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California rideshare insurance changes (SB 371): what changed
California reduced the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that rideshare companies must carry for passengers. The change matters most when a rideshare passenger is seriously hurt by a driver with little or no insurance.
By SettlementLift. Published · Updated .
What changed
SB 371, chaptered in October 2025 as Chapter 314 of the Statutes of 2025, lowers required uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on rideshare trips from $1,000,000 to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. The coverage applies from the time a passenger enters the vehicle until they exit, and the rideshare company is responsible for maintaining it. Commentators report the change took effect January 1, 2026.
California Legislative Information: SB 371 (2025–2026) ↗Who is affected
The change affects people hurt during a California rideshare trip when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little insurance. It does not, by itself, change the liability coverage that applies when the rideshare driver causes a crash.
What still applies
Liability coverage for crashes caused by the rideshare driver remains. Your own auto policy may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that can apply as a passenger, and health or medical-payments coverage may pay some bills. The at-fault driver may also be personally responsible.
California Public Utilities Commission: Transportation network companies ↗What it means for serious injuries
When medical costs and lost income exceed $60,000, the reduced coverage can leave a gap if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Identifying every available policy early becomes more important.
Questions to ask
Ask your insurer whether your own uninsured motorist coverage applies when you ride as a passenger and in what order policies pay. Ask an attorney which coverage applied to your trip, whether the other driver had insurance, and what deadlines apply.
ABA: Questions to ask a lawyer ↗What we are watching
The law requires a California Public Utilities Commission and Department of Insurance study of whether the requirements fit the risk, due by December 31, 2030. We will update this page if the coverage rules change.
California Legislative Information: SB 371 (2025–2026) ↗Frequently asked questions
Is Uber’s insurance still $1 million in California?
Liability coverage for crashes the rideshare driver causes still applies. SB 371 lowered the separate uninsured and underinsured motorist requirement to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
Does SB 371 apply to Lyft too?
Yes. It applies to transportation network companies operating in California, including Uber and Lyft.
When did the change take effect?
The bill was chaptered in October 2025, and commentators report it took effect January 1, 2026.