Uber has two separate insurance programs: one that covers you as a driver, and one that covers passengers
Uber maintains insurance for both drivers and passengers, but they operate under different rules and cover different situations. As a driver, you are covered by Uber's commercial auto insurance when you are actively working — that is, when the app is on and you have accepted a ride or are en route to pick up a passenger. When the app is off, your personal auto insurance is responsible. As a passenger, Uber's insurance covers you if you are injured in a collision during a ride, regardless of who caused the accident.
The distinction matters because your personal auto insurance policy typically does not cover commercial rideshare activity. If you drive for Uber and rely only on your personal policy, you could face a claim denial if an accident happens while you are working. Uber's coverage fills that gap, but only during specific periods of the trip.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's driver insurance covers you only when the app is on and you have a passenger or are heading to pick one up; it does not cover you when the app is off or when you are waiting between rides.
- Your personal auto insurance is your primary coverage when the app is off, and most personal policies exclude rideshare work entirely.
- Passenger coverage is automatic and does not require you to do anything; Uber's insurance covers injury claims from collisions regardless of fault.
- Coverage limits vary by state and by whether Uber or the driver is found liable, so the amount you receive depends on local law and the accident circumstances.
- If you drive for Uber, you should contact your personal auto insurer to understand how they treat rideshare activity and whether you need a commercial or rideshare endorsement.
What Uber's driver insurance covers and when it applies
Uber's commercial auto insurance for drivers has three distinct periods. Period 1 begins when you turn on the app and ends when you accept a ride request. During this time, Uber provides limited coverage — typically liability only, with no coverage for collision or comprehensive damage to your own vehicle. Period 2 starts the moment you accept a ride and continues until the passenger exits your vehicle. This is when coverage is broadest: Uber covers liability, collision, and comprehensive damage. Period 3 applies when you are en route to pick up a passenger after accepting the ride but before they enter the car.
The coverage limits depend on your state and the circumstances of the accident. In most states, Uber's liability coverage is at least $1 million per incident when you have a passenger in the car. If you cause an accident, Uber's insurance typically covers it first. If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, Uber's uninsured motorist coverage may explore, though the limits are lower than liability coverage.
One critical gap: when your app is off, you have no Uber coverage at all. If you are driving to your first ride of the day or between rides with the app off, only your personal auto insurance applies — and most personal policies exclude rideshare work. This gap is where many drivers face problems.
How passenger insurance works and what it covers
If you are a passenger in an Uber, you are covered by Uber's insurance automatically. You do not need to purchase anything or take any action. The coverage applies to any injury you sustain in a collision during your ride, regardless of who caused the accident. This is called no-fault coverage in some states, meaning you can receive payment even if the Uber driver was at fault.
Passenger coverage typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, though the exact benefits depend on your state's insurance laws. If you are seriously injured, you may also have the right to pursue a separate claim against the driver or Uber itself, beyond what the automatic coverage provides. The coverage applies whether you are in an Uber, Uber Eats, or Uber Comfort vehicle.
Passenger coverage does not cover theft of your belongings, damage to your personal items, or injuries that occur outside the vehicle. If you are injured while getting into or out of the car, coverage may still explore, but the circumstances matter — you should report the incident to Uber when ready and keep documentation of what happened.
The gap between app-off and app-on coverage
The most dangerous moment for an Uber driver is the period when the app is off. If you are driving to your first pickup location, returning home after your last ride, or taking a break between rides with the app off, Uber's insurance does not cover you. Your personal auto insurance is your only protection — and it almost certainly will not pay a claim related to rideshare work.
This gap has led to disputes where drivers were denied coverage after accidents because they were engaged in rideshare activity but the app was technically off. Some drivers have purchased commercial auto policies or rideshare endorsements to cover these periods, though cost varies widely by insurer and location. Others rely on the assumption that they will not have an accident during the app-off period, which is a significant risk.
If you drive for Uber regularly, contact your personal auto insurer and ask directly: "Does my policy cover me if I have an accident while driving for Uber with the app off?" Get the answer in writing. If the answer is no, ask whether they offer a rideshare endorsement or whether you should purchase a separate commercial policy for those periods.
Coverage limits and what happens if the limit is exceeded
Uber's liability coverage limit is typically $1 million per incident when you have a passenger in the vehicle. This is the total amount Uber's insurance will pay for all injuries and property damage from a single accident. If the damages exceed $1 million, the excess falls to you — you become personally liable for the overage.
In some states, Uber's coverage is lower during Period 1 (app on, no passenger yet). Liability might be $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, which is closer to the minimum required by state law. Collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle typically has a deductible of $1,000 or $2,500, depending on the state and Uber's agreement with its insurance carrier.
If you are found partially at fault for an accident, Uber's insurance will still cover your portion of liability in most states, though the exact rules depend on whether your state follows comparative fault or contributory negligence rules. You should not assume that Uber will cover you if you are found to be primarily responsible — consult an attorney if you face a serious claim.
How to file a claim and what to expect
If you are in an accident while driving for Uber, report it to Uber through the app as soon as safely possible. Uber will provide you with information about how to file a claim and may direct you to a third-party claims administrator. Keep detailed records: photos of vehicle damage, the other driver's insurance information, police report number, and contact information for any witnesses.
Do not admit fault or sign any documents from the other driver's insurance company without consulting Uber's claims team first. Uber's insurance company will investigate the accident and determine coverage. The process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the claim and whether liability is disputed.
If you are a passenger filing a claim, report the incident to Uber within a reasonable time frame — ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Provide medical documentation if you were injured. Uber's insurance company will contact you to discuss your claim. You may also have the right to file a claim with your own health insurance or auto insurance, depending on your policy.
State-by-state variation in coverage
Insurance requirements for rideshare drivers vary by state. Some states have enacted specific rideshare insurance laws that set minimum coverage levels; others rely on Uber's own insurance program. California, for example, requires rideshare companies to maintain $1 million in liability coverage, and Uber meets this requirement. New York has similar requirements but also requires drivers to carry their own commercial coverage in some circumstances.
A few states have passed laws requiring personal auto insurers to cover rideshare activity, either automatically or through an endorsement. In these states, your personal policy may provide some coverage even during the app-off period, though you should verify this with your insurer. Other states have no specific rideshare law, and coverage depends entirely on Uber's insurance and your personal policy.
Before you drive for Uber, look up your state's rideshare insurance requirements. Your state's insurance commissioner's office or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website can point you to the relevant rules. Uber's driver support page also lists coverage by state, though you should verify the information with your personal insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I get in an accident with the app off?
Your personal auto insurance is responsible, and it almost certainly will not cover you because rideshare work is excluded from most personal policies. You could be personally liable for all damages. This is why many drivers purchase a commercial or rideshare endorsement for the periods when the app is off.
Does Uber's insurance cover damage to my own car?
Yes, but only during Period 2 (when you have a passenger in the vehicle). Collision and comprehensive coverage explore, though you will typically pay a deductible of $1,000 to $2,500. During Period 1 (app on, no passenger), Uber covers liability only, not damage to your own vehicle.
Can I be sued personally if someone is injured in my Uber?
Uber's liability insurance covers injuries up to the policy limit, usually $1 million per incident. If damages exceed that limit, you could be personally liable for the excess. This is rare, but it is why some drivers purchase additional umbrella coverage.
Do I need to tell my personal auto insurer that I drive for Uber?
Yes. Failing to disclose rideshare work to your personal insurer could result in a claim denial if you have an accident. Contact your insurer, tell them you drive for Uber, and ask whether your policy covers it or whether you need an endorsement or separate commercial policy.
What if the other driver's insurance company contacts me about an accident?
Do not sign anything or make a statement without consulting Uber's claims team first. Provide the other driver's insurer with Uber's insurance information and direct them to file a claim through Uber's process. Uber's insurance company will handle the negotiation.