How to find the policy that actually pays

The layers, generally

Depending on the vehicle type, some or all of these exist.

• The driver's personal auto policy — usually excluded during for-hire use, but relevant when the app was off
• A platform or company commercial policy, which is where the meaningful limits are
• A fleet or medallion owner's policy, separate from the driver's
• A base or dispatch company policy, common in black car and livery operations
• An excess or umbrella policy sitting above the primary commercial layer
• Your own UM/UIM and med-pay or PIP coverage

What identifies the coverage

Documents, mostly, and several are public or obtainable on request.

• The medallion, TCP, or for-hire permit number, which ties to a licensing record showing the operator and required insurance
• The police report, if it captured the for-hire status and company
• The trip record or receipt for rideshare
• The vehicle registration, which shows commercial registration and the registered owner
• The local regulator's public licensing database
• Dispatch records, obtainable in litigation

Why a denial isn't the end

The most common early event in these claims is a personal auto insurer denying coverage under a livery exclusion. That denial is informative rather than fatal — it confirms the vehicle was in commercial use, which points at the commercial policy.

Other vehicle types

Airport shuttles, hotel vans, and courtesy transport are usually operated by a business with a commercial auto policy and often a substantial umbrella. Non-emergency medical transport is separately regulated and typically well insured. Charter buses and vans fall under federal motor carrier requirements with high minimum coverage. School and paratransit vehicles may involve a government entity, which brings short notice-of-claim deadlines.