This leaves a coverage gap during the time the app is on, but no ride has been accepted, exposing drivers to significant financial risk.
This article shows how rideshare insurance fills these gaps, protecting you through every stage of driving. You’ll learn how to compare top car insurance companies offering rideshare coverage and find the best policy to fit your needs and budget.
Key Insights
- Personal auto insurance policies void coverage the moment you turn on a rideshare app due to "commercial use" exclusions, which leaves you unprotected.
- Period 1 (app on, waiting for rides) is the biggest financial risk, with only minimal Uber/Lyft liability coverage ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000).
- A rideshare endorsement costs just $15-$30/month and extends your personal policy to cover all gaps, maintaining your existing limits and lower deductibles.
Why Your Personal Car Insurance Policy Isn't Enough
Personal auto insurance policies are designed for personal use, like commuting and errands. Almost all standard policies include a commercial use exclusion, denying coverage when you transport passengers for pay.
The Commercial Use Exclusion for Uber and Lyft
Insurance companies see rideshare driving as a commercial activity because you’re earning income transporting passengers. Your personal policy likely denies claims under this exclusion, even if you’re just waiting for a ride request with the app on, but not carrying a passenger.
As an Independent Insurance Adjuster, I often see drivers who use their car for years with no issues, then drive for Uber or Lyft without telling their insurer. After an accident, the claim is denied because the driver was logged into the app, leaving them responsible for thousands in car repairs.
What Happens When You Don't Disclose Rideshare Activity
If your insurer discovers you've been driving for a TNC (Transportation Network Company) without proper coverage, they can:
Deny any claims related to rideshare activity, leaving you personally liable
Cancel your entire policy for misrepresenting your vehicle use
Report the cancellation to other insurers, making future coverage more expensive
Nearly 60% of rideshare drivers lack additional personal insurance coverage. When claims arise, adjusters routinely verify rideshare activity through police reports, telematics, or witness statements. Once undisclosed rideshare driving is confirmed, claims are denied, and policies are flagged for cancellation.
The 3 Periods of Rideshare Driving
Rideshare insurance operates on a three-period system that defines exactly when different insurance policies apply.
| Period | Status | Personal Insurance | Uber/Lyft Coverage | Main Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period 1 | App on, waiting for request | Typically excluded | $50k/$100k/$25k liability only | Largest coverage gaps |
| Period 2 | Ride accepted, en route to pickup | Typically excluded | $1M liability + contingent collision/comp | High deductibles ($1k-$2.5k) |
| Period 3 | Passenger in vehicle | Typically excluded | $1M liability + contingent collision/comp | High deductibles ($1k-$2.5k) |
Period 1: App On, Waiting for Ride Request
When your rideshare app is on but you haven't accepted a ride yet, your personal auto insurance typically excludes coverage due to commercial use. During this time, both Uber and Lyft maintain limited third-party liability coverage with minimum limits of:
$50,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage
Period 1 is the danger zone. Drivers are essentially working but protected only by minimal insurance. A collision here can result in thousands in out-of-pocket expenses if you don't have supplemental rideshare insurance.
Period 2: En Route to Pick Up Passenger
After accepting a ride, Uber and Lyft both provide at least $1 million third-party liability coverage, plus first-party protections such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, and medical payments.
If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage, both companies add contingent coverage for physical damage up to the vehicle's actual cash value, with a $1,000-$2,500 deductible. This coverage period is where most drivers gain substantial protection, although the deductibles can be financially challenging.
Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
When the passenger is in your car, coverage is similar to Period 2: $1 million liability, first-party protections, and contingent collision/comprehensive coverage with a deductible. Drivers must get a rideshare endorsement or supplemental policy to fill the critical coverage gaps during Period 1 and avoid expensive surprises.
Pro tip: The moment you turn off your rideshare app and head home, you're back under your personal insurance policy. Keep careful mental notes of when you're "on" versus "off" to understand which insurance applies.
Why Rideshare Insurance Is Essential
Fills Period 1 coverage gap: Your personal insurance usually excludes rideshare driving when the app is on but no ride is accepted.
Extends personal policy limits: A rideshare endorsement typically extends your limits into Period 1. If you have $100,000/$300,000 liability and $500 deductibles, those apply while waiting for rides.
Lower deductibles save money: Uber and Lyft deductibles range from $1,000-$2,500. Your lower personal deductible can save thousands after a crash.
Automatic protection: A rideshare endorsement activates automatically when you turn your app on.
Many drivers mistakenly believe they're covered through the app. When a claim is denied, reality hits hard with repair bills, medical calls, and legal notices. These financial hardships are mostly avoidable with the right rideshare coverage.
Rideshare Endorsement vs. Commercial Policy
Rideshare endorsement:
- Affordable ($15–$30 per month on average).
- Covers both personal use and rideshare driving.
- Simple to add to existing policies.
- Best for part-time or full-time rideshare-only drivers.
Commercial policy:
- Expensive (hundreds of dollars per month).
- Designed for full-time commercial drivers.
- Needed only if you drive for multiple commercial purposes beyond rideshare
- Provides broader protection and fewer claim-time gray areas.
A full commercial policy makes sense when driving is truly your business, not just a side hustle. If you're on the road 40+ hours a week, run multiple apps, or have commercial branding on your vehicle, commercial insurance provides the protection you need for high-mileage, income-generating use.
Top Insurance Companies Offering Rideshare Coverage in 2026
Below is an overview of major and regional insurers offering rideshare insurance endorsements or policies that cover the important Period 1 gap in most U.S. states.
| Company | Availability | Monthly Cost | Period 1 Coverage | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | ~23 states (MW, South, variable) | $15–$30 per month ($180–$360 annual) | Comprehensive coverage | Strong service reputation; deductibles usually lower than Uber/Lyft |
| Progessive | Limited states (~2) | $13–$25 per month ($150–$300 annual) | Covers Period 1 | Competitive online quoting; limited state availability |
| Allstate | ~29 states (large coverage footprint) | $15–$30 per month ($180–$350 annual) | Includes Period 1 collision & comp | Offers bundle discounts; varying deductibles |
| USAA | Military families nationwide | $15–$25 per month ($180–$300 annual) | Comprehensive coverage | High customer satisfaction scores |
| Geico | Limited states | $10–$20 per month ($120–$240 annual) | Typically includes Period 1 liability | Easy digital management |
| Erie | Select states (IL, IN, KY, MD, NY, PA, TN, VA, DC, etc.) | $15–$30 per month ($180–$360 annual) | Coverage for all rideshare stages | Business use designation usually required |
| Farmers | Multiple states (varied availability) | $18–$35 per month ($216–$420 annual) | Extends personal policy to Period 1 | Known for comprehensive coverage options |
| American Family | Select Midwestern/Western states | $15–$30 per month ($180–$360 annual) | Covers Period 1 | Regional strength and tailored options |
Today, rideshare insurance options are widely expanding, with the market expected to grow from around $2.2 billion in 2022 to $6.1 billion by 2032, according to Global Research Consulting.
The key differences between insurers are mostly in claims handling and customer experience rather than payment. Some companies specialize in dedicated rideshare claims workflows for smooth, quick service. Don't just shop for price—shop service quality too.
How Much Does Rideshare Insurance Cost?
The cost to add rideshare insurance to your existing personal auto policy is quite affordable compared to the potential financial risk. Most drivers pay between $15 and $30 per month, or approximately $180 to $360 per year, for a rideshare endorsement.
What Affects Rideshare Insurance Costs?
Driving record: Clean records reduce costs.
Location: High traffic and urban areas increase premiums.
Coverage limits: Higher liability coverage raises prices.
Deductibles: Lower deductibles mean higher premiums.
Annual mileage: Full-time drivers typically pay more.
Vehicle value: Expensive cars cost more to insure.
National analyses suggest that adding a simple rideshare endorsement raises the average premium by about $94 annually (~$8/month) for typical drivers, with higher costs in car-expensive states. In expensive states like California or Florida, full rideshare packages can run $100 to $300+ monthly for full-time drivers with newer vehicles.
Cost Comparison: Rideshare Insurance vs. Financial Risk
| Scenario | Rideshare Insurance Cost | Potential Financial Risk Without Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Accident in Period 1 (at fault) | $15–$30 per month | $5,000–$50,000+ in vehicle repairs and liability claims |
| Total vehicle theft during Period 1 | $15–$30 per month | Full vehicle value, often $15,000–$40,000+ |
| Policy cancellation | $15–$30 per month | Increased premiums for years ($500–$2,000+ yearly) |
Most rideshare drivers I speak to earn about $500 or more a week before expenses. Spending $15-$30 a month on a rideshare endorsement is roughly the value of one or two trips. It's a small price to pay to protect yourself from an accident that could wipe out many months' earnings.
Pro tip: Track your rideshare endorsement as a business expense for tax purposes. This deduction can offset the cost significantly, making the actual out-of-pocket expense even lower.
The Bottom Line: Rideshare Insurance
Rideshare insurance is a crucial business expense that protects drivers from the potentially catastrophic financial risks of Period 1 coverage gaps. Choose policies with sufficient liability limits and consider additional protections like uninsured motorist coverage to safeguard your income and assets.
Comparing quotes from top providers can help you find affordable, comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does rideshare insurance cover food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Some rideshare endorsements include delivery jobs, but many specifically exclude transporting goods. Always confirm with your insurer whether your policy covers delivery platforms or if you need a separate commercial or delivery endorsement.
2. Can I add and remove rideshare coverage as needed, like turning it on and off?
No. Rideshare endorsements remain active on your policy continuously. They automatically activate when your rideshare app is on, but you can't add or drop the endorsement day-to-day.
3. What if another driver hits me during Period 1?
If the other driver is at fault and insured, their liability coverage pays your damages. If not insured or underinsured, your rideshare endorsement’s uninsured motorist coverage protects you—coverage you wouldn’t have without that endorsement.
