Insurance Policy Requirements for Uber Drivers in Burbank

Most accidents use the insurance process for resolving claims. However, the increased use of rideshare services can lead to confusion about insurance policy requirements for Uber drivers in Burbank.

If a rideshare driver does not have adequate insurance coverage, a victim can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for negligence to recover compensation. Please contact Block LLP to consult with an attorney about your rideshare accident claim.

Uber Drivers’ Required Personal Policy Limits

All Burbank motorists, including Uber drivers, must maintain certain minimum personal insurance policy thresholds, according to California Vehicle Code § 16056. Further, the state has recently increased the minimum insurance coverage required for drivers.

For policies issued before January 1, 2025, the minimum required thresholds are:

• $15,000 in coverage for bodily injury per person per accident
• $30,000 for bodily injuries to two or more people per accident
• $5,000 for the destruction of property per accident

For policies issued after January 1, 2025, the minimum limits are:

• $30,000 in coverage for bodily injury per person per accident
• $60,000 for bodily injuries to two or more people per accident
• $15,000 for the destruction of property per accident

The rule also states that these limits will increase again in 2035 to:

• $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury per person per accident
• $100,000 for bodily injuries to two or more people per accident
• $25,000 for the destruction of property per accident

Rideshare Companies Must Provide Minimum Coverage During Service

One of the most important questions that arises from an Uber accident is whether an accident victim must file a claim against the rideshare driver’s personal policy. Many insurance companies limit coverage if a driver uses their personal vehicle for commercial purposes.

Further complicating matters, rideshare drivers are generally considered independent contractors. This means that rideshare companies, also known as transportation network companies (TNCs), have limited legal liability for an Uber driver’s negligence.

To help protect accident victims, the state requires rideshare companies to provide certain minimum insurance policy requirements for Burbank Uber drivers. The required coverage is determined by the phase of the trip. If a driver is logged into the app and not yet matched with a customer, the rideshare company must provide:

• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $100,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
• $30,000 for property damage
• $200,000 in excess coverage

If the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, the minimum requirement is $1 million in commercial insurance coverage. The TNC must also provide $1 million in uninsured motorist coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle.

Uninsured Motorists May Have Limited Noneconomic Damages

An issue may arise from a Burbank Uber accident when a driver fails to obtain a required minimum personal insurance policy. The state imposes harsh consequences when an uninsured motorist is in an accident.

According to Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.4, an uninsured motorist is prohibited from recovering noneconomic damages from an at-fault party through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Noneconomic damages may cover a range of immeasurable losses suffered from an accident, including compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Lost quality of life

Consult With a Burbank Attorney About Required Uber Insurance Policies

Facing the aftermath of a catastrophic accident is a stressful experience. Accident victims may require surgery or extensive physical therapy to make a full recovery.

You may have difficulty recovering compensation when a motorist fails to comply with insurance policy requirements for Uber drivers in Burbank. If you were involved in a rideshare accident, speak with one of our attorneys as soon as possible about your legal options.