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5 Mistakes Gig Drivers Make After a Car Accident (and How to Avoid Them)

Extennsion

Jul 28, 2025

What you don't know might cost you, gig drivers take on the majority of liability when transporting people or goods. The Apps you use may offer little to no guidance, that's why you need to know....

If you drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart, your car is your business. But after a crash, gig drivers often find themselves stuck — with denied claims, unpaid time off, or unclear next steps.

Here are the five most common mistakes — and how to steer clear of them.


1. Assuming your personal policy covers you

Most personal auto policies exclude coverage when you’re driving for profit — unless you have a rideshare endorsement.

Solution:

  • Check your policy for exclusions

  • Ask your agent about endorsements or gig-specific coverage

2. Not documenting immediately

Delays in taking photos or getting witness info can derail your claim.

Solution:

  • Take photos of all vehicle angles, damage, license plates, and road signs

  • Get names and phone numbers of witnesses

  • Report the accident to both the app and your insurer ASAP (if you followed step one you should have nothing to worry about)

ProTip: Having a dash cam might be the difference between a denial or a payment. Make the investment if you haven’t already.

3. Failing to track income

You’ll need to show lost wages — but if you’re paid per delivery or ride, you won’t get a pay stub.

Solution:

  • Use apps like Gridwise or SherpaShare to track income

  • Save screenshots of weekly earnings

Example: One Extennsion client used Gridwise to prove $1,400 in lost income — and got reimbursed through the at-fault party’s insurer.

4. Accepting blame too early

Saying “sorry” or “I wasn’t paying attention” may be used against you later.

Solution:

  • Stick to facts when speaking to anyone at the scene

  • Let the investigation determine fault

5. Not getting help

Gig workers often face gray areas — and insurers know it. Without an expert on your side you could be costing yourself hundreds or even thousands.

Call Extennsion. We help gig drivers understand their options and push back when claims are improperly denied or delayed. Contact us today if you need help understanding your policy language or claims outcome.

#GigDriver #Uber #DoorDash #InsuranceClaim #Extennsion #AutoAccident

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