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If you’ve had a dispute with Uber—whether related to an accident, payment issue, account deactivation, or something else—you may be required to resolve it through arbitration. Uber’s Terms of Service include a mandatory Arbitration Agreement, which means you waive your right to sue in court or join a class action, and instead must pursue your claim through binding individual arbitration, unless of course you opted out.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand how to file for arbitration against Uber:

🔍 Step 1: Understand What Arbitration Covers

Uber’s Arbitration Agreement covers almost all disputes between you and Uber, including:

  • Any aspect of your relationship with Uber

  • Use of the Uber app or platform

  • Accidents or injuries allegedly involving Uber

Exceptions: You may not need to arbitrate if your claim involves:

  • Sexual assault or harassment

  • Copyright or IP disputes

  • Small claims (if filed individually and kept in small claims court)

📞 Step 2: Initiate an Informal Dispute Resolution Conference

Before filing for arbitration, you must first try to resolve the issue informally with Uber. 🚫 Important: If you skip this step, your arbitration case will likely be dismissed.

Here’s how:

  1. Send written notice to Uber, stating you want to initiate an informal dispute resolution conference.

  2. Include:

    • Your full name

    • Phone number(s) and email(s) tied to your Uber account

    • A detailed description of your claim

  3. Send this notice to:

Uber Technologies, Inc.
Attn: Legal Department
1725 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158

  1. A telephone or video conference must occur within 60 days of Uber receiving your notice.

  2. If you’re represented by a lawyer, you must still personally participate.

Example letter

Uber Technologies, Inc.
Attn: Legal Department
1725 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158

[Date]

Re: Notice of Intent to Initiate Informal Dispute Resolution Conference – Account Deactivation

Dear Uber Legal Department,

My name is John Doe, and I am writing to notify you of my intent to initiate an informal dispute resolution conference, as required under Section 2(d) of Uber’s Terms of Service Arbitration Agreement.

I am a driver who has been deactivated from the Uber platform, and I believe this action was taken in error and without proper justification.

Claim Summary:

  • Name: John Doe

  • Phone Number(s) Associated with Uber Account: (555) 123-4567

  • Email Address(es) Associated with Uber Account: johndoe@email.com

  • Date of Deactivation: March 15, 2025

  • Reason Provided: Violation of community guidelines (no specific details given)

On March 15, 2025, I was deactivated from the Uber platform. I believe this deactivation was unjustified, as I was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and have not been provided with any specific evidence of wrongdoing. I am seeking to have my account reinstated and to recover compensation for the income lost due to the deactivation.

I am requesting to schedule a telephonic or videoconference meeting to attempt to resolve this dispute informally. I am available on the following dates and times:

  • April 5, 2025 – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST

  • April 8, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

  • April 10, 2025 – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST

Please confirm the scheduling of this conference by contacting me at (555) 123-4567 or johndoe@email.com.

Sincerely,
John Doe
123 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
johndoe@email.com
(555) 123-4567

📝 Step 3: Draft and File Your Arbitration Demand

After completing the informal process if the outcome wasn’t what you expected or agreed to, you can file a formal demand for arbitration.

What to include:

  • Your name and contact info

  • A detailed description of the dispute

  • Relief or compensation you are seeking

  • Signature (must be by you, not just your attorney if you have one)

Where to send:

  • Mail:
    Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Attn: Legal Department
    1725 3rd Street
    San Francisco, CA 94158
    Or serve Uber’s registered agent in your state (https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInquiryFind.aspx)

  • Email copy of the demand to Uber:
    📧 filed-arbitration-demands@uber.com

  • Also file the demand with the arbitration provider:

    • If you’re in California: Use ADR Services, Inc. www.adrservices.com

    • Outside California: You and Uber must mutually agree on an arbitration provider, or ask a court to appoint one.

Sample demand letter

John Doe
123 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
johndoe@email.com
(555) 123-4567

Date: May 12, 2025

To:
Uber Technologies, Inc.
Attn: Legal Department
1725 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158

And (if needed)

ADR Services, Inc.
[caseintake@adrservices.com]
[www.adrservices.com]

Demand for Arbitration Against Uber Technologies, Inc.

Pursuant to the Arbitration Agreement in Uber’s Terms of Service, I, John Doe, am hereby submitting this formal demand for arbitration regarding the unlawful deactivation of my Uber driver account.

Claimant Information:

Respondent:

  • Uber Technologies, Inc.

  • 1725 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158

Nature of the Dispute:

On or about March 15, 2025, Uber Technologies, Inc. deactivated my driver account without sufficient explanation or due process. I was informed that this was due to a “violation of community guidelines,” but no specific details or evidence were provided. I complied with all Uber policies and believe this action was arbitrary and damaging to my livelihood.

I attempted to resolve the matter through Uber’s internal channels and participated in the required pre-arbitration informal dispute resolution conference on April 10, 2025. No resolution was reached.

Relief Sought:

  • Reinstatement of my Uber driver account

  • Compensation for lost earnings from March 15, 2025, through the present, estimated at $4,800

  • Any additional relief the Arbitrator deems appropriate

Arbitration Provider:

This demand is filed with ADR Services, Inc., pursuant to Section 2(c) of Uber’s Terms of Service. I request that the arbitration be held in Los Angeles County, California, where I reside.

Certification:

By signing below, I certify that this demand is not presented for any improper purpose; that my claims are warranted by law or a good-faith argument for legal change; and that factual contentions have or will likely have evidentiary support.

Signature:
John Doe

💵 Step 4: Handle Arbitration Fees

  • If your monthly income is under 300% of the federal poverty line, you may request a fee waiver.

  • Uber generally pays administrative and arbitrator fees, especially if the case involves unusual arbitration costs.

⚖️ Step 5: Prepare for the Arbitration Process

Once your demand is accepted:

  • An arbitrator is appointed (a retired judge or experienced attorney)

  • You’ll likely participate in a virtual hearing, unless otherwise arranged

  • The arbitrator has the power to:

    • Grant or deny your claim

    • Award compensation or other individual relief

    • Resolve factual and legal issues exclusively for your case

🧑‍⚖️ Important Note: The arbitrator’s decision is final and binding. You generally cannot appeal.

🚫 What You Can’t Do

Uber’s agreement prohibits:

  • Class actions

  • Mass filings (with exceptions)

  • Consolidating your case with others

Even in arbitration, your case will be handled individually, unless Uber agrees to a mass settlement.

If you or your attorney file more than 50 similar claims in 180 days, Uber may treat it as a Mass Action, which triggers additional steps, including appointment of a Special Master and possible batching of cases.

🗂️ Sample Filing Checklist

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

✅ Notice of intent to arbitrate (for pre-arbitration conference)
✅ Written arbitration demand (after informal resolution)
✅ Proper service on Uber + email to filed-arbitration-demands@uber.com
✅ File demand with proper arbitration provider
✅ Fee waiver request (if eligible)
✅ Evidence, records, or documentation of your claim
✅ Willingness to attend a virtual or local hearing

Final Thoughts

Filing for arbitration against Uber can be intimidating, but knowing your rights and following the procedure step-by-step gives you the best chance of having your claim heard fairly. The process is private, binding, and usually faster than a lawsuit—but it’s vital to fulfill all conditions, especially the pre-arbitration conference requirement.

If you’re unsure, consider consulting an attorney who’s experienced in consumer arbitration.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and this blog post does not constitute legal advice. The information provided here is based on my personal interpretation of the arbitration process as it relates to Uber, and is intended for general informational purposes only. If you have specific legal concerns or need legal advice, you should consult with a licensed attorney or legal professional.