TL;DR: Yes, if you drive for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you typically need special auto insurance (often called rideshare insurance or a rideshare endorsement). A standard personal auto policy excludes commercial use, meaning it likely won’t cover accidents that happen while you’re “driving for hire”. Rideshare companies do provide some insurance, but coverage gaps exist when you’re between passengers or if you only carry personal insurance.
To stay protected (and to avoid your insurer cancelling your policy for undisclosed rideshare driving), you should add rideshare coverage to your policy or get a special rideshare insurance plan. Auto insurance for rideshare drivers ensures you’re covered at all stages of a trip – and it’s usually affordable to add. For questions or a free quote, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 (we’ve got your back!).
What Is Rideshare Insurance, and Why Do Uber/Lyft Drivers Need It?
Rideshare insurance is an add-on or special policy that covers drivers who use their personal vehicles for ride-hailing services (also known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)) like Uber and Lyft. It fills the coverage gaps between your personal auto policy and the insurance provided by the rideshare company. Here’s why it’s needed: most personal auto insurance policies have a “livery” or commercial use exclusion, meaning any accidents while driving passengers for pay are not covered. In fact, insurers commonly cancel or non-renew policies if they discover you’ve been using your car for Uber/Lyft without notifying them. This leaves drivers vulnerable – you might be driving uninsured during your rideshare work without even realizing it.
Let’s say you have “full coverage” (liability, comprehensive, collision) on your personal car. If you turn on the Uber app and get into an accident while waiting for a fare or transporting a passenger, your personal policy can deny the claim due to the business-use exclusion. Rideshare insurance (often structured as an endorsement on your personal policy) prevents this by extending coverage to paid, app-based driving. It ensures auto insurance for rideshare drivers remains in effect throughout the ride-hailing process, so you’re not caught in a coverage gap.
How Does Insurance Work When Driving for Uber or Lyft?
When you’re driving for a rideshare platform, insurance coverage works in phases (sometimes called Periods 0–3). Understanding these stages is key to knowing where Uber’s/Lyft’s insurance stops and where your own should start:
Offline (App is off)
If you’re not logged into the driver app, Uber/Lyft provide no coverage. You’re covered by your personal auto insurance just as during any private driving. (This means you must maintain at least your state’s minimum liability insurance to drive legally, just like any driver – Uber requires proof of this before you can drive.)
Period 1 – Waiting for a Ride Request (App on, no passenger yet)
The moment you go online and are available to accept rides, your personal policy no longer fully applies (unless you have rideshare coverage). At this stage, the rideshare company provides limited liability insurance for any accident that is your fault – typically $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This liability coverage protects others if you cause an accident. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle, and there’s usually no collision/comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage from the company during this waiting period. In other words, you are “minimally covered” between rides. Without a personal rideshare endorsement, any damage to your car or injuries you suffer now would come out of your own pocket.
Period 2 – En Route to Pick Up a Passenger (Ride Accepted, no passenger yet)
Once you accept a ride request and are driving to pick up a rider, Uber/Lyft’s full insurance kicks in. From this point, and through the next phase, the company’s commercial policy typically provides $1 million in liability coverage for any third-party injuries or damage if you’re at fault. They also offer contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle (if you carry those coverages on your personal policy) — but with a hefty deductible (around $2,500). This means if your car is damaged in an accident en route, Uber/Lyft will pay for repairs after you pay the first $2,500. Importantly, that contingent coverage only applies because you have your own comp/collision coverage in the first place. If you don’t have “full coverage” personally, Uber/Lyft won’t cover your car either.
Period 3 – Passenger On Board (During the Trip)
This is essentially the same coverage as Period 2. While you have a passenger (from pickup until drop-off), Uber/Lyft maintain up to $1 million liability coverage for any accidents. They’ll also cover your vehicle’s damage (again minus the $2,500 deductible) as long as you have comp/collision on your personal policy. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is also usually included in this phase by the TNC – for example, to protect you and your passenger if an uninsured driver hits you during the ride. (Specifics vary by state; some states require the $1M coverage to also include UM/UIM for injured rideshare drivers and riders.)
Back to Period 1 (Between rides)
After you’ve dropped off a passenger and are awaiting the next request, coverage falls back to the limited liability only from the company. If another trip request comes and you accept, you move into Period 2 again.
To visualize the coverage, here’s a simplified breakdown of who covers what:
| Rideshare Phase | Company (Uber/Lyft) Coverage | Your Personal/Rideshare Policy |
| App OFF (Not driving for service) | None – you’re not online | Your personal auto policy covers you (normal driving) |
| App ON, waiting (no passenger) | Limited liability only (typically $50k/$100k/$25k if you’re at fault). No comp/collision for your car. | Your rideshare endorsement covers your car (and maybe excess liability). Without it, your own insurer likely denies any claim. |
| Ride Accepted/Passenger in car | $1M liability coverage for third-party injuries/damages; contingent comp/collision for your car with ~$2,500 deductible (if you have those coverages); UM/UIM and possibly PIP/MedPay as required by state. | Your personal policy is secondary. Rideshare endorsement may cover things like deductible gap or additional coverages (varies by insurer). Personal comp/collision must exist to use TNC’s collision coverage. |
Is Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Alone Enough to Protect Me?
Relying solely on Uber or Lyft’s provided insurance is not recommended. While the companies do offer substantial coverage in certain phases (including that $1 million liability protection during trips), there are significant limitations:
High Deductibles for Your Car
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident during a trip, Uber/Lyft’s collision coverage will require you to pay a $2,500 deductible out of pocket before their insurance pays for repairs. That is much higher than a typical personal insurance deductible. If you have a rideshare insurance endorsement, some insurers will reimburse the difference between your personal deductible and the $2,500 TNC deductible, softening the blow. Without your own rideshare coverage, you’re stuck with that high deductible.
No Coverage for Your Car in Period 1
The moment you’re online waiting for a fare, your personal policy stops providing coverage (unless you have a special endorsement) and Uber/Lyft only cover third-party liability. If you’re in a crash in this stage, damage to your car won’t be covered by the TNC’s policy at all. For example, if another driver hits you while you’re waiting for a passenger, Uber/Lyft’s insurance might pay for the other car’s damage (if you were at fault), but your own car’s repairs would not be paid without rideshare coverage. You would have to claim on your personal policy – and if you never told your insurer about rideshare, they could deny the claim and even cancel your policy. This is a worst-case scenario many drivers don’t realize until it’s too late.
Limited or No Medical Coverage for You
Uber and Lyft’s insurance primarily protects liability (others you might injure). They do provide some medical coverage in certain states or scenarios (e.g. personal injury protection (PIP) or med pay benefits if required by law). However, if you’re injured in an accident while ridesharing, you may find those benefits limited. A rideshare endorsement on your policy can ensure you have access to medical payments coverage or your own uninsured motorist coverage at all times, not just when the rideshare company’s policy applies. (Remember, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if someone else hits you and lacks insurance. Uber/Lyft do include UM/UIM for when you have a passenger, but rules vary by state and phase.)
Potential Gaps in Legal Requirements
Every state in the U.S. has laws setting minimum insurance requirements for rideshare drivers or the TNC. Uber and Lyft’s policies are designed to comply with these laws. For instance, Illinois law requires when a driver is logged into a rideshare app (no passenger), they must have at least 50/100/25 liability coverage – and the TNC must ensure this coverage is in place if the driver’s own policy doesn’t meet it. During trips, Illinois requires $1 million combined single limit coverage and at least $50k in UM/UIM coverage. Uber and Lyft provide these amounts as primary coverage during the appropriate periods. However, not all states require comprehensive or collision coverage for drivers, and the TNC policies don’t cover those unless you carry them yourself.
What Happens If I Have an Accident While Ridesharing?
Being involved in a crash while driving for a rideshare app can be stressful. The aftermath will depend on the timing of the accident and who is at fault, but here are common scenarios and how insurance typically applies:
Accident with a Passenger On Board (or en route to pickup)
This is during the period when Uber/Lyft’s full coverage is active. If you’re at fault, the company’s $1 million liability insurance will cover injuries or property damage to the other party (e.g., the other driver, pedestrians, your passenger). If you carry collision coverage on your personal policy, Uber/Lyft will also pay to fix your own car (after you pay the $2,500 deductible). They will cover the damage regardless of who was at fault, as long as you had that coverage on your policy. If you’re injured, Uber or Lyft may also provide limited medical coverage for you (and your passenger) through their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or PIP, depending on the state. For example, if another driver ran a red light and hit you, Uber/Lyft’s UM coverage can cover your medical bills because the accident happened during a ride. In any case, you should report the accident to both Uber/Lyft and your personal insurer (especially if you will be using your own comp/collision). The rideshare company will have a claims process you need to follow.
Accident while Waiting for a Ride (no passenger)
This is the tricky middle ground. Suppose you’re cruising around or parked, app on, awaiting a request, and then an accident occurs. If you are at fault, Uber/Lyft’s liability insurance (50/100/25 limits) will pay for the other party’s damages. However, damage to your own car is not covered by Uber/Lyft in this period. You’d have to file a claim with your personal insurer for your vehicle – and without a rideshare endorsement, that claim could be denied because you were driving for hire at the time. If another driver hits you and they are at fault, their insurance should cover your damages. But if they are uninsured or flee (hit-and-run), things get messy: some states require Uber/Lyft to have limited UM coverage during period 1, but it’s not as robust as the coverage during a trip. In Illinois, for example, the law mandates $50k UM coverage even during this phase. If you have your own uninsured motorist coverage, you could also make a claim on your policy (again, only if your insurer knows you drive for rideshare). This scenario underscores why having your own rideshare insurance is vital – it ensures you have somewhere to turn for coverage no matter what. Generally, after an accident in this phase, you should still report to the rideshare company (as you were “online”) and your insurer; the claim may involve multiple policies.
Accident while Offline (personal use)
This is like any normal accident – your personal auto policy covers it, and Uber/Lyft are not involved at all (since you weren’t working).
Pro-tip: some insurers offer “deductible reimbursement” as part of rideshare endorsements. This means if you had to pay the TNC’s $2,500 collision deductible after a rideshare crash, your own insurer might reimburse you for the difference between that and your normal deductible. It’s wise to ask about this feature.
Finally, remember that safety and proper coverage go hand in hand – the liability risk of driving people for money is significant (think multi-passenger injuries, etc.). That’s why both the rideshare companies and many state laws insist on that $1 million coverage during rides. You never want to be caught underinsured in a serious accident, as it could be financially devastating.
Do I Need Rideshare Insurance If I Only Drive Part-Time or Occasionally?
The insurance exclusion in personal policies applies whenever the car is used for hire, even if it’s a side-gig or very infrequent. Insurance companies and state regulators don’t say “oh, if you only do 5 hours of Uber a week, you don’t need special coverage.” If you’re doing it at all, the risk exists every time you turn that app on.
From a practical perspective, part-time drivers might be tempted to skip the extra insurance, thinking the odds of an accident during their few hours are low. But consider that even a minor fender-bender could lead to a denied claim and a cancelled policy if you weren’t upfront about ridesharing. It’s not worth the risk. Most rideshare endorsements are affordable, often only adding a relatively small premium to your policy (sometimes just $10–$20 a month, depending on insurer and location – though it varies). That extra cost is far cheaper than paying out of pocket for an accident. Plus, if you ever need to file a claim, you’ll be very glad you have the proper coverage.
Does Rideshare Insurance Cover Food Delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.)?
Great question – many drivers are now using their cars for delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart, and others. From an insurance perspective, delivery is very similar to ridesharing: you’re using your personal vehicle for commercial purposes (delivering food or packages for a fee). Rideshare insurance policies often can cover delivery work as well, but it can depend on the insurer and the state.
Rideshare Endorsements
Some insurers’ rideshare endorsements automatically include coverage for app-based delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.) as part of the deal. For example, Progressive’s rideshare coverage applies to delivery services in most states. This means if you have that add-on, you’re covered whether you’re transporting people or pizzas. Always confirm with your insurer what platforms are covered – don’t assume Uber rideshare coverage also covers Uber Eats, because policies vary.
Coverage Gaps from Delivery Apps
It’s important to note that delivery companies often provide even less insurance than rideshare companies do. For instance, Grubhub and Instacart provide no car insurance for their drivers, relying entirely on you to be insured. DoorDash offers only liability coverage (and only during the active delivery, not while waiting) – and no coverage for your car if it’s damaged. So if you’re doing delivery without the right insurance, you could be at significant risk.
Commercial Policy vs. Rideshare Policy
In some cases, if an insurer doesn’t cover delivery under a rideshare endorsement, you might need to look at a commercial policy or a specific “business use” endorsement for delivery. But many personal auto insurers now treat delivery the same way as rideshare for insurance purposes, given the rise of the gig economy.
If you’re driving for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, Instacart, or Amazon Flex, make sure to mention that to your insurance agent. Insure on the Spot can help clarify what coverage you need for these services. The goal is to ensure you’re fully insured whenever you’re logged into any money-making driving app – whether there’s a passenger in your car or just a pizza on the seat next to you.
Is Rideshare Insurance Legally Required?
Many states have implemented laws (often called Transportation Network Company laws) that set insurance requirements for TNC drivers. However, these laws usually place the responsibility on the rideshare company to make sure appropriate coverage is in place, and/or on the driver to carry appropriate coverage. Here’s how to break it down:
State Laws
Nearly all states in the U.S. now require higher liability insurance limits when a rideshare driver is logged into the app. For example, as mentioned, Illinois law requires 50/100/25 minimum liability during Period 1 (app on, no passenger) – higher than the standard 25/50/20 for personal cars – and a $1,000,000 liability policy during periods 2 and 3. California, New York, Texas, and others have similar laws. Uber and Lyft comply with these by providing insurance that meets those limits. So from the state’s perspective, as long as those coverages exist (via the company’s policy or the driver’s own), the law is satisfied. Most states do not explicitly force a driver to buy a “rideshare policy” if the coverage requirements are being met by the TNC. In that sense, having a separate rideshare insurance endorsement is often not a statutory mandate if Uber/Lyft’s insurance fills the gap in liability. However, the law does require that the coverages be in place one way or another.
Personal Policy Disclosure
While maybe not a criminal law, practically every personal auto insurance contract requires you to notify the insurer of material changes in use – like using the car for commercial purposes. Failing to do so could be considered misrepresentation or even insurance fraud in extreme cases. At the very least, it can result in cancellation. So although you might not get a ticket from police for not having a rideshare endorsement, you could face civil consequences from your insurer. It’s a legal/contractual obligation to be honest with your insurer.
Note: if for some reason rideshare insurance isn’t available in your area (perhaps your insurer doesn’t offer it and alternatives are limited), you may need to opt for a commercial auto policy to satisfy your insurer and protect yourself. This is rare for regular rideshare, but some places like New York City historically required TLC (Taxi & Limousine Commission) plates and commercial insurance for Uber drivers. Always check local regulations.
How Can I Get Rideshare Insurance (and How Much Does It Cost)?
Getting rideshare insurance is straightforward. It usually involves either adding an endorsement to your existing auto policy or switching to an insurer that offers one. Here’s how to proceed:
Contact Your Insurance Agent or Company
Tell them you are (or plan to start) driving for a rideshare or delivery service. It’s best to do this before you start driving, but if you’re already driving, do it as soon as possible (better they hear it from you now than after an accident). Ask if they offer a rideshare insurance endorsement on personal auto policies. Many major insurers do: for example, State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, and others all have some form of rideshare coverage in many states. If your insurer offers it, they can add it to your policy with an increase in premium. If they don’t offer it (or not in your state), you should shop around for a different insurer or a commercial policy.
Compare Quotes if Needed
The cost of adding rideshare coverage varies. In general, it’s “affordable” and only raises your premium modestly – think in terms of perhaps a 5-20% increase, depending on how much you drive and your location. It’s not like buying a second policy; it’s an add-on. Companies price it based on factors like your car, driving record, and how the endorsement is structured. For example, if you have a higher coverage limits on your personal policy, the endorsement might cost a bit more, etc. It’s wise to get quotes from a few insurers. Working with an independent insurance agent (who can quote multiple companies) is a good approach.
Understand What You’re Buying
Make sure you know what the rideshare endorsement covers. Ideally, it should:
- Cover you during Period 1 (app on, no passenger) for liability, collision, etc., as if you were still on personal use.
- Overlap with the TNC coverage during Period 2/3 as needed – for example, some endorsements will also pay if the TNC’s coverage somehow doesn’t (excess or gap coverage).
- Possibly offer deductible gap coverage (as mentioned, reimbursing part of that $2,500).
- Extend to delivery services if you also do deliveries (ask about this specifically).
Each insurer’s product is a bit different, but these are good points to clarify.
Finalize and Keep Proof
Once you add rideshare coverage, your proof of insurance should reflect you have a policy that doesn’t exclude TNC use. Uber and Lyft usually won’t ask for proof of your personal coverage beyond ensuring you meet minimum requirements, but it’s good to have. Keep your insurance card and declaration page handy.
At Insure on the Spot, we specialize in helping Illinois drivers (and beyond) get the right coverage. We can quickly identify the best option for auto insurance for rideshare drivers given your situation. Our agents can tell you exactly how much adding the endorsement would cost, and we’ll shop around if needed. In many cases, drivers are pleasantly surprised that they can get this extra protection without breaking the bank.
For personalized rates, you can get a free quote in 2 minutes on our website or call Insure on the Spot. We’ll ensure you have the correct coverage, whether you’re a full-time rideshare pro or a weekend warrior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will my personal car insurance cover me while driving for Uber or Lyft?
A: Typically, no. Most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage when you use your car for “livery” or ride-hailing. If you haven’t informed your insurer and added coverage, an accident during Uber/Lyft trips likely won’t be covered by your personal policy. Always check your policy terms, but as a rule, assume you need a rideshare endorsement for coverage while app-active.
Q: What is a rideshare insurance endorsement?
A: It’s a special add-on to your auto policy that extends your coverage to include rideshare (TNC) use. Instead of buying a separate commercial policy, you pay a bit more to your personal insurer to cover the gap periods and coordinate with the rideshare company’s insurance. It essentially modifies your policy so that it doesn’t exclude Uber/Lyft driving. Each insurer’s endorsement might differ, but all serve the purpose of keeping you covered whenever you’re driving for hire.
Q: Do I need to tell my insurer I drive for a rideshare company?
A: Yes, absolutely. It’s crucial to inform your insurance company if you start driving for Uber, Lyft, or any delivery apps. If you don’t tell them and later need to file a claim, they might deny coverage and cancel your policy for misrepresentation. Telling them upfront allows you to add the proper coverage. It’s better they hear it from you than find out in a claims investigation.
Q: Are Uber and Lyft drivers required to carry commercial insurance or an SR-22?
A: Not usually. Uber and Lyft’s standard drivers can use a personal auto policy with a rideshare endorsement – a full commercial taxi policy is not required for typical rideshare in most states. (Exceptions might be places with unique local rules.) An SR-22, on the other hand, is a certificate required by the DMV for high-risk drivers (often after serious violations). Whether you need an SR-22 depends on your driving record, not on being a rideshare driver. If you do need an SR-22 filing, you can still get rideshare insurance – just make sure your insurer can file the SR-22 and know you’re driving for a TNC. Insure on the Spot, for example, can help high-risk drivers (SR-22 holders) obtain proper coverage while ridesharing.
Q: How much liability insurance do Uber and Lyft provide?
A: During an active trip (passenger in car or en route), $1,000,000 in liability coverage is provided by Uber and Lyft for any at-fault accidents. This covers injuries or property damage you cause to others. When you’re waiting for a ride, they provide a smaller amount (usually $50k per person/$100k per accident for injuries, $25k for property). They also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in many cases to protect you and passengers if a third party without insurance causes harm.
Q: Will Uber/Lyft’s insurance cover damage to my own car?
A: Only in some situations. Uber and Lyft offer contingent comprehensive and collision coverage if you have those coverages on your personal policy. This applies once you’ve accepted a ride and have a passenger or are en route. However, you must pay up to a $2,500 deductible before the TNC’s insurance pays for the rest of your car’s damage. And if the accident occurs while you’re just waiting for a request (Period 1), they won’t cover your car at all – you’d need your own policy for that.
Q: How much does adding rideshare insurance cost?
A: It varies, but it’s generally an affordable increase to your premium – often a small monthly surcharge. Insurers don’t usually publish a flat cost because it depends on your circumstances (location, vehicle, how often you drive, etc.). To give a sense: some drivers report increases of maybe $15-$20 per month, others a bit more or less. It’s far cheaper than a separate commercial policy. Considering the protection it provides, it’s a worthwhile investment. We can provide a personalized quote for you in minutes – often, we find that the cost is minimal compared to the potential out-of-pocket risk of going without it.
Q: I drive for DoorDash and occasionally Uber – do I need two different policies?
A: No, you don’t need separate policies. A single rideshare endorsement on your personal auto policy should cover all app-based driving (people or deliveries) as long as your insurer knows the platforms you use. Many insurers treat rideshare and delivery the same for coverage purposes. Just be sure to list all the services you drive for when setting up the policy. For instance, if you mainly do DoorDash but sometimes give Uber rides, the one endorsement can cover both. Always double-check with your agent that your policy extends to delivery apps too.
Q: What happens if I don’t have rideshare insurance and get into an accident?
A: It can be financially devastating. If the accident happens during a period your personal insurance isn’t covering (which is anytime the app is on without the endorsement), you may find yourself without any help for your own losses. The other party’s damages might be paid by Uber/Lyft’s liability coverage if you were at fault, but your car’s damage, your injuries, lost income, etc., could all be on you. Plus, your insurer may cancel your policy once they discover you were driving commercially. Essentially, you’re risking having to pay out-of-pocket for repairs, medical bills, legal liability beyond the TNC’s limits, and so on. In a worst-case scenario (e.g., you cause a major accident with injuries while you had no proper insurance), you could be personally sued for damages not covered by insurance. It’s a risk no driver should take – hence the strong recommendation to get the proper coverage in place before something happens.
Stay protected and informed: Knowing how auto insurance works in this evolving rideshare business is critical for every driver’s success. Rideshare programs have opened up great earning opportunities, but driving for hire comes with higher risks than everyday driving. The good news is that solutions like rideshare endorsements exist to keep you safe and legal. Insure on the Spot has your back – we’ve helped countless Chicago-area Uber and Lyft drivers (as well as delivery drivers) get the right coverage at the best price. For more information or a free quote, please do not hesitate to give us a call. You can also get started by filling out our easy quote form on our website. We’re here to keep you insured and worry-free on the road!