Insurance and vehicle protection for borrowing cars

Your responsibility for damage and loss

You’re responsible for any damage or loss to the car that happens from the time you pick it up until the time you drop it (and the keys) back - even if it’s not your fault, for example, a tree branch falling on the car, a hail storm, or damage caused by a hit-and-run driver.

Your deductible

How much you’ll pay if you’re responsible for damage to the vehicle depends on the type of vehicle protection you select when you book your trip:

• Basic Cover - $2000 deductible (required for all trips)
• Premium Cover - $500 deductible (optional extra $2/hour or $20/day)

How to protect yourself from costs for damage to the vehicle

Accidents happen, even to the most careful drivers. There are a few ways you may be able to protect yourself from unexpected costs for damage to the vehicle:

• Reduce your vehicle protection deductible by adding Premium Cover to your trip when you book, or anytime before you start your trip
• Upload clear photos of the entire car before and after your trip
• Read the exclusions below - you may be liable for the full costs of any damage or loss if any of the exclusions apply

What’s covered

When you book a trip, you’re responsible for returning the car to the owner in the same condition you borrowed it in. You’re responsible for any loss or damage to the car during your trip - even if it was not your fault. 

Protection plans offer protection for loss or damage that you are responsible for under our Terms of Use. This includes:

• Damage to the car you’ve booked
• Loss of the car due to theft or fire
• Towing, storage and recovery charges
• Third party damage and loss

All trips include:

1. Auto liability insurance, at mandatory state limits from Definity Insurance Company.
2. Vehicle Protection, which contractually limits your maximum out-of-pocket payment for damage to the vehicle
3. 24/7 roadside assistance, which includes services like towing, storage and breakdown assistance.
   

What’s not covered

There are some exclusions to the cover. You may be responsible for the full cost of any loss or damage if you:

• Use the car to tow anything
• Drive off-road or on an unsealed surface
• Drive through water or on the beach
• Put the wrong fuel in the car
• Damage the underbody or the roof of the car by driving over or under something or putting things on the roof
• Carry more passengers or cargo than the car is designed for
• Drive for rideshare or courier services or competitive driving, or pick up hitch-hikers
• Carry anything dangerous or illegal, or use the car in connection with any illegal activity
• Use the car in a reckless or dangerous way or contravene traffic regulations
• Drive while using a mobile phone or similar device (e.g. texting)
• Drive with a warning light on or after becoming aware of a mechanical fault, or when the car is in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition
• Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or refuse to submit to a test
• Leave the car unlocked or fail to secure the key in the Lockbox when returning the car
• Jump start the car, or use it to jump start another car
• Commit fraud or fail to provide information that is relevant to a damage claim
• Flee the scene of an accident
• Let anyone other than an approved member drive the car
• Don’t return the car within two hours after your trip’s end time.

Protection plans are subject to and may be voided if you fail to comply with Uber Carshare Terms of Service.

To be eligible for cover you also need to:

• report any damage or theft to us promptly; 
• get the details of any other parties in an accident and (if relevant) wait at the scene until police arrive; and 
• provide information and documents in relation to a claim. 

Vehicle protection and insurance plans don't cover any loss or damage to your personal belongings in the car. 

Protection plans include auto liability insurance and a contract that outlines your level of responsibility for physical damage to the rented vehicle (which is not insurance). Full details, including important conditions and exclusions, are listed in the Vehicle Protection contract and the insurance policy. If there is any difference between this summary and the full terms set out in the Vehicle Protection contract and the insurance policy, the Vehicle Protection contract and the insurance policy will prevail.

Who’s covered

You’re covered when you, or any other verified borrower, is driving the car during a valid booking. If you let someone who’s not an approved member drive, then you won’t be covered.

It’s free to share the driving with another Uber Carshare member. You don’t need to nominate them or add them to your booking, as long as they are approved as a member before they drive.

If the car has a manual transmission, all drivers must have at least two years’ manual driving experience.

When you’re covered

Vehicle protection applies for the booking period set out in the vehicle protection contract.

If you don’t return the car on time, you may not be covered. Make sure to extend your trip in the Uber app if you need more time.

What costs you may be liable for

If you’re responsible for damage or loss, you’ll be liable for the costs of:

• damage to the vehicle that requires repair or replacement (excluding normal wear and tear)
• loss arising from theft of the vehicle or fire damage to the vehicle
• fees and charges relating to the assessment of the loss or damage
• a loss of use payment to the owner for each day their car is unavailable

The most you’ll pay for these costs is your deductible ($2000 with Basic Cover or $500 with Premium Cover), subject to your claim being accepted. If any of the exclusions to cover (listed above) apply, you won’t be covered and will be liable for the full cost of repairs or replacement.

If you weren’t at fault in a third-party accident, you’ll pay your deductible upfront and we’ll refund any costs we recover from the at-fault party. Be sure to get the contact details of any other drivers involved in an accident.