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Are you considering becoming an Uber or Lyft driver, but not sure how your insurance would work?
You’re not the only one.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we travel in recent years.
These businesses, also known as ridesharing companies, have not only changed the world with digital disruption, but have also provided thousands of people with jobs.
The money and freedom of choosing your own hours are tempting for many, leading to waves of new drivers joining their ranks.
But, like any taxi driver, you must have proper coverage.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your own personal car – getting rideshare insurance is vital.
Table of Contents
What Is Rideshare Insurance?
In its simplest terms, rideshare insurance is a specific policy that every ridesharing driver is legally obliged to get if they want to work with a TNC like Uber or Lyft.
Once you start working for these companies, personal auto insurance will not suffice as the vehicle is being used for business purposes.
Why Do Uber & Lyft Drivers Need Rideshare Insurance?
The Uber insurance policy has been a tricky issue for rideshare drivers ever since the inception of the company. Failing to get the correct insurance could prove to be a very expensive mistake, especially if the worst-case scenario happens.
Everyone who is on the road is taking a risk. That risk is amplified for Uber drivers, for a few reasons:
- Their car is being used for commercial purposes.
- They are on the road for longer, which increases the likelihood of an accident as they are more susceptible to fatigue.
- They are responsible for the safety of passengers and therefore liable for any medical expenses if an accident happens.
An accident while working with Uber or Lyft could leave drivers with astronomical bills for vehicle damages and medical expenses, not only for them but also for any other parties involved.
Ultimately, by using your vehicle to work for a ridesharing company, the risk of a commercial lawsuit is massively increased. This makes insurance for Uber drivers crucial to safeguard against financial ruin.
Where Can I Buy Rideshare Insurance?
In the early days, many personal auto insurance companies offered little help to drivers in the wake of an accident. In fact, some even cancelled policies of people who revealed they were working for a TNC.
As the popularity of Uber has boomed, it has led to better cooperation between personal insurance companies and the TNC insurance policies.
With the massive growth of the industry, there are now a lot of rideshare insurance companies to choose from. Some of the most renowned names include:
- Allstate
- Erie
- Farmers
- Geico
- SafeCo
- USAA
- Esurance
The Advantages of HyreCar
Another option is HyreCar.
While not a household name like some of the rideshare insurance companies above, HyreCar does have an edge on some of the competition by providing people with rental vehicles, specifically to use for ridesharing purposes.
This has some great benefits for drivers:
- Insurance is included
- Pay as you go system
- Comprehensive coverage
How Much Is Rideshare Insurance?
Until quite recently, most insurance companies didn’t offer rideshare insurance to Uber drivers. If they did, the tendency is to charge them a hefty premium to add it on to their existing policy.
Today, there is a plethora of rideshare insurance companies competing in this ever-popular market, with competition making it a little more affordable for drivers.
The added monthly cost can be less than $10, depending on the circumstances.
By comparison, HyreCar provides people with an alternative way of becoming an Uber driver, that won’t risk them losing their current auto insurance.
They offer short contracts with the option of trying it for just 2 days. This high degree of flexibility and their fast booking process enables new Uber drivers to rent a car and be on the road making money within 24 hours. This is a legal and cost-effective alternative to paying higher premiums on your personal auto insurance.
How Does Rideshare Insurance Work in an Accident?
When a rideshare driver is simply using their vehicle for personal use, it is down to their own personal insurance policy to cover any incidents.
However, upon discovering that you got into an accident while working with Uber or Lyft, your personal auto insurance companies may class your car as a commercial vehicle. This means there is a very real chance you won’t get cover from them either.
This gray area has left somewhat of a hole in the system. So, this might leave you asking, “What’s the difference between rideshare insurance and commercial insurance?” Although Uber and Lyft do provide coverage while the app is on and you are driving, you will still need a personal insurance policy.
To understand this a little better, let’s consider how the rideshare insurance works. In the event of an accident, Uber has three periods that help to determine the coverage provided:
Period 1
This is when the driver is logged into the Uber app and is currently waiting to receive a ride request. Typically, a lot of personal insurance companies will not offer coverage when you have the app switched on. This is when rideshare insurance is activated.
Period 2
Rideshare drivers enter Period 2 whenever they receive a ride request and they are traveling to the pick-up point. During this period, the TNC will offer increased coverage. This is when Uber and Lyft cover you with their commercial insurance policy.
Period 3
Once the passenger is in the car, the driver enters Period 3. At this point, the rideshare insurance provided by the TNC will fully cover them.
As many insurance companies do not offer cover for ridesharing drivers, and the TNC policy does not cover Period 1, this creates a coverage gap.
This has led to some confusion, particularly when an accident does happen.
How to Report an Accident and File A Claim
Accidents happen. While such an event may cause shock or stress, it’s important to follow procedure when the time comes.
- Check everyone is safe. First and foremost, drivers must ensure everyone is alive and well before doing anything else. Uber agree that this is the top priority.
- Swap Insurance information with all parties that are involved. This will make future proceedings go smoothly.
- Contact the TNC to report the accident. This is important and no driver should ignore this step.
Drivers using a HyreCar rental will need to contact support. This can be done by pressing the ‘Contact Support’ option on the dashboard, or by calling (213) 805-8677 between 6 am and 11:30 pm PST.
Best Rideshare Insurance Options for Uber and Lyft Drivers
The hole in the system has resulted in many companies now offering “Period 1” insurance. This is great for drivers as they are most vulnerable in that period.
Another key consideration is state coverage – drivers should ensure their auto insurance company can cover them for the state they will be doing ridesharing.
Here are some of the best rideshare insurance companies for Uber and Lyft drivers to consider:
1. Allstate
Although it doesn’t cover all states as you might presume, Allstate rideshare insurance can provide a solution for the Period 1 problem for drivers in over 40 states, saving drivers from disaster.
State coverage: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, RI, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
2. Geico
Geico offers insurance for Uber drivers in most states. However, Geico rideshare insurance is reportedly more expensive than most, with reports of $150 increases in annual costs.
State coverage: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, NM, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
3. Progressive
Unlike many competitors, this firm has been singing the praises of ridesharing. Progressive rideshare insurance covers several states including Texas.
State coverage: AZ, CA, GA, IL, NV, OK, TX
4. State Farm
For one of the most extensive options in rideshare insurance Washington can offer, State Farm rideshare insurance stretches their coverage beyond just Period 1. Drivers can deal directly with their own personal insurance company for any claim, even regarding incidents in Period 2 or 3.
State coverage: AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, MN, MS, OK, OR, TN, UT, WA, WI
5. USAA (United Services Automobile Association)
Military members and their families who need the best rideshare insurance California has to offer will be able to use this company.The little gap while waiting for your next rideshare may not be covered by your auto policy, or even your company’s commercial policy. USAA can fill that gap with coverage for as little as $8/month.
State coverage: AZ, CA, CO, IL, MA, OH, TX, WA
The Bottom Line on Rideshare Insurance
Driving with a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft, without proper coverage is a recipe for disaster.
It could cost you a lot more than your license or job.
HyreCar is a great option for people who want to become a rideshare driver, without the hassle of negotiating a new deal with their personal auto insurance firm.
Whatever route you decide, make sure you have proper coverage before opening that app.
Uber & lyft require proof of insurance in tthee drivers name with the vehicle also. on the id card. How us that done thru hyre? I need to put my personal vehicle into the shop repairs from accident from ice storm, i would like lease a higher car so I can earn while mine is in shop
We work with AIG to generate proof of insurance for all drivers with their own name on the papers! We then send these documents to you so that you can upload them into your uber profile. All of our policies and process is 100% compliant with both Uber and Lyft!
Are you in Cincinnati area?
Hi Laurel, Yup, we are in Cincinnati!
I am in Cincinnati also.. So hyrecar is available here?
Yup, we are available in Cincinnati!
If I were to get in an accident in a Hyre car, what happens next? What would it cost me? What would it cost the car’s owner?
We provide fully comprehensive commercial auto insurance through AIG for the duration of the rental (which is paid for by the driver), so both the owner and the driver are covered! It provides up to $50,000 in collision coverage If you want any more information about how our insurance policy works, and all of the other rideshare insurance options, check out our FAQ here: https://support.www.hyrecar.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004984007-Insurance-Policy
Currently a Uber driver and had an accident in the rain where my engine was damaged. Where are you located in the Washington, D.C, area? I am located in Adams Morgan and need to get my engine replaced. Two questions: How much would it cost to rent a six person van; and/or a mid-size car? Is the rental cost by day or week?
Hi Linda! We have different options (daily, weekly and monthly). We would love to help you get on the road so please visit https://app.www.hyrecar.com/offers to create an account and then you will be able to view different vehicles in your area. If you have any questions or need any assistance after creating an account, please email sales@www.hyrecar.com or give us a call at (213) 269-5330.
Thank you for the information it was very helpful
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Is HyreCar in Lafayette,La?
Hi Marria,
Unfortunately, we are not just yet but please stay tuned as we are continuing to grow. Thank you for asking!
Is HyreCare in the San Francisco Bay Area?. I’ve been with the same insurance company 20+ years. I asked my insurance about coverage for rideshare or deliveries and was told my current policies would be cancelled (Auto, Home, Umbrella, etc.) – even if I purchased additional coverage from another company.
I’m only interested in driving part time to supplement my income. I checked with a couple of companies for quotes for rideshare only and the costs exceeded what I could earn part time. So I’ve yet to drive being fearful of losing my policies.
Hello Sally! We do understand your concerns. We are available in the San Francisca Bay Area! We invite you to speak with a specialist about your options at 888.688.6769. Thank you!
so, according to the graphic you included (once it’s zoomed in and the small print can actually be READ0 , the Hyrecar deductible is ALSO $2500 just like Lyft … how is this a good deal .??
Hyrecar offers full comprehensive coverage that will cover $50,000 in damage to your vehicle and up to $1,000,000 in liability. Our insurance is active whenever your driver is not currently driving for Uber/Lyft in which case they are covered by Uber/Lyft Insurance that provides up to $1 million in coverage. If you have any other questions about how our insurance policy works check out our blog post on it here! https://www.hyrecar.com/blog/rideshare-insurance-options-uber-lyft-drivers/
One thing I want to say is always that car insurance termination is a hated experience and if you are doing the best things as being a driver you simply won’t get one. Some people do obtain the notice that they are officially dumped by the insurance company and many have to fight to get further insurance from a cancellation. Low-priced auto insurance rates tend to be hard to get after having a cancellation. Understanding the main reasons with regard to auto insurance cancellation can help car owners prevent burning off one of the most important privileges available. Thanks for the suggestions shared via your blog.
http://www.carinsurance-park.com/car-finance-with-bad-credit/
I have Geico and drive Uber and they no longer will cover me as a policyholder. They said they do not cover rideshare companies anymore.
Hi Tanya, good news is: Renting a car with HyreCar will include an auto insurance for ridesharing . You can see the details of our insurance policy through this link https://support.www.hyrecar.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004984007-Insurance-Policy
What about ins in NY? Long Island?
Hi Adri, yes we are operational in New York and Long Island.
What about nyc tlc insurance coverage, which companies cover this area the best?
Thanks. Daniel
Awesome advice! Thank you very much.
Enquirer about HyreCar rentals insurance rate for uber drivers
Hello, you can take a look at this link https://support.www.hyrecar.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004984007-Insurance-Policy to see more information on our insurance policy
Hi Susannah,
I strongly agreed with the great informative post you have shared on this page about the health care problems of solutions but Someone recently asked me to name the most exciting innovation in health care today, like an app that’s catching fire in the expert patient communities .
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Does hyre car operate in Anchorage Alaska
Hello, we are operational in Alaska!
https://www.hyrecar.com/blog/state-rideshare-vehicle-requirements/
Hi there. Really good publishing. I must state I discovered something very helpful for myself.
I hope it’s more. Thanks for your insight.
Hello, thank you so much for your positive feedbacks! We are so glad you found us and we hope to continue providing our readers with useful informations!
Really glad I found your blog just in time I was searching for reliable insurance companies, quite a useful blog.
Hello Jordan, thank you! We are really glad that you found us, we hope to continue providing our readers with valuable informations. Good luck finding your insurance!
Thanks for the post. None of them knew about it until we read about it. This insurance will surely help the drivers as they caught in a situation where insurance can save their money. I’ll share this article with my friends so that they can tell the drivers and make them aware of this.
Allstate just started rideshare insurance in New York. But they don’t cover food delivery like Uber Eats or GrubHub. No other company will cover this in N.Y.State. One of two things will happen either these food delivery and rideshare companies comply and offer full coverage while the app is on regardless if they’re delivering or not or the insurance companies will have to offer rideshare insurance. I feel they’re going to make the rideshare and delivery companies comply making it a law.Or there’s going to be a lot of law suits that nobody will be able to pay. Food delivery companies most are not insured to start with
Gieco does not offer any type of rideshare insurance to include food delivery driving. They cancelled my policy when they were notified via Doordash I was a driver. I called today to clarify and they stated they do NOT insure any rideshare vehicles.
If driver gets into an accident at stage 1 (driving to pick up a passenger) but he does not have $2500 to pay the deductible, do you sell or recommend other insurance options (for the owner or the driver) that will protect the owner should the driver not pay the $2500 deductible?
Hello there. Its quite an extensive blog. Thanks for the all the information you’ve incorporated in your article.
Thanks, Dagny! We’re thrilled you enjoyed it.
If I rent my own car to some one but this person is in vacation. Can be covered by u guys ??
Renters do have to be using the car for gig use.