Rideshare Insurance
As Low As $95/month
We Insure Uber and Lyft Drivers Across California
If you drive for Uber or Lyft in California, your personal auto policy gives you no coverage from the moment you log on to the app until you log off or your passenger gets out, unless the policy has a rideshare endorsement (California Public Utilities Code §5434).
Uber and Lyft must carry the insurance California requires while the app is on, but that coverage has gaps, especially for damage to your own car while you’re waiting for a request. Whether you drive full time or a few hours a week, a rideshare endorsement keeps your personal coverage in place and helps fill those gaps.
Requirements for Rideshare Insurance in California
California splits every rideshare trip into periods, and the required coverage changes in each one (California Public Utilities Code §5433, as updated January 1, 2026).
Period 1
App on, waiting for a request (and between rides). Uber or Lyft must provide primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries and $30,000 for property damage, plus at least $200,000 in excess liability coverage. None of this pays to repair your own car.
Period 2
Ride accepted, driving to the pickup. Uber or Lyft must provide $1,000,000 in primary coverage for death, personal injury and property damage. Coverage for damage to your own car depends on the company’s policy and generally requires comprehensive and collision on your personal policy.
Period 3
Passenger in the car. The same $1,000,000 in primary coverage applies, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, paid for by the rideshare company. That UM/UIM amount was lowered from $1 million on January 1, 2026.
Period 0 is when the app is off. Only your personal policy applies, and it must meet California’s minimum limits of $30,000 / $60,000 / $15,000.
Additional Rideshare Laws in California
Rideshare companies must tell drivers in writing (PUC §5432):
- The insurance coverage and limits the company provides while you use the app
- That your personal auto policy won’t cover you while you use the app
- That your personal policy won’t pay collision or comprehensive damage to your car from log-on to log-off
After an accident, the rideshare company and its insurer must cooperate with the other insurers involved, including sharing the exact times you logged on and off the app (PUC §5435). The law also says rideshare insurance can’t require your personal insurer to deny a claim first (PUC §5433).
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft describe their current coverage in your driver agreement and on their websites. Their policies can change, so check the latest version. Here’s how their coverage generally works in California:
Uber
Liability: meets California’s requirements in each period above.
Damage to your car: Uber’s coverage for your own car generally applies only after you accept a ride, and only if you carry comprehensive and collision on your personal policy. It comes with a deductible, which can be high, so check your driver agreement for the current amount.
Lyft
Liability: meets California’s requirements in each period above.
Damage to your car: Lyft’s coverage for your own car generally applies only after you accept a ride, and only if you carry comprehensive and collision on your personal policy, with a deductible. Check Lyft’s current driver terms.
Tell your insurance company you drive for Uber or Lyft. If it doesn’t know, it can deny a claim or cancel your policy. A rideshare endorsement avoids that problem.
How MIS helps: MIS is an independent insurance broker, not an insurance company. We compare insurance companies that offer a rideshare endorsement or a rideshare-friendly policy, which typically covers you like a personal policy when the app is off and fills the gap while you’re waiting for a request. What each option covers depends on the company, and we’ll explain it in writing before you buy.
Personal and Rideshare Coverage
The biggest gap is Period 1: you’re logged on and waiting, your personal policy has stopped, and Uber’s or Lyft’s coverage pays nothing for your own car. A rideshare endorsement is designed to fill that gap and keep your personal policy from being canceled because you drive for an app. Some options also help with the deductible gap during a ride. Ask us what each option includes.
auto insurance and rideshare company policies.
before passengers are in the vehicle.
while transporting riders on active trips.
coverage tailored to rideshare driving needs.
MIS Insurance provides rideshare insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers in all cities in California including: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Irvine, Fremont, San Bernardino, Modesto, Fontana, Oxnard, Moreno Valley, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Oceanside, Garden Grove, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Rosa, Ontario, Elk Grove. Call us today to get a free quote and avoid costly gaps in your rideshare insurance.
Rideshare Insurance Questions and Answers
Do I need rideshare insurance to drive for Uber or Lyft in California?
It’s not required by law, since Uber and Lyft carry the coverage the state requires while your app is on. But that coverage has gaps, especially for your own car while you wait for a request, and your personal policy usually won’t pay while the app is on. Rideshare insurance fills those gaps.
Will my personal auto insurance cover me while I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Usually not while the app is on. Most personal policies exclude driving for pay.
Do I have to tell my insurance company I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Yes. If your insurance company doesn’t know and something happens while you’re working, it could deny the claim or cancel your policy.
What are the rideshare insurance periods?
- Period 0: app off, only your personal policy applies.
- Period 1: app on, waiting for a request. Uber or Lyft covers your liability up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $30,000 for property, plus $200,000 in excess coverage, with nothing for your own car.
- Period 2: ride accepted, driving to the pickup. $1 million in liability.
- Period 3: passenger in the car. $1 million in liability plus uninsured motorist coverage of $60,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
What happens if I get in an accident while waiting for a ride request?
That’s Period 1. Uber or Lyft pays for injuries and damage you cause others, up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $30,000 for property, plus $200,000 in excess coverage. It pays nothing for your own car. A rideshare policy fills that gap.
Does Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance cover damage to my car?
Only once you’ve accepted a ride, only if you carry comprehensive and collision on your own policy, and with a high deductible (check your driver agreement for the current deductible).
How much does rideshare insurance cost in California?
MIS rideshare insurance starts as low as $95 a month. Prices vary with your driving record, your car, where you live and the coverage you pick.
Does rideshare insurance cover food delivery, like DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Yes. Our rideshare policy also covers food delivery for apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Personal auto policies often won’t pay while you’re delivering for an app.
Can I get rideshare insurance with tickets or an accident on my record?
Yes, you can still get a quote. We work with dozens of insurance companies, including ones that write drivers with tickets or accidents.
Is rideshare insurance the same as commercial auto insurance?
No. Rideshare coverage is for your personal car when you drive for Uber or Lyft. Commercial auto insurance is for business vehicles, like a contractor’s truck or a food truck.