What Uber's insurance covers

Uber provides insurance that kicks in during different parts of your trip — but the coverage changes depending on whether you're waiting for a passenger, actively driving them, or using the app as a rider yourself. The insurance is not a policy you buy; it's built into Uber's operations, and you're covered automatically when you meet the conditions.

When you're driving for Uber and have a passenger in your car, Uber's commercial insurance covers liability (damage you cause to other people or their property) and collision and comprehensive coverage (damage to your own car). The limits vary by state, but liability typically starts at $1 million per incident. If you're waiting for a request or driving to pick someone up, Uber provides a lower level of coverage — usually just liability. If you're a rider, Uber's driver's insurance covers you as a passenger.

Your personal car insurance almost certainly does not cover you while you're driving for Uber, because rideshare is commercial use. That's why Uber's coverage exists — to fill the gap that your regular policy won't touch.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber's insurance covers you automatically while you're logged into the app, but the level of coverage depends on whether you're waiting for a ride request, driving to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger.
  • Your personal car insurance will not cover rideshare driving, so you cannot rely on your own policy to protect you while working for Uber.
  • Liability coverage (damage you cause to others) is typically $1 million per incident, but collision and comprehensive limits vary by state and by your vehicle's value.
  • If you're in an accident, you'll report it to Uber first, and Uber will direct you to its insurance carrier — not your personal insurer.
  • Some drivers buy additional rideshare insurance from their own insurer to cover gaps, such as damage to your car while you're waiting for requests.

The three coverage phases while driving

Uber divides your driving time into three phases, and each has different insurance protection. Understanding which phase you're in matters if you have an accident.

Phase 1: App on, no ride. You're logged into the Uber app but haven't accepted a ride request yet. Uber provides liability coverage only — usually $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident, depending on your state. This is the minimum required by law in most places. Collision and comprehensive coverage (which pay for damage to your own car) are not included in this phase. If someone hits you or you hit someone else, liability is covered, but repairs to your car are your responsibility unless your personal insurance covers it — which it usually won't.

Phase 2: Ride accepted, passenger not yet picked up. You've accepted a ride and are driving to the pickup location. Uber's coverage increases here. You now have liability plus collision and comprehensive. The exact limits depend on your state, but liability is typically $1 million per incident. Your car is covered if you're in an accident during this phase.

Phase 3: Passenger in car. Once the passenger is in your vehicle, you have the highest level of coverage. Liability is typically $1 million per incident, and collision and comprehensive cover your car. This phase ends when the passenger exits.

What happens when you're in an accident

If you're in an accident while driving for Uber, the first step is to stay safe and call 911 if anyone is injured. Then open the Uber app and report the accident through the app itself — there's a button for this in the menu. Uber will ask you questions about what happened and may direct you to a claims number.

Do not contact your personal car insurance first. Uber's insurance is primary, meaning it pays before your own policy would. If you file a claim with your personal insurer, they may deny it because you were using the car for commercial rideshare. Report to Uber, let Uber's insurance handle it, and only involve your personal insurer if Uber's coverage doesn't fully cover the damage.

You'll likely be assigned a claims adjuster from Uber's insurance carrier. They'll ask for photos, the police report (if one was filed), and your account of what happened. The process typically takes a few weeks. During this time, you can still drive for Uber unless Uber tells you the car is unsafe.

Gaps in Uber's coverage

Uber's insurance covers accidents and liability, but it does not cover everything. The biggest gap is damage to your car while you're in Phase 1 — waiting for a ride request. If someone hits you while you're logged in but haven't accepted a ride, Uber covers liability (the other driver's damage), but your own car damage is not covered by Uber. Your personal insurance won't cover it either because you were using the car for rideshare.

Another gap is wear and tear. Uber's insurance covers accidents, but not routine maintenance, tire replacement, or oil changes — those are your responsibility as the vehicle owner. Some drivers buy rideshare-specific insurance from their personal insurer to cover Phase 1 damage and other gaps. This is optional, but it can protect you if you're in an accident while waiting for requests.

Uber's coverage also does not include medical expenses for you as the driver. If you're injured in an accident, you would need to file a claim under your own health insurance or pursue a personal injury claim. Passengers are covered under Uber's liability insurance, but as a driver, your medical costs are separate.

How Uber's coverage differs by state

Insurance requirements vary by state, so Uber's coverage limits are not the same everywhere. Some states require higher liability limits than others, and Uber adjusts its policy to meet each state's minimum. A few states have specific rideshare insurance laws that set the baseline for what companies like Uber must provide.

California, for example, requires rideshare companies to carry $1 million in liability coverage during Phase 2 and Phase 3. New York has similar requirements. Other states have lower minimums or less specific rules. The best way to know what you're covered for in your state is to check Uber's insurance information page in your app, which shows the limits for your location, or contact Uber's support team.

If you drive in multiple states, your coverage may change when you cross state lines. Make sure you know what the limits are in each state where you drive.

Whether you need additional rideshare insurance

Some drivers buy extra insurance from their personal insurer specifically for rideshare work. This is not required by Uber, but it can be useful if you want to cover gaps like Phase 1 damage or if you want a backup in case there's a dispute about what Uber's insurance will pay.

Before you buy additional coverage, check what your personal insurer offers. Many major insurers now sell rideshare endorsements — add-ons to your existing policy that cover you during rideshare work. These typically cost $10 to $25 per month. They won't replace Uber's insurance, but they can fill in gaps and give you peace of mind.

Talk to your insurance agent about what makes sense for your situation. If you drive full-time for Uber, additional coverage might be worth it. If you drive occasionally, Uber's built-in insurance may be enough. Either way, do not assume your personal policy covers rideshare — it almost certainly does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if Uber's insurance denies my claim?

If Uber's insurance denies your claim, you can appeal through Uber's support team. Gather any additional evidence — photos, witness statements, the police report — and submit it. If the appeal is denied, you may be able to file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's personal insurance if they were responsible for the accident.

Does Uber's insurance cover me if I'm in an accident before I accept a ride?

Uber provides liability coverage (for damage you cause to others) but not collision or comprehensive coverage (for damage to your own car) during Phase 1. If someone hits you while you're waiting for a request, their insurance should pay for your damage. If you hit someone, Uber's liability coverage pays for their damage.

Will my personal car insurance go up if I drive for Uber?

Your personal insurance rates may go up if you tell your insurer you're driving for Uber, because rideshare is commercial use and carries more risk. However, if you don't tell them and they find out, they may deny claims. It's better to be honest with your insurer and either buy a rideshare endorsement or accept that your rates may increase.

What if the passenger is injured in my car?

Uber's liability insurance covers injuries to passengers. The passenger can file a claim through Uber's insurance, and Uber's policy will pay for their medical expenses and other damages up to the policy limit. You should report any injury to Uber when ready through the app.

Can I use Uber's insurance if I'm in an accident with a personal vehicle I borrowed?

Uber's insurance covers the vehicle you registered with Uber, not borrowed cars. If you drive a borrowed car for Uber, you need to make sure it's registered with Uber under your account. The owner of the car should also know you're using it for rideshare, because their insurance may not cover it either.