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By Ava Lynch
Updated February 6, 2023
Edited By Renata Balasco

Table of contents:

  1. How does Uber auto insurance work?
  2. Do you need Uber insurance?
  3. How to get Uber car insurance

Uber car insurance: A guide to requirements and policies

With the growing number of Uber drivers on the road, car insurance companies are increasingly adapting their policies to fit the rideshare business model. However, driving for Uber still falls under a commercial auto insurance policy rather than a more common personal auto policy. If you’re an Uber driver, you should purchase an additional policy feature called “rideshare coverage” or a “rideshare endorsement.” What this policy actually means, and where to get it, are covered in our Uber car insurance guide.

How does Uber insurance work?

Rideshare insurance through Uber extends your personal policy while you’re working but haven’t accepted a ride request yet. Once you have accepted a ride, the coverage you carry through Uber takes over. Check out additional details below.

Period Insurance Coverage
Period 0 Offline: Your personal car insurance policy
Period 1 Online WITHOUT ride request: Rideshare insurance + Uber coverage
Period 2 Online WITH ride request but NO rider: Uber coverage
Period 3 Online WITH rider in the vehicle: Uber coverage
  • Period 0: Whatever policy you use on a daily basis while not driving for Uber.
  • Period 1: This period begins when you're driving with the app active, but have not yet received a pick-up request. At this point, you would be covered by rideshare insurance plus Uber insurance. Although you have liability coverage through Uber here, it offers no protection for your vehicle. So, with your rideshare coverage, whatever coverage you normally carry on your vehicle is extended while you await a ride request.
  • Period 2: Period 2 begins when you have the Uber app active, have received a request, and are on the way to pick up your fare. This is when Uber-only coverage first kicks in.
  • Period 3: This period begins when you have the Uber app open and are currently driving your customer to their destination. During this time, you carry the same coverage as in period 2 — but this coverage now extends to the passenger, too.

 

Uber's car insurance policy:

Policy Coverage What it Covers
Liability This covers damage you incur to other vehicles or pedestrians while en route to pick up a rider. Limit: at least $1,000,000 in damage protection per accident.
Uninsured/Uninsured Bodily Injury Coverage This provides coverage for anyone in your vehicle if the other party is at fault after an accident but either does not have any insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay. Hit and runs are covered. Limit: $1,000,000 total bodily injury coverage.
Contingent Collision and Comprehensive This insurance coverage provides collision and comprehensive to your vehicle — if, and only if, you have coverage already. With this coverage, your deductible is $1,000, regardless of the deductible on your personal insurance policy.

Why is Uber insurance necessary?

By Uber car insurance coverage, we’re specifically talking about your rideshare endorsement. Because of the collision and comprehensive coverage gap left when you’re on your way to pick up a fare, you would be on the hook for any physical damage that occurs to your vehicle (unless you are not at fault). If you're driving for Uber in high-traffic areas while you're waiting for a ride, you could easily get into a costly fender bender.

Another important aspect of rideshare insurance is that it prevents your insurance company from dropping you because you're an Uber driver. Not every state or company actually provides rideshare coverage. So, by driving without this coverage you not only risk paying out of pocket for a claim but also being dropped entirely by your insurance company. With a rideshare endorsement, your auto insurance policy and your vehicle are protected.

rideshare icon

How to get the best Uber car insurance

Although many companies offer rideshare coverage, availability may vary based on your location.

Rates may differ based on your driving profile and your car insurance company's offerings. Below are some popular (and often affordable!) rideshare insurance companies and states in which coverage is available.

Insurance Company States Available
GEICO Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Maine, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska
Allstate Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, DC, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Minnosota, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina, Arkansas, Maryland
Farmers Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Maryland, Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Minnesota
State Farm California, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, West Virginia, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington
Liberty Mutual Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas, California, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Washington DC
Foremost Florida
USAA Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Dakota
Erie Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland
Mercury Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada, Oklahoma
MetLife California, Illinois, Texas, Washington

Zebra tip:

*Please note that it is your responsibility to inform your insurance company that you drive for a ride-sharing service. Because this is considered a business activity, a standard insurance policy does not provide sufficient coverage. Driving for a rideshare company without a proper insurance policy could leave you at risk for any potential damages and could lead to your coverage being dropped altogether. Please contact a representative at your company to discuss such coverage options.

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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