Q: “Can I file a wage loss claim with the TNC endorsement in the event of a comprehensive accident?”

A: TNC (Transportation Network Company) endorsements are insurance policies designed to provide coverage for drivers who are operating their vehicles for ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft. These endorsements typically provide coverage for certain types of accidents and incidents that occur while the driver is actively engaged in providing ridesharing services.

Whether you can file a wage loss claim with a TNC endorsement in the event of an accident would depend on the specific terms and coverage provided by the endorsement policy. Generally, TNC endorsements primarily cover liability, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage while a driver is engaged in ridesharing activities.

Wage loss coverage, which compensates drivers for lost income due to injuries sustained in an accident, may or may not be included in a TNC endorsement. Some endorsements may offer this type of coverage as part of their policy, while others may not.

Schedule a free consultation to confirm if the TNC endorsement would cover lost wages.

A: In California, if you are a driver for a Transportation Network Company (TNC) like Uber or Lyft and you are involved in a comprehensive accident (an accident not involving a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage) while logged into the TNC app, you may have some coverage for wage loss under the TNC's insurance policy. However, the specifics can vary depending on the circumstances and the particular TNC's policy.

Generally, the TNC's insurance coverage is divided into three periods:

1. Period 1: The app is on, but the driver has not accepted a ride request.

2. Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger.

3. Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle until the end of the ride.

During Periods 2 and 3, the TNC's insurance policy typically provides higher liability coverage, as well as some coverage for comprehensive and collision damages. However, wage loss coverage is not always included or may be limited.

It's important to review your TNC's specific insurance policy and consult with them directly to understand what types of losses are covered under their policy. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a rideshare insurance policy from your personal auto insurance provider, as these policies can help fill in the gaps left by the TNC's coverage.

In any case, if you experience a comprehensive accident while working for a TNC, it's best to report the incident to the TNC, your personal insurance provider, and consult with an attorney familiar with rideshare accidents and insurance claims in California to understand your options and rights.