Check everyone is safe
Stop safely and deal with injuries or immediate danger. Call emergency services when appropriate. Do not continue driving a vehicle that may be unsafe.
Private-hire driver accident support
Uber & Bolt Driver Accident Claims
Had an accident while driving for Uber, Bolt or another private-hire operator? Your vehicle claim may involve more than repairs: the trip record, correct insurance, licensed vehicle status and how you get back to work all matter.
Sterling can coordinate the vehicle side of an eligible claim, from evidence and recovery to repair progress and discussion of suitable replacement PCO vehicles.
Sterling Accident is independent and is not affiliated with Uber or Bolt. Claims, replacement vehicles, liability and costs are subject to eligibility, insurer and supplier decisions, availability and written terms.
Private-hire trip recordsRecord the trip status, incident time and available evidence
Licensed vehicle supportRepairs and recovery coordinated with work use in mind
Getting back to workReplacement PCO suitability reviewed, never assumed
What makes an app-based driver claim different?
A collision can put both your car and your private-hire work on hold
If you work through Uber or Bolt, an accident may create several separate tasks: making the road safe, reporting the incident to the appropriate insurer, following any operator or app reporting process, protecting trip evidence and arranging vehicle repair.
Not every collision occurs on an active booking. The stage of the journey and the type of insurance in force can matter. Keep a factual record of whether you were off duty, online and waiting, travelling to collect a passenger or carrying one. Do not assume platform-related insurance always applies.
Sterling focuses on the vehicle accident management process. The relevant insurer, licensing authority and platform retain their own reporting rules and decisions.
Immediately after the collision
01 / Safety
02 / Evidence
03 / App and insurance
04 / Work status
05 / Vehicle
06 / Mobility
What an Uber or Bolt driver should do after an accident
Safety comes first. Then gather information that supports both the vehicle claim and any relevant reporting obligations.
Record the accident facts
Note the location, time, other vehicles, insurance details, witnesses and damage. Preserve available dashcam footage and take photographs if safe.
Report through the proper channels
Follow your insurer’s notification requirements and the operator’s applicable incident process. Retain claim and platform reference numbers.
Preserve the relevant trip details
Keep the job reference, trip status and times where relevant. Avoid unnecessarily sharing passenger personal information.
Assess whether the car can be used
Damage may affect both roadworthiness and private-hire licensing. Ask about recovery, inspection and repair rather than assuming a dented car can continue working.
Explain any replacement needs
Record why you need a suitable licensed vehicle, whether you have another car available, and the dates when your usual vehicle cannot be used for work.
Important: Your own insurance policy, operator requirements and licensing authority may require separate notifications. Sterling does not replace any of these reporting channels.
Vehicle-claim coordination
How Sterling can help your accident claim
Our role is practical vehicle assistance, with responsibilities kept clear at every stage.
- 1
Report the collision
Submit the accident facts, vehicle location and safe photographs. Tell us if the car is used for licensed private-hire journeys.
- 2
Review the recovery route
We look at driveability, location and claim eligibility. Recovery arrangements depend on circumstances and terms.
- 3
Coordinate damage and repairs
Assessment, repair estimates and authorisation progress can be followed, while the insurer or engineer retains the applicable decisions.
- 4
Discuss eligible mobility
If you need temporary private-hire transport, we can review suitability and availability without promising a licensed substitute.
Private-hire replacement vehicles
Can an Uber or Bolt driver get a replacement PCO car?
A replacement vehicle may be possible after an eligible accident, but a car that is merely driveable is not necessarily authorised for private-hire work. It is important to check the licensing position for the specific vehicle and driver, relevant hire-and-reward insurance, operator onboarding requirements and the supplier’s permission for the intended use.
If you normally carry passengers for paid bookings, tell Sterling at the beginning. Also explain whether you need wheelchair access, particular passenger capacity or any other essential equipment.
A non-fault claim can affect the possible route, but it does not guarantee a free car, acceptance by an app, immediate availability or reimbursement of lost earnings. For the full eligibility and hire discussion see Replacement PCO Vehicle.
London note: Transport for London has specific rules for licensed PHVs, including hire-and-reward insurance and reporting certain collision damage. Drivers licensed elsewhere should follow their own licensing authority’s rules.
Claims and insurance
Who handles an Uber or Bolt accident claim?
The correct route depends on the driving circumstances, insurance and liability evidence, not just which booking app you use.
Vehicle damage and non-fault claims
Where another road user may be responsible, a vehicle claim can involve the third-party insurer, your own insurer and any relevant repair or accident-management provider. Keep your description factual and preserve the evidence.
Sterling can coordinate the vehicle work where the case qualifies; it does not decide liability, coverage or a legal settlement.
Platform incidents and policy requirements
Uber and Bolt have their own driver support and incident processes. Use the relevant app or operator support channel and keep any confirmation. Separately check policy conditions with your insurer or broker.
Do not assume personal motor cover, private-hire insurance or a platform arrangement automatically covers every stage of a trip.
Answers for working drivers
Uber & Bolt accident claim FAQs
Can Sterling help if another driver caused my Uber accident?
Sterling can review the vehicle side of a reported accident and discuss qualifying recovery, damage assessment, repair management and replacement needs. Liability and any insurer recovery decision depend on the evidence and applicable terms.
Does Bolt or Uber automatically pay for my accident repairs?
No automatic entitlement should be assumed. Coverage and responsibility depend on the circumstances, the insurance arrangements, the stage of the journey and the relevant platform and policy terms. Report through the appropriate channels.
What if I was waiting for a job rather than carrying a passenger?
Keep an accurate record of your app and trip status at the time. This detail may be relevant to the insurer or operator. Do not change the status in your report to fit an assumed coverage outcome.
Can I get a replacement PCO car and keep driving for Uber or Bolt?
Potentially, but the vehicle must be suitable and lawfully authorised for private-hire work, with the necessary insurance, supplier permission and platform or operator acceptance. There is no guarantee of an identical or immediately available vehicle.
Will I be paid for lost Uber or Bolt earnings?
Loss-of-earnings recovery is not automatic and is not guaranteed by Sterling. Any possible claim depends on evidence, liability, the circumstances and the relevant legal or insurance route. Keep accurate records of actual work interruption.
Can I report the accident to Sterling without an insurer claim number?
You can begin with the facts, contact details and photographs you have. An existing claim reference is useful where available, but the appropriate insurer and operator notification requirements still apply.
Is Sterling Accident officially connected to Uber or Bolt?
No. Sterling Accident is an independent accident-management business. References to Uber and Bolt identify the types of drivers who may need help and do not indicate any partnership, approval or endorsement.
Other Sterling services
Related accident and vehicle support
Start with the accident details
Get your vehicle claim moving
If you drive for Uber, Bolt or another private-hire operator, tell Sterling what happened and what vehicle support you may need. We will review the practical claim route and explain the next steps.