Report a lost item to Uber within 24 hours of your ride

If you left something in an Uber, report it through the app as soon as you realize it's missing. Open the Uber app, go to your trip history, find the ride where you lost the item, and tap "I lost an item." Describe what you left behind, where in the car it was, and how to contact you. Uber will then reach out to the driver on your behalf.

The 24-hour window matters because drivers are more likely to remember your ride and locate your item if you report it quickly. After 24 hours, Uber still accepts reports, but the driver may have already cleaned the car or forgotten details about your trip. If you don't have the Uber app anymore, you can also report through your account on the Uber website.

Be specific about what you lost. Instead of "black bag," say "small black leather crossbody bag with a silver zipper and my work ID inside." The more detail you give, the easier it is for the driver to spot your item among other things in the car.

Key Takeaways

  • Report lost items through the Uber app within 24 hours by finding your trip and selecting "I lost an item."
  • Drivers keep found items for a limited time, so reporting quickly increases the chance they still have what you lost.
  • If the driver doesn't respond or doesn't have your item, contact Uber support directly for next steps.
  • Some items are turned in to Uber's lost and found centers, though availability varies by city.
  • If your item isn't recovered, document what you lost for insurance purposes or to report to police if it contained important documents.

What happens after you report through the app

Once you submit a lost item report, Uber notifies the driver and gives them your contact information. The driver then has the choice to respond. If they have your item, they'll usually message you through the app to arrange a pickup or delivery. Some drivers will meet you at a nearby location; others may ask you to pick it up from their home or a public place.

If the driver responds but doesn't have your item, ask them to check the car thoroughly or describe what they saw. Sometimes items fall under seats or into door pockets and aren't immediately visible. If they still can't find it, the item may have been left by a previous passenger or may have fallen out during the ride.

Drivers are not required to return items, and Uber cannot force them to do so. However, most drivers are willing to help, especially if you're polite and offer to pay for their time or gas if they're delivering the item to you.

Uber's lost and found centers and storage limits

Some Uber offices in major cities maintain physical lost and found centers where drivers can turn in items. If a driver finds your item but can't contact you or arrange a meetup, they may drop it at a local Uber hub. Uber will then try to contact you using the phone number from your account.

Drivers typically keep found items for only a few days to a week before discarding them or donating them. Uber does not store items long-term, and the company has no central database of all lost items across all cities. This is why reporting quickly and staying in contact with your driver is critical.

If you know which Uber office is nearest to you, you can call them directly to ask whether your item has been turned in. However, not all cities have staffed lost and found operations, so this option may not be available everywhere.

Contact Uber support if the driver doesn't respond

If the driver doesn't reply within a few hours, or if they say they don't have your item, open the Uber app and go to Help. Select your lost item report and choose "Contact Support." Explain that the driver hasn't responded or couldn't find your item, and provide any additional details about where you were sitting or what you were doing when you realized it was missing.

Uber support can sometimes reach out to the driver a second time or check whether the item was turned in at a local office. They can also see notes the driver may have left about your item. Response times vary, but Uber typically replies within 24 to 48 hours.

Be realistic about what Uber support can do. They cannot force a driver to return an item, and they have limited ability to track items once they leave the car. Their role is mainly to relay messages between you and the driver and to check whether the item reached a lost and found center.

What to do if your item is not recovered

If your item is not found after a week of waiting and following up, it's unlikely to be recovered. At that point, document what you lost, including the date of the ride, the driver's name (visible in your trip history), and a description of the item. Take a screenshot of your lost item report from the app.

If the item contained important documents like a passport, driver's license, or credit cards, report it to the relevant authorities or financial institutions. Contact your bank to cancel cards, the DMV if you lost your license, or the State Department if you lost your passport. These steps protect you from fraud or identity theft.

If the item had significant monetary or sentimental value, you may be able to file a claim with your renters or homeowners insurance, depending on your policy. Keep your documentation of the lost item report and any communications with the driver or Uber support.

How to avoid losing items in the first place

Before you exit the car, do a quick check of the seat, floor, and door pockets where you were sitting. Make it a habit to look around every time you get out, especially if you were distracted during the ride or if you had multiple bags or items with you.

Keep valuable items like phones, wallets, and keys in your hands or a secure pocket rather than setting them on the seat. If you're traveling with luggage, count your bags before you close the car door. Take a photo of the car's license plate and the driver's name before you leave, so you have this information if you need to report something later.

If you regularly use Uber, consider adding an emergency contact to your account so that if you do lose something, Uber has another way to reach you if your phone number changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Uber charge me a fee to return my lost item?

Uber does not charge a fee for returning lost items. However, some drivers may ask you to cover the cost of gas or their time if they're delivering the item to you. This is between you and the driver, not an Uber policy. You can offer to pay them directly if you choose to.

What if I lost my phone in an Uber?

If you lost your phone, you won't be able to use the Uber app to report it. Go to uber.com on a computer or another device, sign into your account, find the ride in your history, and report the lost item from there. You can also call Uber support directly. If your phone is still on, the driver may be able to see your contact information on the Uber app and reach out to you.

How long does Uber keep my lost item report active?

Uber keeps your lost item report in the system, but drivers are not required to hold items indefinitely. Most drivers discard or donate items after a few days. Your report remains visible to Uber support for reference, but the longer you wait to report, the less likely the item is still in the driver's possession.

Can I see which driver had my ride if I don't remember their name?

Yes. Open the Uber app, go to your trip history, and find the ride where you lost the item. The driver's name and photo are listed there. You can also see the car details, the route taken, and the exact time of the ride. This information is helpful if you need to contact Uber support or file a police report.

What if the driver is unresponsive or refuses to help?

If the driver doesn't respond to your message or says they won't help, contact Uber support and explain the situation. Uber can try reaching the driver again or escalate the issue. However, Uber cannot force a driver to return an item. If you believe the driver is being deliberately unhelpful, you can also leave feedback about the ride, which Uber reviews as part of their driver accountability process.