Does Uber’s One Million Dollar Policy Cover Me As A Passenger In Missouri?

Sansone & Lauber | | Rideshare Accidents
Does Uber’s One Million Dollar Policy Cover Me As A Passenger In Missouri

Does Uber’s One Million Dollar Policy Cover Me As A Passenger In Missouri? Yes — if you’re hurt as a passenger during an active Uber trip in Missouri, you are covered by a $1,000,000 primary liability policy (at minimum) for injuries and property damage, because Missouri law requires at least $1,000,000 in coverage when a driver is “engaged in a prearranged ride,” and Uber confirms it maintains at least that limit while a trip is in progress.

When your Uber driver has accepted your ride and is on the way or you’re already in the car, Missouri law makes a $1,000,000 primary liability policy available for injuries and property damage. Uber’s own insurance overview confirms it maintains at least $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage during on-trip periods.

Why This Matters After a St. Louis Uber Crash

Rideshare claims move fast and can get complicated. The coverage that applies depends on the driver’s app status, who caused the crash, and how claims are sequenced.

In Missouri, the good news is that strong state rules—combined with Uber’s commercial policy—usually mean significant insurance is available. The challenge is making the system work for you without falling into common pitfalls (like recorded statements or low-ball offers).

Hurt in an Uber anywhere in Missouri? Call 314-863-0500 now. We’ll protect your rights from day one.

The Three Uber Insurance “App Status” Periods in Missouri

Coverage changes with the app. Here’s what Missouri law and Uber’s published insurance position say.

Period 1 — App On, No Ride Accepted (Driver “Available”)

  • What it means: The driver is logged in and waiting for a request.

  • Minimum coverage: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (primary liability). Missouri also requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at no less than the state minimums.

  • Passenger context: You’re typically not in the car yet. But if an available Uber hits you as a pedestrian or in your own vehicle, these limits are the starting point.

Period 2 — Ride Accepted, En Route to Pick You Up

  • What it means: Your driver has accepted your request and is on the way.

  • Minimum coverage: Primary liability of at least $1,000,000.

  • Passenger context: If the crash happens before pickup, you’re still protected by the $1,000,000 policy because the trip is in a prearranged, active phase.

Period 3 — Passenger in the Vehicle (Active Trip)

  • What it means: You’re in the car and the ride is in progress.

  • Minimum coverage: Primary liability of at least $1,000,000 (the key protection for injured passengers if the Uber driver is at fault). Uber confirms it maintains at least this coverage while a trip is in progress.

Bottom line: If you’re a passenger and the crash occurs on the way to pick you up or during your ride, the $1,000,000 policy is in play.

Who Pays When Someone Else Causes the Crash?

If a non-Uber driver causes the collision, your claim starts with that at-fault driver’s liability insurer. If they’re uninsured (or flee the scene), Missouri requires UM coverage of at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash to step in. Uber’s UM/UIM varies by state and over time; Uber maintains UM/UIM where required by law.

Does the $1,000,000 Always Pay Me as a Passenger?

It depends on fault and which coverage applies:

  • Uber driver at fault: The $1,000,000 primary liability coverage is designed to pay third parties—which includes passengers—for injuries and losses.

  • Another driver at fault & insured: You claim against the other driver’s liability policy first. If limits are too low, you may pursue UIM (from your policy; Uber’s UIM varies by state/certificate).

  • Another driver at fault & uninsured / hit-and-run: UM coverage applies (Missouri minimums are mandatory), and you may use your own UM as well depending on policy terms.

“Primary” Coverage & Why It Matters

“Primary” means this policy responds first—not secondary or excess. Missouri’s TNC law says when a ride is accepted or in progress, the TNC/driver must maintain at least $1,000,000 primary liability, and if the driver’s policy lapses or excludes rideshare, the TNC policy must drop down to first-dollar coverage and defend the claim. That protects passengers from coverage gaps.

What About Medical Bills, Deductibles, and Car Repairs?

  • Passenger medical bills: Typically paid by the at-fault party’s liability insurer (Uber’s $1,000,000 if the Uber driver is at fault; otherwise the other driver’s policy). Health insurance may pay initial bills; we resolve liens so more of the settlement lands in your pocket.

  • Vehicle repairs (the Uber): That’s a separate bucket—driver-side collision/comprehensive. It doesn’t come out of the passenger’s recovery.

  • UM/UIM: Uber notes UM/UIM varies by state and has changed over time; Missouri requires at least UM minimums.

Real-World Claim Scenarios in Missouri

Scenario A — Your Uber Rear-Ends Another Car (Uber Driver at Fault)

  • Coverage: Uber’s $1,000,000 primary liability because the trip is active and your driver caused the crash.

  • Path to compensation: Claim for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care, and more. We handle all communications and build the evidence to document every dollar.

Scenario B — Another Driver T-Bones Your Uber (Other Driver at Fault)

  • Coverage: Other driver’s liability first.

  • If they’re uninsured/underinsured: UM (mandatory in Missouri) and potentially UIM (if you carry it) may apply. We coordinate sequencing to maximize recovery and avoid setoffs.

Scenario C — Hit-and-Run While You’re in an Uber

  • Coverage: UM (Missouri minimums apply; your own UM may stack). We also work to identify the fleeing driver using video, event data recorders, nearby business cameras, and Uber trip data.

Missouri Law, Simplified

  • During an accepted ride or on-trip (Periods 2 & 3): Primary liability ≥ $1,000,000; TNC coverage is primary and must defend; drops to first dollar if the driver’s policy is unavailable.

  • When the app is on but no ride is accepted (Period 1): $50k/$100k/$25k primary liability minimums. UM must be no less than state minimums.

  • State-minimum UM: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash for bodily injury on Missouri auto policies.

  • Uber’s statement: UM/UIM varies by state and has changed over time; Uber maintains UM/UIM where state law requires it.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Now

  1. Get medical care today. Delays hurt your health and your claim.

  2. Save proof of the trip: Screenshot your Uber receipt, driver info, and route.

  3. Report the crash in the Uber app but do not give any recorded statement to an insurer before talking to a lawyer.

  4. Photograph everything: Vehicles, scene, injuries, and any visible cameras nearby.

  5. Call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500. We’ll secure Uber’s electronic data to lock in the on-trip status (and the $1,000,000 limit), handle insurers, and protect your recovery.

How Sansone & Lauber Maximizes Uber Passenger Claims

  • We prove the “app status.” Uber’s logs can make or break coverage. We move fast to preserve them.

  • We identify every policy: Uber’s $1,000,000, the at-fault driver’s liability, your UM/UIM, and any medical payments coverage.

  • We build damages meticulously: Medical evidence, lost earnings, future care, and how the injuries change your life.

  • We negotiate and, if needed, litigate: Ready to try cases when insurers won’t pay full value.

Call 314-863-0500 or message us 24/7. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, Springfield, Kansas City, Columbia, and every corner of Missouri. You pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions (Missouri Uber Passenger Claims)

Q1: I was a passenger. Does Uber’s $1,000,000 policy automatically apply?
A: Yes, if the Uber driver is at fault during an accepted or active trip, the $1,000,000 primary liability coverage is designed to compensate injured third parties, including passengers.

Q2: Another driver caused the crash. Do I still get $1,000,000?
A: Your claim starts with the at-fault driver’s liability. If they’re uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM may apply (Missouri requires UM; UIM depends on your policy). Uber’s UM/UIM varies by state and time.

Q3: What if the Uber driver’s personal insurer denies coverage because it was a rideshare trip?
A: Missouri law requires the TNC policy to be primary during an accepted/on-trip phase and to drop down to first-dollar if the driver’s policy doesn’t apply—so there’s no gap for passengers.

Q4: Do I need my own lawyer if Uber’s insurer is involved?
A: Yes. You need an advocate focused on your recovery, not the insurer’s bottom line. We coordinate medical billing, liens, and all coverages to maximize your net result.

Q5: What if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt?
A: Missouri’s comparative fault rules might reduce the recovery, but they don’t bar your claim. Talk to us—we’ll protect your case.

Q6: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Missouri’s statute of limitations can be strict and fact-specific. Call us ASAP so we can preserve evidence and meet every deadline.

Case-Building Evidence We Secure

  • Uber trip acceptance and on-trip timestamps

  • GPS route and telematics from the app/vehicle

  • Police reports and 911 audio when available

  • Witness statements and nearby video (traffic, business, residential cams)

  • Vehicle event data recorder (black-box) downloads

  • Medical records tying injuries to the crash

Damages You Can Recover

  • Medical bills (ER, imaging, specialists, rehab)

  • Future medical care and life-care planning where needed

  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain, suffering, and loss of normal life

  • Scarring, disfigurement, PTSD, and emotional distress

  • Property losses (phone, glasses, personal items)

  • Punitive damages in rare, egregious cases

The Sansone & Lauber Difference

  • Missouri rideshare law mastered. We apply RSMo §379.1702 strategically.

  • Insurer-grade evidence work. We gather what carriers use internally—then use it to demand full value.

  • Trial-ready. Our willingness to try cases moves negotiations.

  • Net-recovery focus. We fight to reduce medical liens and costs so you keep more.

Call 314-863-0500 now. Free case review. No fee unless we win.

Ready to Win Your Uber Injury Case in Missouri?

Injured as an Uber passenger? Don’t wait. Every hour that passes makes it harder to prove coverage, lock down app data, and maximize your settlement.

Call The Uber Accident Lawyers At Sansone & Lauber now at 314-863-0500 or chat/text us 24/7. We’ll secure the Uber trip data, deal with the insurers, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

No fee unless we win. Serving St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and all of Missouri.

👉 Call 314-863-0500 or message us now. We’re ready when you are.