Uber and Lyft both operate in El Paso, and rideshare crashes follow a three-tiered insurance system defined by Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1954 and the Texas Transportation Network Company Act.
The three coverage periods
- Period 0 (app off): Only the driver's personal policy applies
- Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted): TNC contingent liability – $50,000/$100,000/$25,000
- Period 2 (en route to passenger) and Period 3 (passenger in car): TNC primary liability – $1 million combined single limit
If you were hit by a rideshare driver
Determine the period at the time of the crash. Request a copy of the trip log. The rideshare company's insurer (Progressive for Uber, often State Farm for Lyft) typically handles Period 2/3 claims directly.
If you were a rideshare passenger
$1 million coverage applies. You can also claim UM/UIM if the at-fault driver was someone other than your driver and uninsured.
If you were driving for a rideshare service
You need a rideshare endorsement on your personal policy. Without one, Period 0 and Period 1 gaps can leave you exposed. Most Texas insurers offer the endorsement cheaply.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays if an Uber driver hits me?
Depends on the period. Off-app: driver's personal policy. On-app no passenger: $50K/$100K/$25K. With passenger or en route: $1 million.
Do I need a rideshare endorsement?
Yes, if you drive for a TNC. Without one, your personal policy may exclude all rideshare activity, including Period 1.
What if the rideshare driver was off-duty?
Only their personal policy applies. Standard Texas at-fault rules govern.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Generally yes, particularly for Period 2/3 crashes where the company's $1M coverage applies.
Does my UM/UIM cover me as a rideshare passenger?
Yes, if the at-fault driver is uninsured. UM/UIM stacks on top of any TNC coverage.
Tools and coverage related to this guide
El Paso research on this topic
More in Accident Resource Center
This guide is part of our Accident Resource Center hub – see every related guide, or start from the El Paso auto insurance overview.
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. For guidance specific to your situation, talk to a licensed Texas insurance agent. Ready to put it into practice? Get a free quote or request a policy review.