Ordering an Uber or Lyft after a night out on the Strip is second nature now. But when one of those rides ends in a crash, the claim that follows is more complicated than an ordinary car accident — because the insurance coverage depends on a detail most passengers never think about: what the driver’s app was doing at the exact moment of the collision.
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash in Las Vegas — as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian — here’s how Nevada law actually sorts it out.
Rideshare companies play by different rules
In Nevada, Uber and Lyft are legally classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) under NRS Chapter 706A. Their drivers are independent contractors using personal vehicles, not employees — and that distinction drives a lot of how liability works. Nevada is an at-fault state, so the party who caused the crash is responsible for the damages; the question is which insurance policy covers it.
The coverage depends on the “period”
Rideshare insurance in Nevada breaks down into phases based on the driver’s app status:
- Period 0 — app off. The driver is off the clock, and only their personal auto policy applies (Nevada’s 25/50/20 minimums).
- Period 1 — app on, waiting for a request. The TNC must provide contingent liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage.
- Periods 2 and 3 — ride accepted, en route to pickup, or passenger in the car. This is the high-coverage zone. The TNC must carry commercial liability coverage of at least $1 million per incident for injury, death, and property damage.
That $1 million figure is important — and current. Under Assembly Bill 523, effective October 1, 2025, Nevada reduced the requirement from the previous $1.5 million to $1 million, and also limited the rideshare companies’ vicarious liability for their drivers’ conduct. If you’re reading older articles that cite $1.5 million, they’re out of date.
The coverage gap that catches people off guard
Here’s a trap. Most personal auto policies contain exclusions for rideshare use, meaning a driver’s own insurance often won’t cover a crash that happens while they’re working. And in Period 1, the coverage is thinner than many assume — if the driver’s personal insurer denies the claim, there can be real exposure.
There’s a second gap worth knowing: Nevada does not currently require TNCs to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. So if you’re hurt in a rideshare crash caused by a different driver who’s uninsured, you may have to fall back on your own UM/UIM policy. Given that roughly one in eight Nevada drivers is uninsured, this gap matters — and it’s a big reason to understand every available source of coverage before settling. Our guide to uninsured and underinsured motorist claims covers that.
Who can be held responsible
Depending on the facts, a rideshare crash claim might involve:
- The rideshare driver, if their negligence caused the crash
- Another driver, if a third party was at fault
- The TNC’s insurance, during Periods 2 and 3
Sorting out which policies apply — and stacking every available source of coverage — is where these cases get won or lost.
Comparative fault and the deadline
As with any Nevada injury claim, expect the insurers to argue you were partly at fault. Under NRS 41.141, that reduces your recovery by your percentage of blame, and bars it entirely past 50%. And you generally have two years from the crash to file under NRS 11.190. Our statute of limitations guide has the details.
What to do after a rideshare crash
- Get medical attention, and call the police for a report.
- Screenshot your ride in the app — the trip details, driver info, and timestamps — before anything disappears.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Get names and numbers of witnesses.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurer before talking to a lawyer.
How Marathon Law Group helps
Rideshare claims reward knowing exactly how the periods, policies, and the new AB 523 rules interact — and how to find every dollar of available coverage. We handle rideshare accident cases throughout Las Vegas and Clark County on contingency, so there’s no fee unless we recover for you.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash, contact us for a free consultation.
Call (702) 522-1808. Se habla español.
Frequently asked questions
How much insurance do Uber and Lyft carry in Nevada? During Periods 2 and 3 (ride accepted or passenger aboard), at least $1 million per incident as of October 1, 2025 under AB 523. Period 1 has lower contingent limits ($50k/$100k/$25k).
What if the rideshare driver’s app was off? Then only their personal auto policy applies — and those policies often exclude rideshare use, so coverage questions can arise.
Does rideshare insurance cover me if an uninsured driver caused the crash? Not necessarily — Nevada doesn’t require TNCs to carry UM/UIM, so you may need to rely on your own UM/UIM coverage.
This article is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Every case turns on its facts — talk to an attorney about yours.