Scenario: I was in the TNC waiting lot at LAX, shuffling forward in the queue. Another driver cut across the lanes to snag a surge spot and scraped my bumper. We exchanged info, but the Airport Police refused to come out for a “private property minor accident.” Now his insurance is denying the claim because there’s no official report and he’s lying about what happened.
Key Takeaways
- Private Property Jurisdiction: Airports often consider TNC lots “private property” or restricted zones, meaning police won’t file reports for non-injury crashes.
- Strict TNC Rules: Airports have strict geofenced rules. If you weren’t in a designated spot, the other insurer might argue you were trespassing or negligent.
- Camera Coverage: Airports are the most surveilled places on earth. You can get footage, but it requires a subpoena.
- The “Double Period 1” Issue: Both drivers are likely in Period 1 (App On, No Passenger). This means both are relying on personal endorsements or fighting denials.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “He Said, She Said” in a No-Report Zone
Without a police report, insurance adjusters look for independent evidence. In a TNC lot, everyone is a rideshare driver, and witnesses are often reluctant to get involved.
Furthermore, airport bylaws often state that commercial activity is highly regulated. If you were “staging” in a non-designated area, insurance can assign you partial fault (comparative negligence) just for being there.
[IMAGE: Map of an airport TNC lot showing designated lanes vs. “wild west” staging areas]
The Investigation: Evidence Collection
Since police won’t help, I analyzed how to win this claim.
1. Airport Security Footage
- The Reality: Airport authorities will NOT give you footage voluntarily.
- The Fix: You must file a claim, and your adjuster must request it. Or, small claims court action can subpoena it.
2. The Waybill Timestamp
- The Reality: Proving you were “online” is crucial. If the other driver claims he wasn’t working (to use his personal insurance), his Waybill will prove he was in Period 1.
- My Analysis: Demand the adjuster request the other driver’s TNC logs.
3. Location Metadata
- The Reality: Photos of the damage are not enough. You need photos of the position of the cars to prove lane dominance.
Comparison Table: TNC Lot vs. Street Accident
| Feature | Public Street | Airport TNC Lot |
| Police Report? | Likely Yes | Rare (Private Prop) |
| Witnesses | Pedestrians | Other Drivers (Competitors) |
| Surveillance | Traffic Cams | High Security (Hard to access) |
| Insurance Status | Mixed | 100% Commercial/Rideshare |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Record Everything Immediately: Since police aren’t coming, your phone is the police. Walk around both cars videoing the position, the damage, and the other driver’s face/license.
- Look for Shuttles: Airport shuttles have constant dashcams. If a Hertz or Hotel shuttle passed by, note the bus number and time. Their footage is easier to get than the airport’s.
- Report to Airport Authority: Even if police don’t file a crash report, file an “Incident Report” with the Ground Transportation Unit at the airport. This creates a paper trail.
- Notify Your Carrier: Even if not at fault, open a “Report Only” claim so your adjuster can query the other driver’s insurance database (ISO) to catch them in a lie.
FAQ
Can I get deactivated for a crash in the airport lot?
Yes. Airports report incidents to TNCs. If you are found violating lot rules (like speeding or fighting), you can be banned from airport pickups permanently.
Whose insurance pays?
If both are in Period 1, the at-fault driver’s personal insurance (if they have the endorsement) or their TNC’s contingent liability pays. It is often a finger-pointing match.
Does “Knock for Knock” apply?
In some jurisdictions, commercial insurers have agreements to pay their own repairs to avoid litigation costs. This might speed up your repair but requires you to pay your deductible.