The Wilhite Law Firm has issued guidance for Colorado rideshare drivers, advising them to inform their auto insurers about business use, review policy exclusions, understand the period-based coverage offered by Uber and Lyft, and add rideshare endorsements to avoid costly gaps in coverage.
According to The Wilhite Law Firm’s press release, insurance provided by platforms like Uber and Lyft applies only during specific phases of a trip. This can result in coverage gaps, particularly when the app is on but no ride has been accepted. The firm warns that failing to notify a personal auto insurer about business use could lead to denied claims following an accident. It recommends obtaining and reviewing the full policy details, confirming any exclusions, and adding a rideshare endorsement to ensure coverage aligns with actual usage.
Colorado’s legislative guidance sets state minimum liability limits at $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. Insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage equal to liability limits unless the customer opts out in writing. The Wilhite Law Firm highlights these baselines as potentially inadequate for high-mileage rideshare drivers who face increased exposure.
Uber’s insurance summary outlines that during “Period One” (when the app is on but no trip is accepted), third-party liability typically covers $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Once a trip is accepted (from pickup to drop-off), at least $1 million in liability applies along with UM/UIM and contingent physical damage subject to deductibles. Lyft’s insurance page indicates similar provisions—Period One contingent liability at identical limits and $1 million liability once a ride is accepted—with state-specific UM/UIM and contingent collision/comprehensive coverage. The Wilhite Law Firm uses these details to emphasize the importance of maintaining strong personal UM/UIM coverage and considering rideshare endorsements to cover potential gaps.
The Wilhite Law Firm’s official website describes it as a personal injury practice serving Colorado through offices in Denver, Greeley, and Colorado Springs since 1977. The firm represents clients involved in motor-vehicle collisions, premises liability cases, and other negligence claims. It offers free consultations, evaluates layered coverages including Transportation Network Company (TNC) periods, and seeks compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Additionally, it focuses on educating clients about insurance structures such as UM/UIM and rideshare endorsements to help prevent coverage gaps.
