New Benefits for Washington Drivers
Great news for rideshare drivers in Washington. Starting January 2023, you’ll have access to more benefits while maintaining your flexibility as an independent contractor.
Now you can count on guaranteed rates, paid sick time, insurance for injuries, and more. Here’s what to expect and how to take full advantage of these new benefits.
What’s new
Guaranteed rates: Guaranteed per-mile and per-minute rates will apply to every ride, with rates increasing in Seattle. Plus, there are guaranteed trip minimums, even for some cancellations.
Paid sick time: All rideshare drivers in Washington will be eligible to accrue and redeem paid sick time.
Insurance for injuries: Get access to workers’ compensation insurance for injuries.
Deactivation appeal process: A formal process to appeal eligible deactivations will be introduced.
Frequently asked questions
When will these benefits be available to me?
Starting January 1, 2023:
You’ll be eligible for guaranteed rates.
You’ll be eligible to accrue paid sick time.
You’ll be eligible for workers’ compensation insurance.
The new deactivation appeal process will roll out later this year.
Who is eligible for these benefits?
Anyone who gives a ride within Washington.¹
What are the new guaranteed rates, and how are they calculated?
For rides originating within Seattle, you’ll earn $5.62/trip or $0.64/min + $1.50/mile, whichever is greater.
For rides originating outside of Seattle but ending within city limits, the Seattle rates will apply to the portion of the trip that occurs within city limits.
For rides originating within Washington, you’ll earn $3.26/trip or $0.37/min + $1.27/mile, whichever is greater.
For rides originating outside of Washington, the Washington rates will apply to the portion of the trip that occurs within Washington state limits.
Please note, the rates listed above change annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
Where will I see the new guaranteed rates?
The new guaranteed rates will show up on your trip receipt and weekly breakdown.
I already have paid sick time as a Seattle driver. What’s changing?
Sick pay is now available to all rideshare drivers in Washington, not just those in Seattle. In 2023, Seattle drivers will accrue paid sick time in a new system.
I accrued paid sick time as a Seattle driver in 2022. Will it roll over?
If you gave at least one ride between October and December 2022, your paid sick time from 2022 will roll over to 2023. Eligible paid sick time from 2022 can be used through the end of March 2023. To redeem it, tap ‘Support and Safety’ in the Driver app, then select ‘Get Help.’ Under ‘Account and Earnings,’ tap ‘Paid Sick and Safe Time.’
Starting April 2023, you’ll only be able to use paid sick time that you’ve accrued in 2023 via the new system. To access the new system, tap your earnings amount in the Driver app and then select ‘Washington Paid Sick Time.’
How do I accrue paid sick time?
You’ll accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours spent driving with a rider in Washington. You’ll automatically accrue paid sick time starting in January 2023. You don’t need to take any action.
How do I use paid sick time accrued in 2023?
Once you have accrued four hours of paid sick time, you can withdraw funds from your account. You can use paid sick time whenever you need it, like when you don’t feel well or when caring for a sick family member.
You’ll soon be able to access your paid sick time in the Driver app. Tap your earnings amount and then select ‘Washington Paid Sick Time.’ You’ll see how many hours you’ve accrued and how to redeem them.
How is paid sick time calculated?
A paid sick time hour is worth your total earnings divided by your total time with a rider in Washington over the past 12 months. For example, if you earned $200 and drove for 10 hours with a rider in Washington over the last 12 months, a paid sick time hour would equal $20.
How does workers’ compensation insurance work?
You’ll be covered by Washington’s state workers’ compensation system as a “covered worker” like many other workers in the state. Under the program, you’ll have access to insurance for injuries sustained while picking up and driving with a rider.
As a part of the workers’ compensation program, a small percentage of your earnings will be withheld and paid into the system, just like any other covered worker in Washington. You can learn more about the program here.
Will workers’ compensation insurance cover me when I’m not driving with Lyft?
No, you’re only eligible for workers’ compensation insurance while on your way to pick up and drop off a rider.
How do I submit a claim if I’m injured while driving with Lyft?
To report an incident, please contact the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries or complete a Report of Accident at your doctor's office. Additionally, you should report any injuries sustained while driving with Lyft in the Driver app or by contacting our Claims Customer Care team.
What can I do if I disagree with a deactivation decision?
The Department of Labor & Industries appointed an organization to run a new, statewide Driver Resource Center (DRC). Lyft is working with the DRC to create a new deactivation appeal process that will likely go into effect in 2023.
Can I still go online at any time?
Yes, you can continue to go online at any time.
Can I still decline rides?
Yes, you're always free to decline ride requests.
Can I still keep 100% of my tips?
Yes, you’ll always receive 100% of your tips.
What if I rent a car through Express Drive?
As before, your Express Drive rental and per-mile fees will be deducted from your total earnings, including tips and bonuses, as detailed in the rental agreement. You can view your current per-mile and per-minute rates here.
Do I need to reapply if I already drive with Lyft?
No. If you're already on the Lyft platform, you don’t need to take any action. You'll automatically earn the guaranteed rates and qualify for additional benefits.
¹A Washington driver’s eligibility to challenge a deactivation is subject to the agreement between Lyft and the Driver Resource Center.