)
13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
Featured in
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ 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.
Featured in
Updated
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.
Table of contents
Rideshare insurance is an extension of a personal auto insurance policy that protects rideshare drivers while they drive for a transportation network company (TNC) like Lyft or Uber. In Illinois, drivers must have rideshare insurance coverage if they plan to engage in that type of work.[1]
Here’s what you need to know about how rideshare insurance works and your best coverage options in Illinois.
The average cost of rideshare insurance in Illinois is $104 per month for liability-only coverage and $235 for full coverage.
Uber and Lyft provide some additional insurance coverage for rideshare drivers.
The three phases of rideshare driving include when you’re using your vehicle for personal use, waiting for new ride requests, and driving passengers. The phase you’re in determines what coverage protects you.
Cost of rideshare insurance in Illinois
The average premium for a rideshare insurance policy can vary based on many factors, but the average monthly cost of rideshare insurance in Illinois is $104 for liability-only coverage and $235 for full coverage.
The following car insurance companies offer the cheapest rideshare liability insurance rates in Illinois, on average.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $37 |
State Farm | $39 |
GEICO | $53 |
Hugo | $53 |
COUNTRY Financial | $55 |
Erie | $59 |
Mile Auto | $60 |
USAA | $63 |
Best rideshare insurance companies in Illinois
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO are three of the best car insurance companies with rideshare insurance in Illinois. When looking for the best rideshare insurance companies in Illinois, it’s important to focus on more than just affordable rates.
While all three auto insurance companies highlighted below have low average rates, the insurers also sell a wide variety of insurance products, have good customer service, and offer opportunities for customers to save with discounts. These three car insurance companies also ranked highly for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Auto-Owners: Best for discounts
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. | 8.5 /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. | $32/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. | $62/mo |
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Vicki
March 9, 2025
Satisfied Insured
Linda
March 3, 2025
Great Insurance Company
Richard
March 3, 2025
Unbeatable as a Former A/O Agent
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest average monthly premium for rideshare insurance in Illinois, based on Insurify data. Drivers looking to save even more on their policy can make use of the company’s car insurance discounts. Auto-Owners has unique add-on coverage offerings, including at-fault accident forgiveness, diminished value, and common loss deductible coverage.
Many available discounts
At-fault accident forgiveness
Waived collision deductible if you have an accident with a vehicle insured by Auto-Owners
Quotes not available online
Average mobile app reviews
Low average Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating
State Farm: Best for transparency
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. | $35/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. | $66/mo |
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.
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.
K
March 12, 2025
Poor
Michael
March 12, 2025
Horribly Managed Company
Jackie
March 12, 2025
Great, but the Rates are High
Some car insurance companies don’t clearly advertise their rideshare insurance policies, but State Farm makes it clear how its policies work on its website. This insurer is also transparent about what this coverage will cost you: State Farm says customers who add this coverage type typically pay 15%–20% more than their normal monthly premium.
Bundling opportunities with other insurance products
Many available discounts
Opportunities to save with safe and young driver programs
Accident forgiveness not available
Gap insurance not available
No live chat support
GEICO: Best for bundling
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. | 9.0 /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. | $46/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. | $89/mo |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Linda
March 12, 2025
My Review
Trevia
March 12, 2025
My Geico Experience
Rich
March 12, 2025
Getting Very Expensive
If you want to streamline your insurance policy management, you may appreciate that you can bundle a wide variety of insurance policies through GEICO. In addition to an auto insurance policy, you can also purchase property, business, pet, life, travel, and other types of insurance policies.
Bundling discount available
Many available discounts
Wide variety of insurance products to choose from
Gap insurance not available
Negative reviews from customers on Trustpilot and the BBB
Limited network of local agents
Rideshare insurance requirements in Illinois
It’s important to understand the car insurance coverage requirements in Illinois if you’re working as a rideshare driver. For insurance purposes, rideshare driving has three different phases.
Here’s what you need to learn about each phase’s required coverage below:
Phase 1: When you use your vehicle for personal use with the rideshare app off, your personal auto insurance covers you. It’s important to make sure your personal policy provides adequate coverage. Liability insurance only covers damage and injury to others, so you’ll need full coverage if you also want protection for your vehicle.
Phase 2: When you have the rideshare app on but haven’t yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company’s insurance may provide coverage if your personal policy doesn’t. In Illinois, you need at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, during this phase.[2]
Phase 3: While you’re transporting a passenger, the rideshare company must provide primary liability coverage. Uber and Lyft both offer at least $1 million for bodily injury and property damage.
Requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft in Illinois
Uber and Lyft both have various requirements to meet before you can start working as a rideshare driver. Here’s what you need to know about the guidelines you must meet before you can start earning money with one of these TNCs.
Rideshare car requirements
People who want to work as Uber or Lyft drivers need to have their own vehicle to use while working. To help keep passengers safe, both ridesharing apps have some standard car requirements you must meet to start driving.
Number of doors: Vehicles must have at least four doors, excluding the rear hatch.
Model year: The maximum age of your vehicle varies by company, state, and city. For example, Illinois drivers in Bloomington need a vehicle with a model year of 2014 or newer, though most Illinois cities only require a model year of 2008 or newer. If you want to drive for Uber, you must have a 16-year-old vehicle or newer.[3]
Vehicle type: Acceptable vehicles include sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans. Some cities may also allow electric or hybrid vehicles.
Vehicle condition: The vehicle must be in good condition with functioning lights, operational windows, working air conditioning, and no significant cosmetic damage.
Rideshare driver requirements
You also need to confirm that you meet your chosen app’s driver standards. They can vary by region, but the common requirements include:
Driver’s license: Drivers must hold a valid Illinois driver’s license. But Lyft also accepts out-of-state licenses for a period of time. The license must be current and not expired.
Age and experience: Uber requires drivers to meet Illinois’ minimum driving age and have at least one year of driving experience in the U.S. (three years for drivers younger than 25).[4] Lyft requires drivers to be at least 25 years old with one year of driving experience in Illinois.
Background check: Both Uber and Lyft perform background checks, which typically include driving records and criminal history.
Vehicle registration and insurance: Drivers must provide proof of vehicle registration and maintain auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.[5]
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
You should consider the following types of applicable car insurance coverage if you want to secure rideshare insurance:
Liability coverage
Liability insurance protects you if you have an at-fault accident while driving for a rideshare company. It includes bodily injury liability, which covers medical costs and legal fees if you injure someone, and property damage liability, which covers the repair or replacement costs of another person’s property you damage. Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry liability insurance.
Collision and comprehensive coverage
Collision insurance helps pay for repairs to your vehicle following damage from a collision, regardless of fault. Comprehensive insurance covers damage from non-collision events, like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting an animal.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
You don’t have to be at fault to run into trouble on the road. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have enough or any insurance. It helps cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Deductible options
When buying rideshare insurance, you can usually choose your deductible amount. A lower deductible results in higher premiums but less out-of-pocket cost during a claim. On the flip side, a higher deductible results in lower premiums but a larger out-of-pocket payment when you file a claim.
Rideshare insurance FAQs
The following information can help you better understand how rideshare coverage works in Illinois.
Does Illinois require rideshare insurance?
Yes. The Illinois Department of Insurance requires rideshare drivers in the Prairie State to have rideshare insurance. Personal auto policies usually exclude coverage for the vehicle when the driver is working for a ridesharing service, so Illinois drivers need additional rideshare insurance to cover gaps in protection while they’re working.
Do Uber drivers in Illinois have to carry commercial auto insurance?
No. Uber drivers in Illinois don’t need to carry full commercial auto insurance. Instead, they must have rideshare insurance or a policy that fills the gap in coverage excluded by personal auto policies when using their vehicle for ridesharing.
Do you really need rideshare insurance if you have personal auto insurance?
Even if you live in a state that doesn’t require rideshare drivers to have separate rideshare and personal insurance policies, it’s always a good idea to purchase this extra coverage to help fill the gaps where your personal car insurance policy falls short.
What happens if you get into an accident while ridesharing without insurance?
If you have an accident while ridesharing without the right insurance policy, you may end up with some major post-accident expenses. Your personal auto policy likely won’t cover damages due to exclusions for commercial use, which leaves you personally liable for repair costs, medical bills, and potential legal claims.
Does DoorDash count as rideshare for insurance?
No. Unlike Uber and Lyft, DoorDash isn’t an actual rideshare company — even though it’s part of the gig economy. But DoorDash does provide its drivers with some insurance coverage while they drive for the company.
How does a rideshare insurance claim work?
In a rideshare insurance claim, the driver usually informs both their insurer and the ridesharing platform. The insurer then handles the claim based on the specific terms and coverage of the rideshare insurance policy.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 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 50+ 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:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Sources
- Illinois Department of Insurance. "Ride-Sharing and Car-Sharing."
- Illinois Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Shopping Guide."
- Uber. "Vehicle requirements in your country."
- Uber. "Driver requirements."
- Lyft. "Illinois Driver Information."
)
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Jacqueline has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ 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.
Featured in