Does Uber Cover Accidents for Uber Eats Drivers? What Maryland Delivery Drivers Need to Know

Young couple unpacking Uber eats takeaway food and enjoying a relaxing day at home, sharing delicious meals and drinks on a cozy sofa

If you deliver for Uber Eats in Maryland, you’ve likely wondered what would happen if you were injured in an Uber-related accident. As an independent contractor, you don’t have the same protections as traditional employees, and that includes things like workers’ compensation or employer-provided insurance. So what coverage do you actually have? And if you’re not at fault, who pays?

At The Law Offices of Nicholas A. Parr, we help injured gig workers across Maryland understand their legal rights. Whether you deliver food in Baltimore, Annapolis, or anywhere in the state, this guide will walk you through Uber Eats’ accident policy, when it applies, and whether Uber can be held liable.

Does Uber Cover Accidents for Uber Eats Drivers?

Yes, but it’s limited. Uber does offer some insurance coverage for Uber Eats drivers, but it’s nowhere near the full protection you’d get as an employee. The type of insurance, and whether it applies at all, depends on what you were doing in the app at the time of the crash.

Uber Eats’ Coverage Tiers in Maryland:

1. App Off / Personal Use

If you’re not using the Uber app and are driving for personal reasons, Uber provides no coverage. Your personal auto insurance is the only coverage available. Keep in mind: most personal policies exclude coverage for delivery driving. This could leave you paying out of pocket if your insurer denies your claim.

2. App On, Waiting for Delivery Request

When you’re logged into the app and waiting to accept a delivery, Uber provides limited third-party liability coverage, which includes:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

However, this is contingent coverage, meaning it only applies if your personal auto insurance doesn’t cover the accident.

3. En Route to Pickup or Delivering an Order

If you’ve accepted a delivery request or are actively making a delivery, Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. This is the strongest coverage available and applies when:

  • You are transporting food or other goods through the Uber Eats platform
  • You are at fault for the crash

In some cases, Uber also offers:

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (only if you carry this on your personal policy; subject to a deductible)

What Is Uber’s Accident Policy for Delivery Drivers?

Uber’s policy for delivery drivers is built on the same structure as rideshare, but with fewer guarantees. As an independent contractor, you do not qualify for:

  • Workers’ compensation
  • Paid medical leave
  • Employer-provided health insurance

Instead, your compensation depends on your personal insurance, Uber’s tiered coverage, and in some cases, Uber’s optional Occupational Accident Insurance.

Occupational Accident Insurance for Uber Eats

In Maryland, Uber offers an optional occupational accident insurance program for Uber Eats drivers. It can cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Survivor benefits (in the event of death)

However, this coverage often comes with low limits and complex eligibility rules. Many drivers aren’t even aware they’re enrolled or they decline coverage to avoid fees.

Is Uber Liable for Accidents?

Usually, Uber is not directly liable. Uber classifies Uber Eats drivers as independent contractors, which limits its liability in most situations. If you cause an accident while delivering, Uber’s commercial insurance may cover damages, but Uber itself is rarely held legally responsible.

That said, there are rare cases where Uber could be liable, such as:

  • Negligent driver onboarding (e.g., failure to screen a dangerous driver)
  • App-related distractions that caused the accident
  • Failure to act on reports of unsafe conditions or misconduct

These cases are complex and require legal investigation.

What If I’m Not at Fault?

If another driver caused the crash, you may be able to file a third-party liability claim against their insurance. But be careful: Maryland follows contributory negligence rules, which means if you’re even 1% at fault, you could be barred from recovery.

That’s why it’s critical to:

  • Take photos and video at the scene
  • Save app screenshots showing you were on a delivery
  • Get witness contact information
  • Seek legal advice before giving a recorded statement to any insurer

Why This Matters for Uber Eats Drivers in Maryland

Here’s why knowing this policy matters:

  • Your personal insurer may deny your claim if they learn you were delivering food
  • Uber’s policy might not cover medical bills or lost income if you weren’t in an active delivery phase
  • If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be stuck unless your policy has UM/UIM coverage
  • Delays in reporting or missing deadlines could cost you coverage entirely

Protect Your Rights After an Uber Eats Accident

If you’re injured while delivering for Uber Eats, you may feel overwhelmed, especially when insurance companies start pointing fingers. Don’t try to figure it out alone.

At The Law Offices of Nicholas A. Parr, we understand the unique challenges Uber Eats drivers face in Maryland. We’ll help you:

  • Investigate fault and gather evidence
  • Navigate Uber’s insurance and your personal policy
  • Identify all sources of compensation
  • Maximize your recovery, whether through settlement or legal action

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If you’ve been hurt on the job while delivering, contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and you don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today.

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Call today for a free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.

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