Yes, Lyft does provide insurance coverage for damage to your car, but it's not automatic and depends heavily on the specific situation. The key is your app mode at the time of the incident. Coverage is tied to your personal insurance policy first, with Lyft's policy acting as a contingent layer.
Here’s a breakdown of how Lyft’s insurance works:
| App Mode | Who Provides Primary Coverage? | What's Typically Covered? |
|---|
| App Offline / Personal Use | Your personal auto insurance policy | Your own policy's terms apply. Lyft provides no coverage. |
| App On, Waiting for a Ride Request | Your personal insurance is primary, but Lyft provides contingent coverage. | Lyft's contingent liability coverage applies if your personal policy doesn't cover the incident. There is no coverage for damage to your car in this mode. |
| App On, En Route to Pickup or On a Trip | Lyft's commercial policy is primary. | This is when Lyft's policy fully activates. It includes liability, and crucially, comprehensive and collision coverage for damage to your vehicle, subject to a deductible. |
The most critical factor is the deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before Lyft's coverage kicks in for your car's repairs. This deductible can be $2,500. This is significantly higher than most personal insurance deductibles, which are often around $500. You must report the incident to Lyft through the app immediately. They will investigate, and if approved, you would pay the $2,500 deductible for repairs. Because of this high cost, ensuring you have the right personal policy or additional rideshare endorsement is essential for financial protection.
