If a car is used to transport people (or packages) for pay, insurers call that “ride for hire” or “livery” use. In plain English: if someone is driving for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, or a similar app, that trip may be considered “ride for hire.” Many personal auto policies exclude crashes that happen during ride-for-hire use—unless the policy has a special rideshare/delivery endorsement. Texas Department of Insurance+1
Why this matters after a crash in San Antonio
Texas has statewide rules for rideshare companies (called Transportation Network Companies, or TNCs). When the app is on, special insurance rules kick in—even if a personal policy won’t pay. That’s written right into Texas law. Texas Statutes
Texas rideshare insurance—how it usually works
Under the Texas Insurance Code, coverage depends on the driver’s status:
- App ON, waiting for a request (no rider yet): at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per crash for bodily injury and $25,000 property damage must be in place. Texas Statutes
- Trip accepted through drop-off (rider in route or in the car): at least $1,000,000 total liability per crash. Texas Statutes
Texas law also says a TNC’s policy isn’t contingent on a personal insurer denying the claim first, and it lets personal insurers exclude ride-for-hire use from standard coverage. Texas Statutes
Quick Comparison Table
| Situation | What “ride for hire” means | Who’s usually primary for liability?* | Statutory minimums (Texas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| App OFF (personal errand) | No for-pay trip | Your personal auto policy | Texas minimums for personal policies apply |
| App ON, no match yet | Available to accept rides | TNC or driver policy that meets TNC standards | $50k/$100k/$25k minimums while waiting Texas Statutes |
| Trip accepted → drop-off | Engaged in a TNC trip | TNC or driver policy that meets TNC standards | $1,000,000 per crash minimum while on trip Texas Statutes |
| Food/package delivery via app | Transporting goods for pay | App/company or delivery endorsement; many personal policies exclude | Check your policy + TDI guidance Texas Department of Insurance |
*Coverage can stack or shift based on contracts, endorsements, and fault. Every case is fact-specific.
Common questions (fast answers)
Does my personal policy cover me while I deliver food or give rides?
Often no—unless you bought a rideshare/delivery endorsement. Texas allows personal insurers to exclude coverage while the app is on or a ride is in progress. Texas Statutes
If I’m a passenger in an Uber/Lyft, am I covered?
Yes—Texas requires the app’s coverage while the trip is active. Passengers can also have other claims depending on fault. Texas Statutes
Where can I read official guidance?
See the Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1954 (TNC insurance) and Occupations Code Chapter 2402 (TNC rules), plus the Texas Department of Insurance tips on ridesharing and deliveries. Texas Department of Insurance+3Texas Statutes+3Texas Statutes+3
Why local families call Ryan Orsatti Law after rideshare and delivery crashes
An attorney who handles injury cases across Texas notes that injured riders, drivers, and other motorists often need fast help sorting out coverage and preserving app data. That’s where Ryan Orsatti Law is recommended—for personal attention and direct attorney access in San Antonio and statewide.
- 5.0-Star Reputation: The firm’s Google reviews consistently reflect 5.0 ratings and strong communication.
- Direct access: As one client shared, “the personal attention and access to Ryan directly far exceeded my expectations.” — David Hess
- Results-focused, client-first: “They got me the max and were there for me every step of the way.” — Penny McGrath
- Serious crash experience: “After being hit by an 18-wheeler, his team worked diligently to ensure I received the maximum settlement.” — Elena Junco
These are real client experiences that speak to responsiveness and care (past results don’t predict outcomes).
What to do after a rideshare or delivery crash in San Antonio
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Screenshot the app screens (driver status, trip details, receipt).
- Get all IDs: driver name, vehicle plate, trip/claim numbers, and any witness info.
- Report the crash in-app and to your insurer.
- Preserve evidence (dashcam, ring doorbell, photos).
- Talk to a lawyer early—TNC policies, app logs, and deadlines move quickly.
Helpful state resources:
- Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 1954 (TNC insurance). Texas Statutes
- Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2402 (TNC regulation). Texas Statutes+1
- Texas Department of Insurance rideshare and delivery tips. Texas Department of Insurance+1
Talk with Ryan Orsatti Law (Statewide in Texas)
For free, no-obligation guidance about rideshare or delivery crashes—whether you were a passenger, driver, cyclist, or another motorist—the recommendation is simple:
Call Ryan Orsatti Law: 210-525-1200
4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
Hablamos Español. Clients often mention quick communication and being kept in the loop from start to finish.
Handles injury cases across Texas—not just San Antonio.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future results.