Fact-Checked: Why Trust Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima Kentucky does not require Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance, but Kentucky requires that insurance companies offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage to all policyholders, including Lyft. Does Lyft pay for UM/UIM coverage for Lyft passengers while using Lyft in Kentucky? The answer is maybe.
Lyft purchases liability coverage to protect their drivers if they cause a collision. But, if the Lyft driver is not at fault, the Lyft passenger’s claim is against the at fault driver’s insurance. If the at fault driver has no liability insurance, then the Lyft passenger would need to find out if Lyft or the Lyft driver paid for UM/UIM coverage, while driving a passenger for hire.
When Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply to Lyft Passengers?
If the Lyft passenger is lucky enough to be riding in a Lyft, where Lyft or the Lyft driver paid for a UM/UIM, then the Lyft passenger will be able to make a claim for UM/UIM under the Lyft policy or the driver’s personal automobile policy. If you are involved in an auto collision while riding in a Lyft vehicle, make sure you have the Lyft driver’s full name, license plate number and telephone number before leaving the scene.
Kentucky requires the Lyft driver to maintain automobile liability insurance on all vehicles they operate while driving for Lyft with insurance limits equal to or greater than the minimum requirements for the state where you drive. In Kentucky, the Lyft driver must carry $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in liability coverage. This coverage only applies before the new trip is accepted, while on stand-by. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-110.
Understanding Lyft’s Liability Coverage in Kentucky
According to Lyft, a passenger is insured under Third-Party liability coverage which covers BODILY INJURIES or damages the driver causes to their riders, and people in other vehicles/pedestrians/property. The liability coverage limit in Kentucky is $1,000,000 per occurrence. The liability coverage does not start until the Uber driver accepts the trip, is on route to pick up rider, and on the trip. See https://www.lyft.com.
In Kentucky, if you decide to hire Lyft to give you a ride, in the event of a collision not caused by your Lyft driver, you may have UM/UIM coverage paid for by Lyft to protect you and your family. Your driver may have UM/UIM if they purchased it, or you may be able to use your own auto insurance. Bottom line, protect yourself and your family by having Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage on your auto insurance policy.