Uber Vs Lyft -- Insight from the Top Rideshare Attorneys
Uber and Lyft are the two most popular ridesharing apps on the market, and while the two are very similar, they are not exactly the same. What differentiates these two competitors in an ever-growing market for ride services? Below, our experienced team of Uber and Lyft accident attorneys from West Coast Trial Lawyers breaks down the differences between Uber and Lyft so that drivers and riders know what to expect from each rideshare service provider.
Requirements for Drivers and Drivers Vehicles
The standard requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers who offer basic services (UberX and Lyft) are basically the same, though vehicle requirements may vary depending on the services that the driver seeks to offer.
| Uber Driver Requirements | Lyft Driver Requirements |
| 21+ years or older | 21+ years or older |
| 1 year minimum driving experience (3 if under the age of 23) | 1 year minimum driving experience |
| Valid CA driver’s license | Valid CA driver’s license |
| Pass driver’s screening (social security number required) | Pass driver’s screening (social security number required) |
| Smart-phone | Smart-phone |
| CA Vehicle Insurance | CA Vehicle Insurance |
| Driver Profile Photo | Driver Profile Photo |
| Proof of Vehicle Inspection | Proof of Vehicle Inspection |
| 4-door vehicle no older than 10 years that is in good condition with no cosmetic damage, CA license plates | 4-door vehicle with 5-8 seats, not older than 2006 with CA license plates |
Types of Services
These two rideshare competitors offer an array of different services, which also are similar to one another. They both offer basic services, carpool services, luxury services, and more. Most recently, each rideshare company has developed bike and scooter rental services as well. What differentiates Uber from Lyft though, is the food delivery service UberEats that Lyft has yet to launch its own version of.
| Uber | Lyft |
| Uber Pool - up to 3 passengers carpool to their destination | Lyft Shared - share a ride with a passenger from another ride request |
| UberX - regular vehicle up to 4 passengers | Lyft - regular vehicle up to 4 passengers |
| Uber XL - SUV up to 6 passengers | LyftXL - regular vehicle up to 6 passengers |
| Uber Black - up to 4 passengers in uptown black vehicles with professional drivers | Lyft Premier - high-end vehicle up to 4 passengers |
| UberSUV - luxury SUV up to 6 passengers | Lyft Lux - luxury service in black cars |
| UberTaxi - hail a taxi | Lyft Black - luxury service in high-end black cars |
| UberWAV - wheelchair and scooter accessible with trained drivers | Lyft BlackXL - luxury service in black SUVs for up to 4 passengers |
| UberSelect - up to four passengers in a stylish high-end vehicle for special occasions | Lyft Bikes - rent a bike through the Lyft app |
| JUMP bikes and scooters - bike and scooter rental | Lyft Scooters - rent a scooter through the Lyft app |
| UberEats - food delivery service |
Safety Features
While both rideshare companies mirror many of the same features that the safety quality for both the drivers and rider’s experience, such as the driver and rider profiles, emergency 911 buttons, and a 24/7 support team, each rideshare company offers one unique feature that the other does not. For example, Uber offers unique features for additional driver support, which include a speed limit warning and dark screen mode at nighttime, while Lyft does not. However, Lyft does offer a feature that serves both drivers and riders, the two are automatically unmatched forever if either of them rate the other with three stars or less.
| Uber | Lyft |
| Uber Driver Profile - photo, rating, and Uber driving history information | Lyft Driver Profile - photo, rating, and Uber driving history information |
| Uber Rider Profile - photo, rating, and Uber driving history information | Lyft Rider Profile - photo, rating, and Uber driving history information |
| Uber Driver “Follow My Ride” feature | |
| Uber Passenger “Follow My Ride” feature | Lyft Rider “Share location and car details with friends” feature |
| Safety Toolkit - includes Emergency Button and safety center | Lyft Emergency Assistance, Call 911 Button |
| Trusted Contacts - share your ride information with these contacts | Safety at Lyft links to safety features |
| 24/7 Customer Support | 24/7 Support Team |
| Phone Number Protection | Phone Number Protection |
| Speed Limit Alerts for Drivers | |
| Uber dark screen mode for night time driving | |
| Rating Action - if a driver or a rider is rated 3 Stars or less after the trip, they are unmatched forever |
Insurance Coverage
Both rideshare companies require that drivers have their own personal auto insurance while also providing them with the company insurance while they are providing rideshare services through the apps. The insurance policies for each ride share company also mirror one another. Essentially, when the rideshare driver is not offering rideshare services through the app, they are covered through their own personal auto insurance. However, when they are working under the apps, that’s when the rideshare auto insurance kicks in. Drivers are covered while they are on their way to go pick up a rider, and when they have the rider as a passenger in their vehicle. However, the insurance coverage they receive is less when going to pick up a rider than when they have the rider as a passenger in their backseat.
| Uber | Lyft |
Period 0: Personal car insurance covers accidents
This period is when you are not logged into the Uber app
Period 1: Uber insurance covers accidents
This period is when you are logged into the Uber app and are waiting for a ride request
|
App is off: personal car insurance covers accidents
App is on, waiting for a ride request: Lyft insurance adds coverage if your personal insurance doesn’t cover damages
|
Uber and Lyft Mirror Eachother, Though They Are Not the Same
Reviewing each rideshare company’s requirements, services, safety features and insurance policies, the two are cheek to cheek. What makes the difference between these two different companies is the popularity and access of each rideshare service. We’ll let you be the judge of each rideshare service company. You can always reach out to us if you’ve had any accidents or personal injury issues with them.
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident? West Coast Trial Lawyers Can Help
You should always get an attorney to represent you in the case that you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident to help ensure that you are getting the maximum compensation that you deserve. When it comes to filing an insurance claim to these rideshare companies, they might try to make you settle for less than what you deserve. West Coast Trial Lawyers is California’s top team of Uber and Lyft accident attorneys - we know how to take on insurance companies and fight to get you the maximum compensation that you deserve. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation by calling (888) 243-1195 or by emailing [email protected] today. You won’t owe us a penny until we win. También, ofrecemos servicio en español, ¡contacténos hoy!