120+ more*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 4, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 4, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
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9+ years in personal finance writing
Certified Financial Counselor
Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer specializing in debt repayment and insurance.
Previously, she worked in public relations within the pharmaceutical industry before switching to non-profit work. After struggling to repay her own student loan debt and seeing firsthand how complex the financial aid and repayment system is, she began writing to share what she learned so other people could better manage their loans.
For the past seven years, she’s been freelancing for major financial publications such as Yahoo! Finance, FinanceBuzz, Forbes Advisor, and more. Her work focuses on helping people understand their financial options, including their insurance choices. Kat double-majored in English and Communications at Elizabethtown College, and she went on to earn her master’s at West Chester University. She has also earned certifications in student loan counseling and financial education.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Updated
If you drive for a transportation network company (TNC) in California, you only legally need a personal auto policy that meets state-minimum requirements for personal use. But California state law does require TNC companies to provide rideshare drivers with higher liability insurance limits than those of a standard personal auto policy when the rideshare app is on.
You should also consider purchasing additional rideshare insurance if you’re one of the more than 800,000 rideshare drivers in California.[1]
A rideshare endorsement can help fill the gaps between your personal policy and the liability insurance your rideshare company provides.
Insurify partners with 120+ top insurers for real quotes
Rideshare drivers must at least maintain a personal auto insurance policy with California’s 30/60/15 minimum liability insurance requirements. Your personal policy applies when you’re using your vehicle for personal use, but it won’t cover you while you’re working as a rideshare driver.
California requires TNCs, such as Uber and Lyft, to provide higher liability limits for drivers during the three phases of rideshare driving.[2] This state-required coverage only provides liability protection against damages or injuries you cause to others while working. It doesn’t include any protection for vehicle or bodily injury.
Though you only legally need liability insurance in California, purchasing a full-coverage policy with a rideshare endorsement is a good idea to fill in the coverage gaps. A rideshare add-on can extend your personal policy’s collision and comprehensive coverage to protect you more fully during on-app periods.
Below, you can learn more about what coverage applies during each phase of rideshare driving in California.
Phase | Activity | Rideshare App Status | Personal Car Insurance Policy Applies? | Required TNC Coverage | Personal Rideshare Coverage Applies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Personal use | Off | Yes | None | No |
| 1 | Waiting for a ride request | On | No, not without rideshare insurance | $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $30,000 per accident in property damage liability | Yes |
| 2 | Driving to pick up your passenger(s) | On | No, not without rideshare insurance | $1 million in commercial liability insurance
| Yes |
| 3 | Driving to the passenger’s destination | On | No, not without rideshare insurance | $1 million in commercial liability insurance, and $60,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist protection | Yes |
The average cost of car insurance for rideshare drivers in California is $125 per month for liability coverage and $263 per month for full coverage. This is higher than the national average and state averages in nearby Arizona and Oregon. But California rideshare drivers pay less on average than Nevada drivers, according to Insurify data.
California rideshare coverage tends to be more expensive than the national average due to the state’s higher insurance coverage requirements and severe weather risks.
Adding a rideshare endorsement to your auto policy shouldn’t increase premiums too significantly. State Farm, for example, claims its rideshare coverage typically increases premiums by 15%–20%.[3]
Below, you can compare average monthly full-coverage insurance costs for California rideshare drivers.
Insurance Company | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| Aspire General | $163 | $90 |
| Root | $180 | $114 |
| GEICO | $188 | $90 |
| Mercury | $192 | $95 |
| Progressive | $196 | $98 |
| USAA | $199 | $87 |
| Kemper Special | $217 | $135 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $221 | $150 |
| Sun Coast | $228 | $94 |
| Anchor | $237 | $123 |
| National General | $265 | $95 |
| Dairyland | $269 | $107 |
| Direct Auto | $276 | $111 |
| Farmers | $282 | $123 |
| Bristol West | $293 | $134 |
| State Farm | $306 | $134 |
| Travelers | $321 | $140 |
| 21st Century | $350 | $154 |
| First Acceptance | $461 | $203 |
| Chubb | $545 | $239 |
State Farm, USAA, and Mercury are a few of the best car insurance companies in California for rideshare drivers, based on average insurance rates, coverage options, and customer service.
Below, you can learn more about coverage offerings and who each insurer works best for.
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $101/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $231/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm is an excellent choice for rideshare insurance in California if you’re a rideshare driver who spends a lot of time in your car. The auto insurer has a rideshare endorsement that can extend your personal policy’s coverage to protect you while you’re working. State Farm advertises that adding the endorsement typically increases your overall premium by 15%–20%.
State Farm has a large network of local agents in California, and its highly rated mobile apps make it easy to file a claim or get roadside assistance on the go.
Strong J.D. Power customer service rating in California
Relatively low rates
Telematics program available
Online quotes not available for rideshare insurance
Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $66/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $150/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
California has the largest veteran population in the country, and USAA is the best car insurance company for veterans. It offers affordable average rates and a rideshare endorsement to protect you and your vehicle during coverage gaps. USAA also allows its policyholders to take their cars to more than 2,900 approved repair locations for guaranteed repairs.
Relatively low rates
Rideshare coverage available as an endorsement
Guaranteed repairs at approved shops
Limited eligibility for coverage
Doesn’t offer disability or injury protection insurance
Poor Trustpilot reviews
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.5 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $72/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $145/mo |
Mercury's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.2 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.3 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.
Mercury Insurance’s rideshare endorsements are compatible with Uber and Lyft, but they can also apply to delivery services like Uber Eats or DoorDash. Depending on your coverages, you can purchase a rideshare endorsement for less than $1 more per day.
Offers coverage for delivery drivers
Lower-than-average rates in California
Multiple discounts available
Can’t receive rideshare quotes or purchase coverage online
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California
High number of customer complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
If you’re a rideshare driver in California, the following information can help you learn about what coverages you need to protect you and your vehicle.
Rideshare insurance is an endorsement you can add to your personal auto policy to extend your personal coverage to your vehicle while you’re working as a rideshare driver. In the context of ridesharing services, TNCs provide rideshare drivers with commercial auto insurance with higher liability limits, covering different phases of rideshare driving.
State Farm, USAA, and Mercury are a few of the insurance companies offering rideshare insurance in California. If you’re not sure whether your insurer offers a rideshare policy, you should reach out to your insurance agent.
Uber provides coverage for California rideshare drivers when they’re online and available for a trip, en route, or currently on a trip. Car insurance policy limits vary by phase, and you can purchase optional injury protection for added coverage.
Yes. California requires TNCs like Uber or Lyft to provide rideshare drivers with higher minimum liability insurance limits while the rideshare app is on. California doesn’t require Uber and Lyft drivers to purchase coverage amounts beyond the state’s minimum insurance requirements for personal policies. But it’s a good idea to purchase a rideshare endorsement to fill in your coverage gaps.
On average, rideshare drivers in California pay $263 per month for full-coverage insurance and $125 per month for liability-only insurance, according to Insurify data. How much you pay will ultimately depend on the type of insurance you select, your chosen out-of-pocket deductible, and your driving record.
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
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9+ years in personal finance writing
Certified Financial Counselor
Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer specializing in debt repayment and insurance.
Previously, she worked in public relations within the pharmaceutical industry before switching to non-profit work. After struggling to repay her own student loan debt and seeing firsthand how complex the financial aid and repayment system is, she began writing to share what she learned so other people could better manage their loans.
For the past seven years, she’s been freelancing for major financial publications such as Yahoo! Finance, FinanceBuzz, Forbes Advisor, and more. Her work focuses on helping people understand their financial options, including their insurance choices. Kat double-majored in English and Communications at Elizabethtown College, and she went on to earn her master’s at West Chester University. She has also earned certifications in student loan counseling and financial education.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
