Rideshare apps have become part of everyday life for a lot of us. They get people home after dinner with friends, to the airport before sunrise and to work when the car is in the shop.
Most trips go smoothly. Still, a few simple habits can make every ride safer. Knowing what to do after a crash can also save you a lot of stress later.
Here’s a practical guide for before, during and after your next Uber or Lyft trip.
Before You Get In: Make Sure It’s Your Ride
The most important safety step happens on the curb. Busy pickup spots like airports, train stations and concert venues can have several cars waiting at once. Take a few seconds to match the car to your app before you open the door.
Each app gives you details to check. Uber shows the driver’s photo, the car’s make and model and the license plate, and it tells riders to check all three. Lyft shows the car’s make, model, year and color and says to cancel if the vehicle doesn’t match.
A few habits help at pickup:
For an added check, look into PIN features. Uber’s optional Verify Your Ride feature gives you a 4-digit PIN to tell your driver. The driver can’t start the trip in the app without it. Lyft offers PIN Verification in select markets.
It’s also worth it to set up trusted contacts now, before you need them. Uber’s Share My Trip lets you send your trip status to Trusted Contacts so they can follow along in real time. Lyft’s Location Sharing lets trusted contacts track your ride and location the same way. It’s a good idea for late nights out or an early airport run.
During the Ride: Buckle Up and Stay Aware
Buckling up is the simplest safety step there is, and it’s easy to skip in the back seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says to buckle up in all forms of road transportation, including rideshares. In 2024, nearly 60% of back seat passengers killed in crashes were unbuckled, based on known seat belt use, according to NHTSA.
Uber’s app even gives seat belt reminders at the start of a trip. Take the reminder seriously.
Once you’re moving, keep your own map open so you can follow the route. Both companies also watch for trouble on their end. Uber’s RideCheck uses sensors and GPS to spot a possible crash or an unusual off-course trip, then checks in with you. Lyft’s Smart Trip Check-In reaches out if it notices unusual activity, such as a long stop or a mid-ride cancellation.
Your phone number stays private, too. Both Uber and Lyft hide riders’ numbers when they call or text the driver through the app.
If something feels off, you have options:
During a true emergency, call 911. Uber’s Safety Toolkit has an Emergency Button for calling 911. The app shows your live location, vehicle details and license plate so you can read them to the dispatcher. In some US cities, Uber says this information goes to the dispatcher automatically, but it’s still smart to read it out. Lyft riders can also reach 911 right from the app.
After a Crash: How to Report an Uber or Lyft Accident
Nobody plans for a crash, but a calm checklist helps if one happens. Here’s what to do, in order:
On that last step, Uber says everyone involved in a crash should file a report with Uber. Its claims support team will then guide you through the claims process with the insurance provider in your state. Riders can start a report from Uber’s crash page or Help Center.
Uber riders can also call the Safety Incident Reporting Line. You’ll find it in the Ride Details screen under Activity in the app. Lyft says its safety team is available 24/7 by phone or chat.
One more thing: feeling okay at the scene doesn’t always mean you are okay. It’s worth getting checked by a doctor. Keep copies of any medical paperwork, receipts and your trip receipt from the app.
Understanding the Insurance Side
Rideshare insurance can get confusing fast. More than one policy can be involved after a crash. Which one applies depends on the state and on what the driver was doing in the app at the time. The driver may have been offline, waiting for a request or on an accepted trip.
Uber says the insurance it carries varies by state and has changed over time. It also notes that riders may have uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits through their own auto policy.
Because a single crash can touch the driver’s policy, the rideshare company’s coverage and your own, some riders look for legal guidance after an Uber accident to understand how the rules apply to them. Others start by calling their own insurance agent with questions. Either way, the photos and notes from the scene can help answer their questions.
A Quick Checklist for Your Next Ride
Before your next night out or airport run, go through this list:
Rideshares are a convenient way to get around, and most rides end exactly the way they should. A little preparation makes it more likely yours will, too.
This article was contributed by Munley Law, a personal injury firm based in Pennsylvania.
