Question
I was hit by a hit-and-run driver while I was making a delivery for UberEATS. UberEATS is refusing to pay for repairs to my car. What can I do?
Answer
Unfortunately, it sounds like you’ve learned the dirty little secret of driving for a ridesharing company: not until you get into an accident do you realize there might not be any insurance coverage. Whether you drive for UberEATS, DoorDash, Postmates, or Amazon Flex, you probably didn’t fully read or understand the long and confusing independent contractor agreement you signed when you were first hired as a driver.
Many drivers who work for these companies don’t realize the harsh consequences of the agreement they signed until they get into an accident and the ridesharing company’s insurance carrier delivers the fatal blow: “You are not covered.”
Regarding UberEats, our firm and our client became aware of this when our client was struck by a hit-and-run driver and their car was totaled. The hit-and-run vehicle was never identified, so our client had no one to go after to seek reimbursement for her totaled vehicle. She turned to UberEATS to get help with her totaled vehicle, and learned that because she had no collision coverage on her personal auto insurance policy, UberEATS didn’t have to provide collision coverage. If our client did have collision coverage on her personal policy, then UberEATS would have provided collision coverage, with a $1,000 deductible.
The unfortunate reality is this: if you are driving for a ridesharing company, you probably are not “rolling in dough.” To save money, you may very well have declined the collision coverage option on your personal auto insurance policy. The last thing you can afford is being stuck with no insurance coverage to pay to fix or replace your car.
At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we understand that insurance coverage policies can be very complex and confusing. These agreements can become even more complicated when you have to deal with an employer, which is why it is a good idea to have a skilled attorney by your side. We can break down your insurance coverage and explain your options.
If you have been in a car accident while driving for UberEATS, DoorDash, Postmates, Amazon Flex, or any other delivery service, you should call our Santa Monica legal team to schedule a free consultation.