Scenario: I pulled up to a middle school, and a kid jumped in. He looked 16, but was actually 13. I didn’t want to cause a scene, so I started the ride. Halfway there, I had to brake hard, and he hit his head. Now his parents are suing, and Uber is denying the claim because transporting unaccompanied minors violates the Terms of Service.
Key Takeaways
- The TOS Violation: Uber and Lyft strictly ban unaccompanied minors (under 18). If you transport them, you are violating the contract.
- Coverage Denial: Insurance covers accidents during authorized rides. A ride that violates TOS may give the insurer grounds to deny coverage for “breach of contract.”
- Uber Teen Accounts: In 2026, Uber has specific “Teen Accounts” with parental consent. You must verify the ride is a valid “Teen” request in the app.
- The “cancel” button is your friend: Never accept the risk. Collect the cancellation fee and move on.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Unauthorized Use” Clause
Insurance policies for TNCs cover you while you are operating within the scope of the platform’s rules. Transporting a minor without a guardian (unless on a specific Teen account) is outside that scope.
While the insurer might pay the liability to the child (to protect the company), they could refuse to defend you personally or cancel your access to the platform immediately.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of the “Uber Teen” ride request vs. a standard ride request]
The Investigation: Handling the Situation
I tested the protocol for refusing minors to see how it affects driver ratings and insurance standing.
1. The “Teen Account” Feature
- How it works: Parents link their credit card. The driver sees a “Teen” tag.
- Insurance Status: Fully Covered. These are authorized rides with specific safety tracking features (audio recording, live trip tracking).
2. The “My Mom Called the Uber” Scenario
- How it works: A standard ride request, but a kid gets in.
- Insurance Status: High Risk. If you crash, the TNC can argue you were negligent for not verifying age.
- My Analysis: Do not do it. The $10 fare is not worth a million-dollar lawsuit.
Comparison Table: Minor Scenarios
| Ride Type | Passenger | Authorized? | Insurance Status |
| Standard UberX | Adult (18+) | Yes | Covered |
| Standard UberX | Child (12) Alone | NO | Risk of Denial |
| Uber Teen | Teen (13-17) | Yes | Covered |
| Car Seat Mode | Child + Guardian | Yes | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Verify Before Unlock: Keep doors locked. Roll down the window. Ask, “How old are you?” if they look young.
- Check for “Teen” Tag: Look at the app. Does it say “Uber Teen”? If not, and they are under 18, refuse the ride.
- Select Correct Cancel Reason: Cancel the ride and select “Unaccompanied Minor.” In 2026, this does not hurt your cancellation rate and often pays a fee.
- Dashcam Audio: Read the refusal out loud for the camera. “I am refusing this ride because the passenger is a minor without a guardian.” This protects you from “discrimination” complaints.
FAQ
What if they say they are 18 but have no ID?
Trust your gut. If they look 12, don’t drive them. It is your car and your liability.
Does my personal umbrella policy cover this?
No. Umbrella policies almost always exclude business activities.
Are car seats required?
If the minor is small enough to need one, and the guardian doesn’t have one, REFUSE. In many states, the driver gets the ticket, not the parent.