My mom’s insurance is denying coverage for her car after an accident because she was working at the time. She was driving for Uber and was in the process of dropping off a passenger when another car collided with hers. She called the police and provided them with the plate number of the other vehicle, but unfortunately, there were no cameras in the area to help verify what happened. The police were able to track down the driver, but her insurance company claims they can’t help her since she was working for Uber. We’re located in California, and any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated. It’s worth noting that my mom was found not at fault in the accident.
My mom’s insurance is refusing to help her with her car because she was doing work while the car accident happened.
I’m really sorry to hear about your mom’s situation—it sounds really frustrating. In California, when you’re driving for a rideshare service like Uber, the insurance coverage can get complicated. Here are a few steps you can take:
Check Uber’s Insurance Policy: When driving for Uber, there is typically insurance coverage provided by Uber. Depending on whether she was in ‘driver mode’ and had a passenger in the car, she might be eligible for coverage through Uber’s commercial insurance policy.
Review the Insurance Policy Terms: Look carefully at your mom’s insurance policy to understand the terms regarding coverage while driving for rideshare services. Some personal auto insurance policies do not cover ridesharing activities, while others might.
Contact Uber Support: Reach out to Uber’s support team to report the accident and inquire about the insurance claim process. They may be able to provide guidance or direct support for situations involving accidents while driving for the service.
Consult with Legal Advice: If the insurance company refuses to help, or if Uber’s coverage isn’t sufficient, consider speaking to a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims or auto accidents. They can provide specific advice based on her circumstances and help determine what options are available.
Document Everything: Make sure your mom keeps a detailed record of all communications with her insurance, Uber, and law enforcement, as well as documentation of the accident itself.
Consider Filing a Complaint: If necessary, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance if you feel her insurance company is treating her unfairly.
It’s unfortunate that your mom is going through this, but hopefully, these steps can help guide you towards a resolution.