Short answer
It depends on the driver’s app status. Texas requires at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property while the driver is logged in and waiting for a request (Insurance Code §1954.052), and $1 million in total coverage from the moment the driver accepts a ride until the last rider gets out — plus uninsured motorist and PIP coverage (§§1954.001, 1954.053). With the app off, the driver’s personal policy applies.
The three app periods
- App off: the driver is just a private driver, and their personal auto policy applies — Texas minimum $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 (Transportation Code §601.072).
- App on, waiting for a request: required coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for injuries and $25,000 for property damage, plus uninsured motorist and PIP coverage (Insurance Code §1954.052).
- Ride accepted through drop-off: Texas defines a “prearranged ride” as starting when the driver accepts a ride request and ending when the last requesting rider leaves the car (§1954.001). During that time, required coverage is $1 million total for death, injury, and property damage, plus uninsured motorist and PIP coverage (§1954.053).
If you were a passenger
Passengers are usually hurt during a prearranged ride, when the $1 million coverage applies. The PIP coverage required for rideshare periods also covers passengers in the vehicle and pays medical bills regardless of fault (§1952.151).
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If a rideshare driver hit you
Which policy pays depends on what the driver’s app was doing. Note what the driver tells you at the scene, and give it to your insurer — the rideshare company’s insurer can confirm the app status from its records.
Evidence to save
- A screenshot of the trip in your app — receipt, time, and route
- The driver’s name, plate, and which platform they drive for
- Photos of the vehicles and scene, and witness contacts
- The police crash report — see how to get it from your DFW agency
If you were the rideshare driver
Personal auto policies may exclude rideshare use unless you added a rideshare endorsement — check yours. The rideshare coverage Texas requires applies while you’re logged in and during accepted rides.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays if I’m hurt in an Uber or Lyft in Texas?
During an accepted ride, Texas requires $1 million in coverage plus uninsured motorist and PIP coverage (Insurance Code §1954.053). If another driver caused the crash, their insurance may also be responsible.
How much insurance does a rideshare driver need in Texas?
At least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property while logged in and waiting; $1 million total once a ride is accepted until the last rider leaves (§§1954.052, 1954.053).
What if the Uber driver wasn’t on a trip when they hit me?
If the app was on and the driver was waiting for a request, the $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 rideshare coverage applies. If the app was off, the driver’s personal policy applies.
Does PIP cover rideshare passengers in Texas?
Yes. Rideshare coverage must include PIP, and PIP covers passengers in the vehicle regardless of fault (§§1954.053, 1952.151).
Texas law and sources cited
- Tex. Ins. Code §1954.052 — rideshare driver logged in, waiting for a ride
- Tex. Ins. Code §1954.053 — rideshare driver on a trip ($1 million)
- Tex. Ins. Code §1952.151 — what PIP covers and who it covers
- Tex. Transp. Code §601.072 — minimum liability insurance (30/60/25)
General information, not legal advice. DFW Crash Data is not a law firm, and every situation is different — for advice about your own claim, talk to a licensed Texas attorney. Laws change; the sources above were checked on the date shown at the top of this page.