In 2026, rideshare applications like Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous across Florida. However, when an accident occurs, victims are often shocked to learn that the highly publicized “$1 Million Insurance Policy” does not automatically apply to every crash. Rideshare liability in Florida is governed by a complex, multi-tiered insurance system based entirely on what the driver was doing at the exact millisecond of the impact. Because rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, their insurance providers will aggressively look for ways to deny your claim or shift the blame. Understanding how to unlock this coverage is the first step in protecting your financial future.
Understanding the “Phases” of Rideshare Insurance
Florida law divides a rideshare driver’s status into three distinct periods, and the available insurance coverage fluctuates wildly between them:
Phase 1: App On, Waiting for a Request
If the driver is logged into the Uber or Lyft app but has not yet accepted a ride (e.g., cruising or parked), the $1 million policy is not active. Instead, a much smaller contingent liability policy applies—typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. If you are hit by a rideshare driver in this phase, your medical bills can easily exceed this limit, forcing you to look for secondary coverage layers.
Phase 2: Match Accepted, En Route
The moment the driver accepts a ride request and begins driving to the pickup location, the $1 million commercial liability policy kicks in. However, proving the driver was in Phase 2 requires digital forensic evidence (login timestamps and GPS data) subpoenaed directly from the rideshare company’s servers.
Phase 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
From the moment the passenger enters the vehicle until they exit at their destination, the full $1 million third-party liability and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is active. This policy is designed to cover catastrophic injuries, but if multiple vehicles or passengers are involved in the crash, that $1 million acts as a global cap that must be split among all victims.
The 51% Fault Defense
Even if you establish the driver was in Phase 3, you must still navigate Florida’s 51% Modified Comparative Negligence rule. Uber and Lyft’s commercial insurers deploy rapid-response defense teams to the crash site to gather evidence that shifts blame onto you or other drivers. If they can successfully argue you were 51% or more at fault, your financial recovery will be completely barred.
Before providing a recorded statement to a rideshare insurance adjuster, use the independent data tools provided by Ranzo Tech LLC to estimate your baseline claim value.