Scenario: I accepted a ride request and was driving toward the pickup (Period 2). A pickup truck ran a stop sign, smashed my fender, and sped off. I thought I was covered by Uber’s Uninsured Motorist (UIM) policy, but when I filed the claim, I was hit with a specific deductible for property damage that I didn’t know existed, and they demanded “independent witnesses” to prove it wasn’t my fault.
Key Takeaways
- Period 2 Vulnerability: In Period 2 (En Route), you are covered by the TNC, but “Phantom Vehicle” laws vary by state. Some states require “physical contact” or a witness to prove a hit-and-run wasn’t just you hitting a wall.
- UMPD Deductibles: Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) often carries a deductible (e.g.,
250),distinctfromtheCollisiondeductible(250),distinctfromtheCollisiondeductible(2,500). - The “Police Report” Requirement: You generally cannot claim UIM for a hit-and-run without filing a police report within 24 hours.
- Your Rates Might Rise: Even though it wasn’t your fault, filing a UMPD claim through the TNC can still flag your internal risk profile.
The “Why” (The Trap): Proving the “Phantom”
Insurance fraud is rampant in 2026. Drivers crash into poles and claim “a truck ran me off the road” to avoid an at-fault hike.
To counter this, Uber/Lyft’s insurers are strict. If there is no paint transfer, no video, and no witness, they might deny the UIM claim and process it as a standard “Collision” claim—which triggers the massive $2,500 deductible instead of the lower UMPD deductible.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing the difference in deductibles between “Verified Hit & Run” (
2,500)]
The Investigation: How to Verify the Hit
I analyzed how different evidence types affect the claim outcome.
1. Dashcam Evidence
- Outcome: Immediate acceptance. If the camera captures the other car fleeing, it is a confirmed UIM claim.
- Financial Impact: You pay the lower UMPD deductible (e.g., $250).
2. Paint Transfer Analysis
- Outcome: If the adjuster sees red paint on your white car, they accept it as a hit-and-run.
- My Analysis: Do not wash the car or buff the scratch before the adjuster sees it!
3. No Evidence (Word of Mouth)
- Outcome: Usually processed as At-Fault Collision.
- Financial Impact: You pay the $2,500 deductible.
Comparison Table: Claim Classification
| Scenario | Coverage Applied | Deductible |
| Hit & Run (Caught on Cam) | UMPD (Uninsured Motorist) | Low ($0 – $250) |
| Hit & Run (No Proof) | Collision | High ($2,500) |
| Found the Driver (Insured) | Their Liability | $0 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call Police Immediately: Even if they won’t come to the scene, go to the station and file a “Counter Report.” Get the report number. This is non-negotiable for UIM claims.
- Check for Cameras: Look at nearby businesses. If a Ring doorbell saw the truck, that is your proof.
- Photos of Transfer: Zoom in on the damage. Photograph any foreign paint or rubber marks that prove another vehicle was involved.
- File Under UMPD, Not Collision: When opening the claim in the app, be specific: “I am filing a Uninsured Motorist Property Damage claim,” not a generic accident claim.
FAQ
Does UMPD cover my medical bills?
No, UMPD is for the car. UM/UIM Bodily Injury covers your medical bills.
Will my personal UIM cover this?
Likely no. Since you were in Period 2 (Commercial activity), your personal UIM is suspended unless you have a specific endorsement that extends UIM (rare).
What if I get the license plate?
Give it to the adjuster. They will run a “carrier discovery.” If the other driver has insurance, it becomes a standard liability claim against them.