Car Insurance for Uber Drivers
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Written byJ.J. Starr
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Edited byNick Versaw
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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You may not realize it, but your personal auto insurance doesn’t cover you when you’re driving for Uber. You’ll need additional coverage from the moment you become active to the moment you sign off.
Uber and other transportation network companies (TNCs) typically provide coverage when you’re an available driver, but it’s a good idea to consider adding special coverage to your policy — usually called a “rideshare endorsement.”
A rideshare endorsement can provide additional coverage by extending your personal auto coverage limits to when you’re driving for Uber. It can also cover some of the high deductible for Uber’s in-house insurance.
So, let’s explore the details and prepare you to choose the best car insurance company as an Uber driver.
Uber Car Insurance: The Basics
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Uber drivers have unique needs when it comes to car insurance. Personal policies usually exclude rideshare activities, so it’s crucial to understand how your coverage works during each of Uber’s three “phases” and the benefits of a rideshare endorsement to ensure complete protection.
Let’s review car insurance requirements and coverages in detail.
Does normal car insurance cover Ubers?
Standard personal car insurance typically doesn’t cover you while you’re actively driving for rideshare services. Most policies also exclude “commercial use,” which includes driving for hire.
Uber gives its drivers coverage while they’re working, but you should consider getting an additional rideshare endorsement or commercial auto insurance policy to cover the gaps.
Most importantly, you should notify your car insurance company when you start driving for a rideshare company — your insurer can cancel your policy if you don’t disclose changes to your vehicle use.
What kind of car insurance do you need to drive for Uber?
You typically need more than standard personal car insurance to drive for Uber. A rideshare endorsement extends your personal policy to cover periods when your Uber app is on but you haven’t yet accepted a ride.
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Uber car insurance requirements
Uber requires its drivers to have a personal car insurance policy that meets their state’s minimum coverage requirements. Additionally, Uber drivers should obtain a rideshare endorsement or equivalent coverage to ensure they’re fully protected and compliant with their insurance company’s rules.
If you want collision coverage while driving for Uber, you must also have it on your personal policy.
State car insurance requirements
You must always meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements whenever you operate a vehicle on public roads. Uber maintains enough insurance to ensure you meet these requirements whenever you’re working, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always have adequate coverage.
When you’re not working, your personal auto insurance covers you. Remember that you may need to purchase additional car insurance coverage to ensure you’re fully protected.
Does Uber provide its own insurance?
Yes, Uber provides insurance to its drivers when they’re online and available for a trip, en route to pick up a passenger, or on a trip. But coverage differs by activity. When online and available, Uber provides liability coverage with 50/100/25 limits, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, personal injury protection, and MedPay where available.
When you’re en route to a passenger or on a trip, liability coverage increases to $1 million. Uber will also cover collision damage to your vehicle up to its actual cash value (minus a $2,500 deductible) as long as you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal policy.
How Rideshare Insurance Works for Uber Drivers
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Rideshare insurance extends your coverage while you’re working, but the protection it offers depends on the specifics of your policy and your driving phase. Every car insurance company and state has different rules, so do your due diligence when comparing car insurance policies.
Let’s review when your personal insurance may cover you versus when Uber’s does.
When your personal auto insurance policy covers you
Your personal auto insurance policy covers you while you’re commuting or driving your car for personal use. But this coverage ends when you turn the Uber app on and become an available driver — Uber’s built-in coverage and a potential rideshare endorsement cover you while working.
After you finish driving for Uber and log out of the app, your personal car insurance policy goes back into effect.
When you need special rideshare insurance coverage
Your rideshare endorsement starts when you turn on the Uber app and become available for a service. Uber becomes your primary coverage at this time, and a rideshare endorsement helps cover the gaps.
Rideshare coverage usually ends when you accept a ride, and Uber’s policy becomes your only insurance coverage. Once you drop off your customer and return to “available” on the app, your rideshare endorsement coverage returns.
Where to Buy Rideshare Insurance
When you start driving for Uber, you should add a rideshare endorsement to your current insurance policy. If your current insurer doesn’t offer rideshare endorsements, you may need to switch to another insurance company that does. When you initially get rideshare coverage, you should compare your options, just like you would when shopping for personal auto insurance.
So make time to compare your options — not just in terms of price but also coverage options, customer service, technology features, and anything else important to you in your car insurance policy.
Let’s dive deeper into companies offering coverage and how to add coverage to your current policy.
What insurance companies offer rideshare endorsements?
You’ll have a wide range of choices for rideshare insurance, but not all insurers offer this type of specialized coverage. Here are a few of the best companies currently offering rideshare coverage:
American Family: Highly rated policies with customizable coverage options, including usage-based insurance.
Erie: Offers coverage during all driving phases and ranks first for customer satisfaction in the mid-Atlantic region.
GEICO: A highly rated insurer that offers coverage in all states, as well as a wide range of options and discounts.
State Farm: An excellent option if you want to work with a dedicated agent.
USAA: Ranked No. 1 for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s latest auto insurance study, but it’s only available to current and former military members and their immediate families.
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How to add rideshare coverage to an existing policy
Adding rideshare coverage to your current car insurance policy is pretty straightforward, as long as your car insurance company offers rideshare insurance. Here are the general steps you can take to add it to your existing policy:
Contact your insurance company over the phone or through your online account if available.
Add the rideshare endorsement to your policy and receive your new quote.
Sign your new policy paperwork and pay the down payment to cover the difference in cost.
It’s a great idea to compare the quote you receive from your current insurer to quotes from top competitors to ensure you’re getting the lowest rate. And keep in mind that you may need to switch companies if your insurer doesn’t offer rideshare coverage.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for Uber Drivers?
Adding a rideshare endorsement to a personal car insurance policy typically increases your monthly premium. The table below showcases what you can expect to pay for coverage from some of the most popular car insurance companies, according to Compare.com data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium | Average Monthly Cost to Add Rideshare Coverage | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $136 | $38 | $174 |
| GEICO | $97 | $24 | $121 |
| Progressive | $139 | $38 | $177 |
| State Farm | $85 | $23 | $108 |
| USAA | $91 | $23 | $114 |
| Industry average | $145 | $34 | $179 |
While the average cost of adding rideshare to your car insurance policy is $34 per month, State Farm and USAA offer the cheapest rideshare endorsements, at $23 per month. State Farm provides the overall cheapest insurance for rideshare drivers, at an average cost of $108 per month, according to our research.
But keep in mind that your actual rate will depend on the company you choose and other factors, including your location, coverage details, driving history, and more.
How to Get Cheap Uber Insurance
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Getting affordable insurance as a rideshare driver requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to secure cheaper insurance coverage when driving for Uber:
Maintain a clean driving record: A good driving history helps you qualify for lower rates and better discounts, both now and in the future.
Look for discounts: You can easily save money by taking advantage of car insurance discounts (offerings vary by insurance company).
Bundle policies: Combining auto insurance with other policies (like home or renters insurance) usually provides a significant discount.
Increase deductibles: Opt for a higher deductible to lower your premium, but ensure you can afford the extra cost if you have to file a claim.
Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies that offer rideshare endorsements. The more policies you compare, the better your chances of finding cheaper coverage.
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Uber Car Insurance FAQs
Driving for Uber significantly changes how and when your car insurance works. Here are quick answers to a few of the most common questions about Uber car insurance.
What’s the best insurance company for Uber drivers?
The best insurance company for Uber drivers varies, but GEICO, State Farm, and Allstate offer rideshare endorsements and competitive rates tailored to rideshare drivers’ needs. USAA also provides excellent, low-cost coverage to Uber drivers with military experience.
Do Uber and Lyft drivers have to pay higher insurance rates?
Yes, Uber and Lyft drivers typically pay higher insurance rates because many add a rideshare endorsement to their policies. Commercial policies also add to the overall cost compared to standard personal insurance.
What happens if you get in a car accident while driving for Uber?
If you get in an accident while driving for Uber, insurance coverage depends on the driving phase (available, en route, or carrying passengers). Uber provides some coverage, and your rideshare endorsement covers some or all of the coverage gaps. You’ll cover the deductible(s).
What happens if you damage an Uber car?
If you damage an Uber car (i.e., a vehicle rented from Uber), Uber’s coverage and rideshare endorsement may help repair costs, depending on the circumstances. Without proper coverage, you’re personally responsible for repairs.
Sources:
Uber, “Insurance to help protect you,” accessed August 19, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed August 19, 2024.
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J.J. StarrInsurance Writer
J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.