Rideshare Periods 0–3: Who Pays Your Claim (And How to Prove It)
Why rideshare “periods” decide who pays your claim
Every rideshare crash starts with a simple but crucial question: what was happening in the app at the exact moment of loss? Transportation network companies (TNCs) divide a driver’s activity into four time bands—Period 0 through Period 3. Each period triggers a different insurance stack: your personal auto policy, any rideshare endorsement you bought, and the TNC-provided policy. Claim success usually comes down to proving the correct period and matching it to the right coverage (liability vs. physical damage, UM/UIM, PIP/MedPay, rental, and more).
This guide explains each period, typical coverages, how to file, and the most common traps that delay or shrink payouts. Exact limits and terms vary by state and company, so treat the charts as structure, then verify the numbers in your policy/app help center.
The four periods—at a glance
- Period 0 — App off. You are a private driver, not available for rides.
- Period 1 — App on, waiting for a request. You are available but have not accepted a trip.
- Period 2 — Trip accepted; en route to pick up the rider.
- Period 3 — Passenger in the vehicle (from pickup to drop-off). Ends the instant the ride ends in the app.
Visual timeline
Which policy pays by period
Below is the typical framework many TNCs and states follow. Amounts and options vary, but the primary/secondary structure is widely used.
| Coverage type | Period 0 (app off) | Period 1 (app on, no ride) | Periods 2–3 (accepted / on trip) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability to others | Personal auto policy is primary; standard limits apply. | TNC policy often provides contingent or limited primary liability above state minimums; your rideshare endorsement (if any) can raise/bridge this. | TNC policy is typically primary commercial liability at higher limits (commonly a high combined single limit in many jurisdictions). |
| Collision/Comprehensive (your car) | Personal policy if you bought these options. | Usually excluded by a personal policy’s “livery” clause unless you purchased a rideshare endorsement that covers Period 1. | TNC contingent physical damage often available if you carry these coverages on your personal policy; deductibles and terms vary. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | From your personal policy if purchased. | May be limited or contingent via TNC; rideshare endorsement may help. | Often provided by the TNC for the driver and passengers (state-dependent). |
| PIP / MedPay | From your policy if your state offers/requires it. | Varies; endorsement can clarify. | Frequently available under the TNC policy where required by law. |
| Rental / Loss of use | As purchased on your policy. | Usually only by endorsement. | Sometimes provided by TNC physical damage coverage; check terms. |
Practical rule: Personal policy dominates in Period 0; Period 1 is the “gap” (endorsements shine here); the TNC policy takes the lead for Periods 2–3.
Liability vs. physical damage—two different claims
Drivers often mix up liability (pays others for injuries/property you cause) with physical damage (pays to repair/total your vehicle). A rideshare crash may involve:
- Your liability to other road users or property owners.
- Your car’s damage (collision/comprehensive).
- Your injuries (PIP/MedPay in some states, or UM/UIM if the at-fault party is uninsured/underinsured).
- Passenger injuries (typically under the TNC policy in Periods 2–3).
Because different coverages can be triggered at once, open separate claim numbers as needed (e.g., a liability claim for a third party and a physical damage claim for your own car). Keep a log of times and contacts for each carrier.
Period-by-period claim playbook
Period 0 — App OFF
Who pays: Your personal auto insurer handles both liability and your own vehicle damage according to your policy’s limits and options. The TNC has no role. If another driver is at fault, you may proceed against that driver’s carrier and, if needed, your own UM/UIM.
Common trap: If you toggle the app on within minutes of the collision, the other carrier may argue you were in Period 1. Protect yourself by preserving phone logs and a short screen recording showing the app off at the time.
Period 1 — App ON, waiting for a ping
Who pays: This is the gap most personal policies exclude under “livery” language. Many TNCs provide limited or contingent liability here. For your own car, coverage usually requires a rideshare endorsement on your personal policy; otherwise collision/comprehensive claims are often denied. UM/UIM and PIP/MedPay vary by state and endorsement.
Documentation tip: Screenshot the active-driver screen and trip logs showing “searching for ride” with timestamps. If stopped or parked, note whether you were staged in a permitted area; some cities impose staging rules that can affect fault/coverage evidence.
Period 2 — Trip accepted, en route to pickup
Who pays: The TNC’s commercial liability is typically primary. Contingent physical damage for your car often becomes available if you carry collision/comprehensive on your personal policy; deductibles apply. Passenger UM/UIM may also attach in states where required. Your personal policy generally steps back for liability but may still be relevant for UM/UIM or optional benefits.
Evidence: Keep the trip acceptance screen, route to pickup, and timestamped navigation screenshots. If a pedestrian or cyclist is involved, immediately request 911 dispatch logs and identify witnesses; liability disputes are common during the pickup approach.
Period 3 — With the passenger
Who pays: The TNC policy is typically primary liability for injuries to others and passengers. Contingent collision/comprehensive for your car remains similar to Period 2. PIP/MedPay or medical benefits may be available from the TNC in no-fault states. Your personal policy can still matter for UM/UIM and optional coverages if permitted by state law.
Proof of status: Save the in-trip screen and trip receipt showing pickup and drop-off times. A crash seconds after tapping “complete trip” may be disputed; your final screenshots and the rider’s receipt time can decide Period 2 vs. 3 vs. back to 1.
What a rideshare endorsement actually does
A rideshare endorsement is an add-on to your personal policy that neutralizes the livery exclusion during some or all of the app-on time. Endorsements differ, but they commonly:
- Restore liability coverage to personal policy limits for Period 1 (sometimes excess over the TNC’s limited liability).
- Extend your collision/comprehensive to Period 1 (and occasionally Periods 2–3 as secondary), so your car is covered even before you accept a ride.
- Clarify how UM/UIM, PIP/MedPay, rental, and roadside apply while the app is on.
Why it matters: Without an endorsement, a not-at-fault crash in Period 1 can leave you waiting on the other driver’s insurer for repairs—no fast first-party path. With the endorsement, you can repair through your own carrier and let insurers sort reimbursement via subrogation.
Filing the claim—step by step
- Safety first: Move to a safe location, call 911 if anyone’s hurt, and take wide-angle photos, close-ups of impact points, street signs, traffic signals, skid marks, and vehicle positions.
- Lock the period: Immediately screenshot your app status (off, waiting, en route, in trip), plus phone time. Save the trip ID and rider’s name if applicable.
- Report in the app (Periods 1–3) or to your personal insurer (Period 0). If the facts are uncertain (between 1 and 2), open claims with both the TNC and your carrier; let coverage teams apportion responsibility.
- Document injuries and medical visits for anyone in your vehicle. Ask the adjuster which med benefits (PIP/MedPay, UM/UIM) apply and under which policy.
- Repair channel: If your own car is damaged, decide whether to use the TNC’s network shop or your preferred OEM-certified shop. Keep pre- and post-scan reports and measurement blueprints for structural work.
- Rental & downtime: Confirm eligibility (some TNC policies include limited rental during Periods 2–3 physical damage claims). If not, a rideshare endorsement or your personal policy’s rental option may help.
- Follow the money: If you have a loan/lease, the insurer will pay the lienholder first. If you’re upside-down, a separate GAP waiver/policy can fill the remainder.
Eight costly myths that derail rideshare claims
- “The TNC always pays no matter what.” Not in Period 0 and not for uncovered categories.
- “Once I accept a ride, my personal policy is irrelevant.” You may still rely on UM/UIM or optional benefits from your policy depending on state law.
- “Physical damage is covered just because I’m on a trip.” Often contingent and only if you carry collision/comprehensive personally—and usually with a significant deductible.
- “Screenshots aren’t necessary.” They are the fastest way to prove the period.
- “A minor tap during waiting mode is automatically the other driver’s fault.” Fault is fact-specific; gather evidence (dashcam helps). Don’t assume.
- “UM/UIM from the TNC always covers me.” It depends on the state and the policy form; confirm in writing.
- “I can toggle the app after the crash to improve coverage.” Device forensics and trip server logs will show the real timeline; changing status can damage credibility.
- “Rental is guaranteed.” Only if your applicable policy includes it.
Special situations
Hit-and-run or uninsured at-fault driver
During Periods 2–3, the TNC’s UM/UIM may protect you and passengers where required by law. In Period 1, you may need UM/UIM from your own policy or endorsement. Call police immediately and keep the incident number; UM claims often require prompt reporting.
Parking lot collisions while staged
Still Period 1 if the app is on and no trip is accepted. Your physical damage depends on your endorsement; otherwise you may be stuck pursuing the third party’s insurer for repairs.
Total loss
In Periods 2–3, TNC contingent physical damage (if eligible) determines the settlement. Personal policy deductibles and TNC deductibles are not always the same; ask the adjuster to itemize ACV, deductible, taxes/fees, and salvage in writing.
Injured passenger
During an active trip (Period 3), passengers typically claim under the TNC liability/medical coverages. Provide the passenger the claim number and carrier contact; cooperate fully, but do not discuss fault beyond the facts—let the adjusters handle liability evaluations.
Compliance and record-keeping checklist
- Keep declarations pages for your personal policy and rideshare endorsement in your glovebox or digital wallet.
- Enable a dashcam (front/interior where lawful). Videos often decide liability quickly.
- Set your app to save trip receipts automatically to email or cloud storage.
- After any incident, export a device activity log (screen recordings or phone screenshots) showing app state and time.
- Know your state’s PIP/MedPay and UM/UIM rules so you can route medical bills correctly from day one.
What varies by state—and why it matters
Rideshare coverage is shaped by state statutes and insurance regulators. Many states impose minimum TNC liability amounts for Periods 1 and 2–3, define when UM/UIM is required, and regulate how personal policies may exclude livery use. Some cities add staging and pick-up rules at airports and event venues that affect fault and claim handling. Always verify: (1) TNC legal minimums in your state; (2) whether your personal policy’s livery exclusion is softened by an endorsement; and (3) whether PIP/MedPay is primary, secondary, or not applicable to rideshare use.
Disputes and escalation
If carriers disagree about the period or coverage, you can:
- Request a written position letter from each carrier identifying the period and coverage clause they rely on.
- Provide server-time screenshots, trip receipts, and phone logs to lock the timeline.
- Invoke any available appraisal/arbitration procedures for value disputes under the applicable policy.
- Escalate to your state’s Department of Insurance for claim-handling issues (delays, unclear denials).
- For injury or high-value property losses, consult counsel; many attorneys provide free consultations for coverage disputes.
Conclusion
One-sentence rule: Pin down the period with screenshots, match each loss type to the policy that’s primary in that period, and use a rideshare endorsement to close the Period-1 gap.
If you drive regularly, review your declarations page with your agent and, if needed, add an endorsement that extends liability and physical damage to the app-on time. In a crash, report promptly through the correct channel, preserve your app state, and organize your claim by coverage (liability, physical damage, UM/UIM, medical). Those habits resolve most rideshare claims faster—and for more.
Quick Guide — Rideshare Periods (0–3) & Which Policy Pays
Snapshot of the four periods
- Period 0 — App OFF: You’re a private driver. Primary: your personal auto policy (liability + any collision/comprehensive, PIP/MedPay, UM/UIM you purchased). The TNC is not involved.
- Period 1 — App ON, waiting: The gray zone. Personal policies often exclude “livery.” Primary: limited/contingent TNC liability; your car is covered only if you bought a rideshare endorsement.
- Period 2 — Trip accepted, en route: Primary: TNC commercial liability. Your car: contingent physical damage (usually requires you carry collision/comprehensive; deductible applies). UM/UIM often available depending on state.
- Period 3 — Passenger onboard: Same as Period 2 until you tap “complete trip.” TNC policy is typically primary for passenger/third-party injuries; contingent PD for your vehicle if eligible.
First 10 minutes after a crash
- Ensure safety and call 911 if needed; photograph vehicles, plates, signals, and the whole scene.
- Lock the period: take immediate screenshots of the app status and system time (home screen + rideshare screen). Save trip ID and rider name if applicable.
- Report through the correct channel: Period 0 → your insurer; Periods 1–3 → in-app + (if uncertain) your insurer as well.
- Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance info for everyone involved; ask nearby businesses for CCTV retention timelines.
- If your car needs towing, confirm which policy’s towing/rental benefits apply before moving it.
Routing matrix (what goes where)
- Liability (injury/property you cause): Period 0 → personal policy; Period 1 → TNC limited liability; Periods 2–3 → TNC primary commercial liability.
- Your vehicle (collision/comprehensive): Period 0 → personal; Period 1 → rideshare endorsement (or pursue third party); Periods 2–3 → TNC contingent PD if you carry these coverages personally.
- Medical (you/passengers): Check state rules. PIP/MedPay may come from personal or TNC depending on period; UM/UIM often from TNC in Periods 2–3, from your policy in Period 1.
Evidence that moves adjusters
- Trip acceptance/completion screens, route to pickup, and receipts with timestamps.
- Dashcam video (front + interior where lawful), 911 CAD/incident number, witness contacts.
- Device logs or a short screen recording showing app state at the moment of impact.
Top pitfalls to avoid
- Toggling the app after the crash—server logs expose it and damage credibility.
- Assuming TNC coverage will fix your car automatically—contingent PD usually requires you to carry collision/comprehensive and has a higher deductible.
- Waiting on the at-fault carrier during Period 1 without a rideshare endorsement—this delays repairs and rentals.
One-sentence playbook: Prove the period with screenshots, file with the policy that’s primary for that period, and use a rideshare endorsement to close the Period-1 gap while letting insurers sort reimbursement.
FAQ — Rideshare Periods & Coverage
1) How do I prove which rideshare period I was in at the time of the crash?
Take immediate screenshots of your app status (OFF / searching / en route / in-trip) with the phone’s clock visible, save the trip ID and receipt, and export a short screen recording if possible. Ask the TNC for server logs. Those items usually decide Period 0, 1, 2, or 3.
2) App ON, waiting (Period 1) and another driver hit me—whose insurance pays?
The at-fault driver’s liability carrier is primary. For your own car, many personal policies exclude “livery,” so you’ll need a rideshare endorsement to use your collision/comprehensive. Without it, you typically must proceed against the other driver or rely on UM/UIM if available.
3) I accepted a trip (Period 2) or had a passenger (Period 3). Will the TNC fix my car automatically?
Usually not “automatically.” TNC physical damage coverage is often contingent—it applies only if you also carry collision/comprehensive on your personal policy and it comes with a separate deductible. Confirm eligibility and deductible in writing.
4) Are my passengers covered if they’re injured during the ride?
During Period 3, the TNC’s commercial liability (and, in many states, UM/UIM or medical benefits) typically covers passengers. They can file directly with the TNC’s insurer using the trip number; you should still report the crash in-app.
5) Can I run my repairs through my own insurer for speed even when the TNC is primary?
Often yes. You can open a first-party claim with your insurer, pay your deductible, and let carriers sort reimbursement via subrogation. Ask your adjuster how rental and deductible reimbursement will work.
6) Two insurers are arguing about the period. What should I do?
Request written position letters from both, provide your screenshots, trip receipts, and phone logs, and ask the TNC for server timestamps. If the dispute persists, escalate to supervisors or your state Department of Insurance; for injuries or high values, consider legal counsel.
7) What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or it’s a hit-and-run?
In Periods 2–3, TNC UM/UIM often protects you and your passengers where required by law. In Period 1, you may rely on UM/UIM from your own policy/endorsement. Call police promptly—UM claims usually require timely reporting.
8) Do I get a rental car while my vehicle is down?
Only if the applicable policy includes rental or transportation expense. Some TNC physical damage programs offer limited rental in Periods 2–3; your rideshare endorsement or personal policy may provide rental in Period 1. Confirm daily limits and caps before booking.
9) How are my medical bills handled as the driver?
Depends on your state. In no-fault/PIP states, PIP may be primary (from your policy or the TNC depending on the period). Elsewhere, MedPay (if purchased), the at-fault driver’s liability, or UM/UIM may apply. Ask which policy is primary and where to send bills.
10) Will toggling the app after a crash help my coverage?
No. Device forensics and TNC server logs reveal the true timeline. Changing status after the fact damages credibility and can jeopardize coverage. Preserve the real status with screenshots immediately instead.
Technical Basis (legal sources)
- Personal Auto Policy Forms — ISO Personal Auto Policy PP 00 01 (typical “livery/for-hire” exclusion; collision/comprehensive terms; UM/UIM; MedPay; PIP coordination; appraisal and suit-limitation clauses). Your exact declarations and any rideshare endorsements control.
- State Transportation Network Company (TNC) insurance statutes — establish which policy is primary/secondary during Periods 1–3 and required minimum limits. Representative statutes (verify your own state):
- California Insurance Code §§ 5430–5445 (AB 2293): TNC insurance framework and period definitions.
- Florida Statutes § 627.748: TNC insurance, coverages for app-on/app-off, UM/UIM provisions.
- Texas Insurance Code ch. 1954 (Transportation Network Company Insurance): required coverages by period; interaction with personal policies.
- New York Vehicle & Traffic Law art. 44-B and Insurance Law (no-fault/UM rules cross-referenced): TNC operations and insurance responsibilities.
- Illinois 625 ILCS 57 (Transportation Network Provider Act): period-based minimums and policy primacy.
- Washington RCW 48.177 (Transportation network company insurance): coverage by app status and UM/UIM requirements.
- Colorado CRS § 40-10.1-601 et seq.: TNC insurance duties, period triggers, disclosures.
- No-Fault / PIP statutes (medical benefits coordination) — determine whether PIP is primary and from which policy during rideshare use:
- Florida Stat. § 627.736 (PIP);
- New York Insurance Law §§ 5101–5109 (No-Fault);
- New Jersey Stat. Ann. § 39:6A-1 et seq.;
- Michigan MCL § 500.3101 et seq. (PIP choice tiers).
- UM/UIM frameworks (state examples) — govern uninsured/underinsured protection for drivers and passengers:
- California Insurance Code § 11580.2 (UM/UIM);
- Texas Insurance Code §§ 1952.101–1952.110 (UM/UIM);
- Washington RCW 48.22.030 (UM/UIM).
- Department of Insurance (DOI) bulletins & regulations — many states publish guidance on TNC coverage priority, evidence of “period” status, and claim-handling timelines (e.g., unfair claims settlement practices acts/model regs adopted by states).
- TNC insurance certificates & policy summaries — Uber/Lyft publish current certificates showing period-based limits, deductibles for contingent physical damage, and UM/UIM availability (check the company’s help center for your state and the effective dates).
Legal notice: This material is for general information only and does not substitute a lawyer. Coverage, limits, and period definitions are controlled by your policy forms, endorsements, the TNC’s policy, and your state’s statutes and regulations, all of which change over time. For injuries or high-value losses—or if carriers dispute the “period” or responsibility—consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.