Your account status depends on who was driving and what the accident report shows
If a backup driver you added to your Uber account was in an accident, Uber's response depends on whether you or the backup driver was behind the wheel when it happened. Uber's insurance covers the vehicle and driver during active trips — meaning when a passenger is in the car or the app is in driver mode waiting for requests. If the accident occurred during an active trip, Uber's commercial insurance typically handles the claim, not your personal auto insurance. If it happened when the app was off or between trips, your personal insurance is primary.
The backup driver feature lets you add another licensed driver to your account so either of you can drive the vehicle and accept rides. Both drivers share the same vehicle and account. When Uber processes an accident claim, they need to know which driver was operating the vehicle, the exact time it happened, and whether a passenger was in the car. You will need to report the accident to Uber within 24 hours through the app or by calling their support line.
Key Takeaways
- Report any accident involving your Uber vehicle to Uber within 24 hours, even if no passenger was in the car, because the timing determines which insurance covers the damage.
- Uber's commercial insurance covers accidents that happen during active trips (passenger in car or app in driver mode), but your personal auto insurance covers accidents when the app is off.
- You must tell Uber which driver was behind the wheel and provide the backup driver's name, license number, and insurance information if they were driving.
- Your Uber account may be temporarily deactivated while Uber investigates, and both you and the backup driver could face deactivation if Uber determines either of you was at fault or violated safety policies.
- If the backup driver caused the accident, you remain liable as the account holder and vehicle owner, even though another person was driving.
How to report the accident to Uber
Open the Uber Driver app and go to the Help section. Select "Report an Accident" and provide the date, time, and location of the incident. Describe what happened and indicate whether a passenger was in the vehicle. Uber will ask for the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number if another vehicle was involved. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and the other driver's license and insurance card if applicable.
If you cannot report through the app, call Uber's support line at 1-800-253-9377. Have your driver account number, the backup driver's name and license number, and details about the accident ready. Uber typically responds to accident reports within 24 to 48 hours. They will send you a link to file a claim through their third-party claims administrator, usually Uber's insurance carrier or a contracted adjuster.
Do not delay reporting. Uber's terms require notification within 24 hours of the incident. Reporting late can complicate the claim and may result in denial of coverage. Keep copies of everything you submit — the accident report, photos, police report if one was filed, and any correspondence with Uber.
What Uber's insurance covers during active trips
When a passenger is in your vehicle or the app is in driver mode waiting for requests, Uber's commercial insurance is the primary coverage. This policy covers third-party liability (damage to other vehicles or property, injuries to other people) and collision and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle. The backup driver is covered under this policy as long as they were driving on an active Uber trip at the time of the accident.
Uber's liability limits vary by state but typically start at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Your personal auto insurance is secondary during active trips, meaning it only pays if Uber's coverage is exhausted. Some personal policies exclude coverage for commercial rideshare activity, so check your policy to understand what happens if Uber's coverage does not fully cover the damage.
If the accident caused injury to a passenger, Uber's insurance covers medical expenses and liability claims. The passenger can file a claim directly with Uber or through Uber's insurance carrier. You should not discuss settlement amounts or fault with the passenger — let Uber's claims team handle that communication.
What your personal insurance covers when the app was off
If the backup driver was in an accident when the Uber app was off — meaning no trip was active and the driver was not waiting for requests — your personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. This is considered personal use of the vehicle, not commercial rideshare activity. Your personal policy should cover collision, comprehensive, and liability damage the same way it would for any accident.
You still need to report the accident to Uber within 24 hours, even though it happened off-app. Tell Uber that the app was not active at the time. Provide your personal insurance information when Uber asks. Your personal insurer will handle the claim directly. The backup driver should also report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Some personal auto policies have exclusions for rideshare drivers or for accidents involving commercial use of the vehicle. Review your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm coverage before the backup driver uses the vehicle for any purpose. If your policy excludes rideshare activity, you may need to switch to a rideshare-friendly policy or purchase a separate commercial auto policy.
Account deactivation and what happens next
Uber may temporarily deactivate your account while they investigate the accident. This is standard procedure and does not mean you are at fault. The deactivation typically lasts 24 to 72 hours while Uber reviews the accident report, police records if available, and any statements from the backup driver or passengers. During this time, you cannot accept new trips.
After the investigation, Uber will either reactivate your account or issue a permanent deactivation. Permanent deactivation happens if Uber determines that you or the backup driver violated safety policies, drove recklessly, or were at fault for a serious accident. Uber's safety standards require drivers to maintain a clean driving record and follow traffic laws. A single at-fault accident may not result in deactivation, but multiple incidents or a severe accident can.
If your account is deactivated, Uber will send you an email explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision by responding to that email within 30 days. In your appeal, explain the circumstances of the accident, provide any evidence that you or the backup driver were not at fault, and describe any steps you have taken to improve safety. Uber reviews appeals but rarely reverses permanent deactivations.
Your liability as the account holder and vehicle owner
Even though the backup driver was behind the wheel, you remain legally liable for the accident as the vehicle owner and Uber account holder. If the backup driver caused damage to another person's property or injured someone, that person can sue you, the backup driver, or both. Your personal auto insurance and Uber's commercial insurance will defend you, but the liability falls on you first.
If the backup driver was uninsured or underinsured, you could be personally responsible for damages that exceed both insurance policies. This is why it is critical to verify that the backup driver has a valid driver's license and their own auto insurance before adding them to your account. Uber requires backup drivers to have a valid license, but they do not verify insurance status.
If the accident results in a lawsuit, both you and the backup driver may be named as defendants. Your insurance company will assign an attorney to defend you. The backup driver should also notify their personal auto insurance of the accident, as they may have some coverage even though they were driving your vehicle.
Removing a backup driver after an accident
If the backup driver caused the accident or you no longer want them on your account, you can remove them at any time. Open the Uber Driver app, go to Account Settings, select "Backup Drivers," and choose the driver you want to remove. Click "Remove Driver" and confirm. The backup driver will no longer be able to use your account or vehicle for Uber trips.
Removing a backup driver does not affect the accident claim or investigation. Uber will still investigate the accident based on who was driving at the time it occurred. If you remove the backup driver after an accident, document the date and time of removal in case questions arise later about who had access to the vehicle.
If you plan to continue using a backup driver, consider having a written agreement with them that covers insurance, liability, and what happens if an accident occurs. This agreement should specify that the backup driver is responsible for following all traffic laws and safety rules, and that they understand they are driving a commercial vehicle registered with Uber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my personal insurance rates go up after the backup driver's accident?
If the accident happened during an active Uber trip, it may not appear on your personal driving record because Uber's commercial insurance handled the claim. However, if the accident happened when the app was off, your personal insurer will see it and may increase your rates. The rate increase depends on whether you were at fault and your insurer's accident forgiveness policy.
Can the backup driver be sued separately from me?
Yes. The person injured or whose property was damaged can sue the backup driver directly. However, they will likely also sue you as the vehicle owner. Both insurance policies may be involved in defending against the lawsuit. The backup driver should notify their personal auto insurance immediately so they have legal representation.
What if the backup driver does not have a valid driver's license?
Uber requires all drivers to have a valid license before they can drive. If you added a backup driver without verifying their license, you violated Uber's terms and your account can be permanently deactivated. If an accident occurs and Uber discovers the backup driver was unlicensed, your insurance may deny the claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages.
How long does an accident investigation take?
Most investigations take two to four weeks. Uber collects the accident report, reviews app data showing whether a trip was active, and may request statements from you and the backup driver. If a police report was filed, Uber may wait for that report before closing the investigation. Complex cases involving injuries or multiple vehicles can take longer.
Can I drive for Uber again while my account is under investigation?
No. Your account will be deactivated during the investigation. You cannot accept trips or drive passengers. Once the investigation closes and your account is reactivated, you can resume driving immediately. If your account is permanently deactivated, you will need to wait at least six months before you can reapply to drive for Uber.