Rideshare Insurance in California (2023)

Personal insurance policies typically exclude coverage when using a vehicle for commercial purposes, such as driving for a rideshare service. That’s where California rideshare insurance steps in. It provides coverage when you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or another transportation network company (TNC).

Since 2015, California law requires rideshare drivers to have insurance through all three phases of the driving process.^[1] Here’s a look at the different phases so you understand when your policy kicks in and when the rideshare company’s policy may cover you.

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Rideshare insurance requirements in California

Regular personal auto insurance policies in California don’t cover TNC activities.^[1] If an incident occurs, your insurance coverage depends on what phase you’re in, so it’s essential to understand how to choose the right protection. California’s 2015 announcement about its new law for rideshare insurance coverage broke down the different ridesharing phases as follows:^[1]

• Period one: The driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request.

• Period two: The driver accepts a ride request and is driving to pick up a passenger.

• Period three: The passenger is in the vehicle. This phase ends when the passenger exits the car.

However, Uber and Lyft now define the phases like this:^{[2] [3]}

• Phase one: The driver isn’t logged into the app and is driving for personal use.

• Phase two: The driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request.

• Phase three: The driver accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger or is taking the passenger to their destination.

When rideshare drivers are logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, California requires the following liability insurance:^[1]

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury liability

• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability

• $30,000 per accident for property damage liability

Additionally, TNCs must provide $1 million in liability insurance for drivers when they accept a ride request and when a passenger is in the vehicle.^[1]

Uber and Lyft requirements in California

Requirements for insurance drivers and vehicle types can vary by TNC and city. If you drive with Uber or Lyft, the vehicle you drive plays a role. For instance, only certain vehicles qualify for UberXL, Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, and Uber Comfort due to additional eligibility criteria.

Rideshare car requirements

Uber and Lyft only allow certain types of vehicles. To start, the car can’t seat more than seven people (including the driver), and substantial modifications aren’t allowed. For instance, TNCs don’t accept extended or “stretch” vehicles.^[4] Cars with torn seats, interior stains, or paint oxidation won’t qualify, either.

To become an Uber rideshare driver in major California cities, your car must meet several requirements, including:

• Four-door vehicle

• 16 years old or newer

• License plate

• Well-maintained with no exterior damage

• Able to pass a vehicle inspection

• Working seat belts for all seating positions

• No commercial advertising on the vehicle

• UberX and UberXL may have additional requirements

Lyft rideshare car requirements are similar to what you’ll find at Uber, but the age of the car can vary. Your vehicle must meet specific criteria, including:

• Four-door vehicle that can seat at least five passengers

• 2007 model or newer in Eureka, Chico, El Centro, Merced, Redding, San Luis Obispo, Victorville, and Yuba City

• 2008 model or newer in San Francisco and San Jose

• 2009 or newer in all other California cities

• A California license plate or a temporary plate with the caveat that you must get a California plate within 60 days

• Able to pass a vehicle inspection

• Lyft Lux and Lyft Lux Black may have additional requirements

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) also requires you to display the company’s logo in the front and back of the vehicle. It can be a decal on the door, roof, or grill on the front of the car. However, it doesn’t have to be permanent. The CPUC allows you to display a magnetic or removable decal.^[4]

Rideshare driver requirements

Both Uber and Lyft mandate that drivers have a legitimate driving license, but the criteria are a little different between the platforms. Here are the essential qualifications for becoming a driver for Uber and Lyft.

When considering eligibility to become an Uber driver, consider the qualifications the rideshare company requires, including:

• At least 21 years old

• Valid license

• One year of driving experience (three years if you’re younger than 25)

• Proof of local residency

• Proof of insurance coverage

• Forward-facing driver profile photo

• Pass a driving record and background check

To qualify as a Lyft driver and join its network, you must meet a series of comprehensive eligibility criteria, including:

• At least 25 years old

• Valid license

• One year of driving experience

• Proof of insurance coverage

• Driver profile photo

• Pass a driving record and background check

How much does California rideshare insurance cost?

California rideshare insurance costs an average of $281 per month for full coverage. If you’re looking at liability-only coverage, the average price drops to $138. While a liability policy will meet the state’s minimum requirements, it doesn’t offer as much protection. Here’s a look at the average cost of rideshare coverage from various California insurance companies:

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You have a few choices when buying rideshare insurance. Talk with your insurance agent about coverage options to ensure adequate protection.

Each type of insurance coverage serves a specific purpose and offers a unique form of protection. Here are coverages you should consider with rideshare insurance:

Liability coverage

Liability insurance is the most essential protection and the only coverage state law requires, covering the other party’s bodily injury and property damage. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

If you’re in an accident and the driver doesn’t have enough coverage (or no insurance at all), uninsured/underinsured coverage can step in. It pays for medical expenses and may even cover damage to your car.

Collision and comprehensive coverage

Collision and comprehensive coverage are part of a full-coverage policy. Both protect your vehicle regardless of who’s at fault. Collision coverage applies if you’re in an accident with another car, while comprehensive covers damage from events like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

Deductible options

A deductible is what you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. Insurance companies typically offer several options, allowing you to choose a cost that fits your financial situation and risk tolerance. Higher deductibles usually lead to lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim.

California rideshare insurance FAQs