uninsured in Louisiana?
Yes. In Louisiana, Uber is required to provide $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for its passengers. This means if the driver who hit your Uber has no insurance or not enough, Uber’s policy will cover your injuries up to $1 million. You’re protected even in hit-and-run scenarios or if the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Will my personal car insurance cover me as an Uber passenger in Louisiana?
No. As an Uber passenger, you generally don’t need to use your own auto insurance if you’re hurt. Uber’s insurance covers you during the ride, so your personal policy isn’t usually involved. Most personal car insurance policies exclude coverage for rideshare trips. However, if you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, it can help with immediate medical bills alongside Uber’s coverage.
