Uber Allen is Uber's insurance program for drivers, not a separate service you sign up for

Uber Allen is the name of Uber's commercial auto insurance program that covers drivers while they are actively working on the platform. It is not something you explore for separately — it activates automatically when you go online as a driver. The coverage Uber provides depends on which phase of a trip you are in: waiting for a ride request, driving to pick up a passenger, or carrying a passenger.

Uber Allen covers liability (damage you cause to other people or their property) and collision and comprehensive coverage (damage to your own vehicle). However, there are gaps. Your personal auto insurance does not cover commercial driving, and Uber's coverage only applies during active work. If you are driving between the time you go offline and when you actually stop working, or if you are using your car for other purposes, you are not covered by Uber Allen.

The exact coverage amounts and what is included vary by state, because insurance is regulated at the state level. Some states require higher minimum coverage than others. You should review your state's requirements and compare them to what Uber provides to understand whether you need additional coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Allen covers you automatically when you are online and actively working, but not when you are offline or using your car for personal reasons.
  • Coverage includes liability for damage you cause to others, and collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle.
  • Your personal auto insurance policy does not cover commercial rideshare driving, so you cannot rely on it during Uber trips.
  • Coverage amounts and what is included vary by state, so you should check your state's minimum requirements against what Uber provides.
  • Gaps exist between when you go offline and when you stop working, leaving you uninsured during that time.

What Uber Allen covers at each stage of a trip

Uber divides trip phases into three periods, and coverage changes depending on which one you are in. When you are online and waiting for a ride request, Uber provides contingent liability coverage. This covers damage you cause to other people or their property, but only if your personal insurance does not cover it. Contingent liability is a backup — it pays only if your own policy denies the claim.

Once you accept a ride request and are driving to pick up the passenger, Uber's coverage becomes primary. This means Uber pays first, before your personal insurance. Coverage includes liability, collision (damage from accidents), and comprehensive (damage from theft, weather, vandalism). The coverage limits vary by state.

When a passenger is in your vehicle, coverage remains primary and includes the same types of protection. Once the passenger exits and the trip ends, you are no longer covered by Uber Allen. If you continue driving your car for any reason after that, you are uninsured unless your personal policy covers commercial use — which most do not.

The gap between going offline and stopping work

A common problem occurs when a driver goes offline but continues driving. Many drivers go offline at the end of their shift and drive home, or go offline between trips to take a break. During this time, you are not covered by Uber Allen, and your personal auto insurance does not cover commercial driving. If you are in an accident during this gap, you have no coverage.

The same gap exists if you go online but have not yet accepted a ride. Contingent liability covers you, but only if your personal insurance denies the claim. If your personal policy excludes commercial use entirely, contingent coverage may not help, because there is no personal policy to back it up.

To close this gap, you can purchase a separate rideshare insurance policy from your personal auto insurer or from a company that specializes in rideshare coverage. These policies cover the periods when Uber's coverage does not explore. They are usually inexpensive — often $10 to $25 per month — and they fill the spaces between trips and after you go offline.

How coverage amounts differ by state

Uber is required to meet minimum insurance standards set by each state. Most states require at least $30,000 in liability coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Some states require higher amounts. California, for example, has required higher minimums in the past, though these change as regulations evolve.

You should look up your state's rideshare insurance requirements and compare them to what Uber provides. Your state's Department of Insurance website usually lists these requirements. If Uber's coverage falls short of your state's minimum, that is a red flag — it means Uber may not be fully compliant in your state, or the requirements have changed.

Even if Uber meets the state minimum, the minimum may not be enough to protect you personally. If you cause an accident that results in a large judgment against you, and Uber's coverage limit is exhausted, you could be personally liable for the rest. An umbrella policy or higher rideshare coverage can protect you in this scenario.

What your personal auto insurance does and does not cover

Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly excludes commercial use. This means if you are driving for Uber and you are in an accident, your personal insurer will deny the claim. They will tell you that Uber's insurance should cover it. If Uber's coverage does not explore for some reason — for example, because you were offline — you are left with no coverage.

Some personal insurers offer rideshare endorsements that you can add to your policy. These endorsements cover the gaps that Uber Allen does not. They are cheaper than a standalone rideshare policy because they are attached to your existing policy. If your personal insurer offers this option, it is usually the simplest and most affordable way to close the coverage gap.

Do not assume your personal policy covers you. Call your insurer and ask directly whether your policy covers rideshare driving, and if not, whether they offer a rideshare endorsement. Get the answer in writing if possible, so you have proof of what your policy does and does not cover.

What to do if you are in an accident while driving for Uber

If you are in an accident during an active Uber trip, report it to Uber through the app when ready. Uber has a process for handling accident claims, and you need to start that process right away. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's information, and call the police if anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage.

Do not admit fault at the scene. Stick to the facts: what happened, when, and where. Let the insurance companies determine who is at fault. If the other driver or a passenger is injured, do not discuss medical details or make any statements about their condition.

Report the accident to your personal auto insurer as well, even though they will likely deny coverage for the Uber portion of the claim. Having a report on file protects you if there are questions later about when you reported the accident or what you said about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber Allen cover me if I am offline but still driving?

No. Uber Allen only covers you when you are online and actively working. If you go offline and continue driving, you have no Uber coverage. Your personal auto insurance also does not cover commercial driving. This is why many drivers purchase a separate rideshare policy to cover the time between trips or after they go offline.

What if my personal insurance denies my claim because I was driving for Uber?

Uber's contingent liability coverage may cover you, but only if you were online and waiting for a ride. If you were offline, or if you were in a phase of the trip that Uber does not cover, you have no coverage. This is why it is important to understand the gaps and consider purchasing additional rideshare insurance.

Can I use Uber if I do not have personal auto insurance?

Technically, Uber Allen provides coverage even if you do not have personal insurance, because Uber's coverage becomes primary once you accept a ride. However, this is risky. You would have no coverage during the contingent liability phase (waiting for a ride), and you would have no coverage if you go offline. Most states also require you to carry personal auto insurance to legally drive, regardless of whether you are using your car for rideshare.

How much does Uber Allen cost?

Uber Allen is included in your Uber driver account at no additional cost. You do not pay a separate premium. However, this does not mean it is free — Uber builds the cost of insurance into the fares they charge passengers. If you want additional coverage beyond what Uber provides, you would need to purchase a separate rideshare policy, which typically costs $10 to $25 per month depending on your state and insurer.

Does Uber Allen cover damage to my vehicle if I am not in an accident?

Uber's comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from theft, vandalism, weather, and other non-accident damage, but only during active trips. If your car is damaged while you are offline, Uber Allen does not cover it — your personal insurance would need to, if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Check your personal policy to see whether it covers comprehensive damage.