Uber and Lyft Accidents in New Hampshire: Whose Insurance Applies?

Why Rideshare Coverage Is Confusing

When you are hurt in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft driver in New Hampshire — whether you were a passenger, in another vehicle, or on foot — the available insurance depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the moment of the crash. The companies maintain coverage that turns on and off depending on the driver's status in the app.

This layered structure means the same driver may have very different coverage available depending on whether the app was off, on but waiting for a ride request, or actively carrying or en route to a passenger. Understanding which phase applied is the first step to identifying the right insurance.

The Coverage Phases

When the app is off, only the driver's personal auto policy applies — and that policy may exclude commercial use. When the driver is logged in but waiting for a request, the rideshare company typically provides limited coverage. Once the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger, substantial commercial coverage generally applies.

Sorting out the phase, and therefore the available coverage, often requires obtaining records from the rideshare company showing the driver's status. Passengers injured during an active ride usually have access to the most coverage; others may face more complex questions.

Protecting Your Claim

Document the crash as you would any other, and note that the other driver was working for a rideshare company. Preserve the ride details if you were a passenger. Because these claims involve large companies, their insurers, and shifting coverage questions, an attorney can identify every applicable policy and pursue the full compensation available rather than letting the layers of insurance become an excuse to pay less.