Whether you want to get into the rideshare business as a side gig or a full-time job in the state, it’s important to recognize that there are several vehicle and driver requirements in Missouri for Uber and Lyft. These rules and regulations, detailed below, are designed to protect drivers, passengers, and others on the road when car accidents involving rideshare vehicles occur.
Driver Requirements
Before legally operating as a provider of prearranged rides with a transportation network company (TNC) like Lyft or Uber, you must meet requirements set by both the TNC in question and the state of Missouri.
Requirements of Lyft drivers state that you must be at least 25 years old and provide a valid Missouri driver’s license (or temporary out-of-state license), a valid driver’s photo, and proof of vehicle registration and insurance. You must also pass a driver screening (a review of your driving history and a criminal background check), and have a phone that can run the Lyft app.
Uber has similar requirements, but you must also have one year of experience as a licensed driver.
Vehicle Requirements
In addition to meeting operator requirements, you must adhere to Lyft and Uber driver car requirements.
Both TNCs require that you use an eligible four-door vehicle, though Lyft, in particular, specifies that it be from a production year no older than 2009 and with seating for five to eight people, including the driver. Salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt, or equivalent titles are not permitted. Uber’s vehicle requirements also include a passing vehicle inspection form.
When Can Insurance Be Denied After a Rideshare Accident?
Under Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) §379.1708, insurance companies are allowed to limit or exclude coverage provided by a personal vehicle policy if the vehicle’s owner/driver is participating in rideshare driving and providing prearranged rides for compensation.
More specifically, it may deny coverage if the driver is logged into the digital network (app) of a TNC at the time of a Lyft or Uber accident.
According to the statute, that could apply to coverage under the following policies:
- Liability (bodily injury and property damage)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
- Comprehensive physical damage
- Collision physical damage
This means drivers and passengers may face coverage gaps if the rideshare driver’s personal policy does not account for commercial or TNC (Transportation Network Company) use.
Missouri’s Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers
As for what that means for drivers or passengers injured in accidents, RSMo 379.1702 addresses insurance requirements for Uber drivers and Lyft drivers in accidents.
Either the owner/driver of the rideshare vehicle or the TNC (on the driver’s behalf) is required to maintain and provide proof of auto insurance that does the following:
- Recognizes that the driver works for a TNC and offers prearranged rides for compensation
- Provides coverage while the driver is logged into the TNC digital network
- Covers liability no less than $50,000 per person for bodily injury and death; $150,000 per incident; and $25,000 for property damage (while the driver is logged on to the TNC’s digital network but not engaged in a prearranged ride)
- Covers liability no less than $1 million for bodily injury, death, and property damage (while the driver is engaged in a prearranged ride)
- Includes uninsured motorist coverage meeting or exceeding minimum state requirements
If a driver’s insurance has lapsed or is inadequate at the time of an accident during a prearranged ride, the TNC is required to provide coverage for claims related to Uber or Lyft accidents.
Contact the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers for Help Today
Even if drivers meet Lyft and Uber car qualifications, they and their passengers may face an uphill battle when seeking compensation for accident injuries. An experienced St. Louis rideshare accident attorney at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers can help you understand your options and prepare strong legal strategies to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
