If you’re an Uber driver, your personal auto insurance isn’t always enough to protect you while rideshare driving.[1] Uber does provide limited coverage based on when you’re driving, but this can create coverage gaps that leave you stuck paying high out-of-pocket costs for damages.
Here’s a look at how Uber’s insurance coverage works and why you may want to consider adding a rideshare endorsement.
Uber doesn’t provide any coverage when the app is off, so only your personal auto insurance applies to accidents or claims when you’re not driving for Uber.[2]
Your personal auto insurance may cancel your coverage if you drive for a rideshare company without disclosing it.
Combining Uber insurance with a rideshare endorsement can help reduce coverage gaps and provide better overall protection.
How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Works
Uber maintains commercial coverage on behalf of its rideshare drivers, but whether you have coverage and how much coverage you have depends on your status within the app. The company breaks driving time into specific coverage periods, and each comes with a different protection level.
Here’s how each period works and what your coverage status looks like for each one.
Phase 0: App off
When the Uber app is turned off, and you’re offline, only your personal auto insurance applies. Your individual policy will apply to any accident or claim during this time.
Most personal auto insurance policies exclude rideshare or commercial activity, which is why it’s important to disclose to your insurer that you drive for Uber. If you haven’t told your insurer, it may deny any claims related to rideshare use.
Phase 1: App on, no ride accepted
Once you turn the app on and are waiting to accept a ride request, Uber provides limited third-party liability coverage that includes:
$50,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
$100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
$25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
This coverage helps pay for injuries or damage you cause to others, but it doesn’t protect your own vehicle. During Period 1, Uber generally doesn’t provide collision or comprehensive insurance, so it creates one of the biggest coverage gaps for a rideshare driver.
Phase 2 and 3: Ride accepted or passenger in car
Once you’ve accepted a trip and are either transporting your passenger(s) or on your way to pick up a passenger, your coverage increases significantly.
During these stages, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries and property damage you cause to riders or third parties in an at-fault accident. Uber also provides collision and comprehensive coverage to repair your vehicle up to its actual cash value.
But this protection applies only if you already have collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal auto policy. Without those coverages, Uber won’t pay for damages caused to your vehicle during rides. You’re also responsible for paying a $2,500 deductible before this coverage kicks in.
Why Personal Auto Insurance Isn’t Enough for Uber Drivers
)
Your personal auto insurance is for everyday driving, not commercial activity. Most policies exclude coverage when you use a vehicle for rideshare or delivery work, which means relying on personal coverage alone can leave gaps.
If you get into an accident while driving for Uber and haven’t disclosed that use, your insurer may deny the claim. Letting your insurer know you’re a rideshare driver helps ensure you have the right policy or endorsement in place to stay protected.
Save on Your Next Auto Insurance Policy
Compare rates from the nation’s leading insurance companies
Uber Insurance vs. Rideshare Insurance From an Insurance Company
Uber provides commercial insurance while you’re actively driving, but relying on this alone can create coverage gaps across different driving periods. That’s why some Uber drivers might consider rideshare insurance from an insurance company.
Uber insurance is automatic but limited to app activity. Whereas rideshare insurance fills in any coverage gaps and fits with your existing auto insurance policy. Plus, a rideshare policy gives you more control over your deductible and coverage limits.
Here, you can see how the two coverage types compare.
Coverage Details | Uber Insurance | Personal Auto Policy With Rideshare Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| When coverage applies | Only when using the app | During all driving periods |
| Who sets coverage limits | Set by Uber | Chosen by the driver |
| Deductibles | $2,500 | Selected by the driver |
| Coverage during Period 1 | Limited | Covers Period 1 gaps |
What Is a Rideshare Insurance Endorsement?
Rideshare insurance is an endorsement you attach to your existing auto insurance policy. Basically, it extends your coverage while driving for Uber or another rideshare service. It can fill the coverage gaps that can occur during Period 1, while you’re waiting for a ride request.[3]
Adding this endorsement can help protect your vehicle across driving periods. The availability and costs vary depending on your state and insurance company, so comparing your options is best.
What Car Insurance Uber Drivers Typically Need
)
The right auto insurance coverage for an Uber driver depends on how often you drive, your vehicle’s value, and your personal risk tolerance. While Uber provides some protection during certain driving periods, many drivers buy supplemental coverage to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
The following are some coverages rideshare drivers typically have:
Liability coverage: Required by most states, liability insurance covers injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident where you’re at fault. Your personal policy provides baseline protection, while Uber insurance coverage may apply during active trips. Maintaining adequate coverage limits helps protect your finances.
Rideshare endorsement: A rideshare endorsement extends your personal auto insurance policy to cover rideshare activity and can fill coverage gaps, especially during Period 1.
Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Uber typically requires this coverage for its contingent vehicle protection to apply during rides.
Comprehensive coverage: Adding comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or weather damage. Like collision coverage, it can help fill gaps in Uber’s coverage and protect your car when you’re not actively on a trip.
Gap coverage: If you financed or leased your vehicle, gap coverage helps pay the difference between what you owe and your car’s value if you total it.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Check quotes from top insurance companies
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for Uber Drivers?
Car insurance costs for Uber drivers vary, but premiums can be higher than a standard policy because of the added risk tied to rideshare driving. Your exact rates depend on many things, including your location, driving record, coverage levels, vehicle type, and more.
Drivers in highly populated urban areas or with higher coverage limits often pay more, while safe driving and low-risk vehicles can help reduce your premiums. The following table shows the average costs for a standard policy and rideshare endorsement from different insurers.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $50 |
| Auto-Owners | $54 |
| USAA | $59 |
| State Farm | $62 |
| Erie | $80 |
| Allstate | $84 |
| Mile Auto | $87 |
| GEICO | $92 |
| American Family | $94 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $95 |
| Safeco | $96 |
| The General | $97 |
| National General | $100 |
| Direct Auto | $105 |
| Mercury | $107 |
| Dairyland | $111 |
| GAINSCO | $111 |
| Travelers | $112 |
| Bristol West | $121 |
| Elephant | $121 |
| Farmers | $122 |
| Root | $126 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $127 |
| Anchor | $130 |
| Chubb | $136 |
| Clearcover | $138 |
| Plymouth Rock | $143 |
| Liberty Mutual | $147 |
| 21st Century | $152 |
| Shelter | $152 |
| The Hartford | $160 |
| State Auto | $175 |
| CSAA | $184 |
| Amica | $283 |
How to Choose the Best Insurance for Driving Uber
Here are the steps to find the best auto insurance policy as a rideshare driver:
Confirm your insurer allows rideshare driving. Contact your insurance company to verify whether your personal auto insurance offers rideshare insurance.
Compare endorsements vs. switching insurers. Some insurers offer affordable rideshare insurance add-ons, while others may require moving to a new insurer for better coverage limits or pricing.
Match coverage to your driving habits. Frequent drivers may benefit from higher liability coverage or collision coverage, while occasional drivers might prioritize keeping costs low.
Compare quotes regularly. Rates and policy options change, so shopping around and comparing quotes helps ensure you’re getting competitive pricing and appropriate protection.
Car Insurance for Uber Drivers FAQs
Here are answers to common questions rideshare drivers have about Uber driver insurance coverage and choosing the right auto insurance policy.
Does Uber provide insurance for its drivers?
Yes. Uber provides commercial insurance coverage that varies based on whether you’re in Period 1, Period 2, or Period 3. But it doesn’t replace your personal auto insurance, and coverage gaps can exist when you’re not actively driving for Uber.
Do Uber Eats drivers need rideshare insurance?
In most cases, yes. Uber Eats insurance typically comes with the same likelihood of coverage gaps. A rideshare endorsement can help extend protection and reduce the risk of denied claims, whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, or another transportation network company.
What happens if you get into an accident while driving for Uber?
It largely depends on your driving status. If you’re offline, your personal auto insurance will apply. But if you’re waiting for rides or actively driving for Uber, Uber’s insurance coverage may apply.
Is rideshare insurance required by law?
State law usually doesn’t require rideshare insurance, but drivers must meet their state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. Some insurers require disclosure or endorsements before allowing rideshare use under a personal auto insurance policy.
Can Uber deactivate you for not having the right insurance?
Yes. Uber requires drivers to maintain a certain amount of insurance coverage. Failing to meet Uber’s car insurance requirements or provide documentation can result in an account suspension or deactivation until the company verifies proper coverage.
What’s the difference between rideshare and commercial insurance?
Rideshare insurance is an add-on to a personal auto insurance policy that covers app-based driving. Commercial auto insurance is a separate policy for business use and typically includes broader coverage and higher premiums.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Ride-sharing and insurance: Q&A."
- Uber. "Insurance to help protect you."
- Nolo. "What Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Need to Know About Car Insurance?."
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)