When do you need rideshare insurance in New Jersey?
It’s a good idea for New Jersey drivers to consider rideshare insurance as soon as they begin driving for Uber, Lyft, or another transportation network company (TNC).
While the platforms provide insurance during certain periods of a trip, a rideshare endorsement helps protect you when your personal insurance company might otherwise deny a claim because you’re using your vehicle for rideshare purposes.[1]
Save on Your Next New Jersey Auto Insurance Policy
Compare rates from the nation’s leading insurance companies
Rideshare insurance requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey law requires TNCs, such as Uber and Lyft, to provide insurance coverage that varies depending on whether a driver is waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or transporting passengers. The insurance that applies depends on which phase you’re in, should you suffer an accident.[2]
Here, you can see how coverage varies based on the different phases a rideshare driver may find themselves in.
Phase | App Status | Personal Insurance Applies? | Uber/Lyft Coverage | Rideshare Endorsement Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal use (Phase 0) | App off | Yes | None | No |
| Waiting for a request (Phase 1) | App on, no ride accepted | May be limited or excluded by your insurer | Limited liability coverage required under New Jersey law | Recommended |
| En route to passenger (Phase 2) | Ride accepted | Usually secondary | Up to $1 million in liability plus contingent comprehensive and collision (if you carry those coverages personally) | Helpful |
| Passenger in vehicle (Phase 3) | Trip in progress | Usually secondary | Up to $1 million in liability for property damage, plus contingent physical damage coverage | Helpful |
New Jersey law generally follows the insurance framework most states use for transportation network companies and rideshare services. During Phase 1, Uber or Lyft provides less liability coverage than during active trips. This can create a coverage gap for many drivers. A rideshare endorsement can help ensure continuous protection and reduce the risk of claim disputes between your insurer and the rideshare company.[2]
Compare New Jersey Car Insurance Quotes
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
Cost of rideshare insurance in New Jersey
Adding a rideshare endorsement to your existing policy typically costs less than a full commercial policy, which can help you better manage your expenses.[3]
The table below shows the cheapest companies for full-coverage rideshare insurance in New Jersey, so you can compare costs at a glance.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| NJM | $122 | $151 |
| Plymouth Rock | $136 | $209 |
| CSAA | $141 | $209 |
| Allstate | $175 | $312 |
| Direct Auto | $178 | $326 |
| Progressive | $185 | $265 |
| Mercury | $225 | $309 |
| GEICO | $227 | $291 |
| Liberty Mutual | $270 | $332 |
| State Farm | $286 | $351 |
| Travelers | $369 | $455 |
Best rideshare insurance companies in New Jersey
Several major insurers offer rideshare endorsements in New Jersey, but the best choice for you depends on whether you prioritize low rates, customer satisfaction, or available discounts. As you begin your search, keep the following insurers in mind.
State Farm: Best overall for rideshare drivers
| 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. | $278/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. | $342/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.8 | 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 offers a rideshare endorsement that extends many of the protections from your personal auto policy while you’re driving for Uber or Lyft. Combined with the company’s strong customer satisfaction scores and broad New Jersey availability, it’s a strong all-around option for many rideshare drivers.
Widely available rideshare endorsement
Strong customer satisfaction rating[4]
Competitive bundling and safe-driver discounts
Rates vary significantly by driver profile
Limited specialty coverage options
Rideshare rates in New Jersey are on the expensive side
Progressive: Best for flexible coverage options
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 648 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $180/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. | $258/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive’s rideshare coverage is available in New Jersey and integrates with personal auto insurance policies to help reduce coverage gaps.
The insurer also offers a range of optional coverages and discounts, such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and loan/lease payoff, that may appeal to drivers who spend significant time on the road.
Multiple discounts for safe drivers and policy bundling
Wide selection of optional coverages
Convenient online quotes and policy management
Customer satisfaction rating trails some competitors[4]
Rates can be higher for drivers with accidents or violations
Bundle discounts vary by state
GEICO: Best for affordable coverage
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $221/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. | $283/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
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.
GEICO can be a good fit for New Jersey rideshare drivers seeking competitive premiums. Availability of rideshare coverage varies by state, but where offered, it helps bridge the gap between a personal policy and the insurance provided by transportation network companies.
24/7 claims service
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Highly rated mobile app for policy and claims management
Rideshare endorsement availability varies by state
Fewer local agents than some competitors
May pay higher rates if using the Snapshot program
Rideshare insurance in New Jersey FAQs
Rideshare insurance can be confusing because multiple policies may apply depending on when an accident occurs. The following answers can help explain how coverage typically works for New Jersey drivers.
What’s the difference between rideshare and commercial auto insurance in New Jersey?
Rideshare insurance is an endorsement added to a personal auto policy that helps cover gaps while driving for a TNC. Commercial auto insurance provides broader protection for businesses and generally costs much more.
What does New Jersey law say about auto insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers?
New Jersey requires TNCs to maintain liability insurance for drivers while logged into the app and during trips. The required coverage increases significantly once the driver has accepted a ride or a passenger is in the vehicle.
What are the best rideshare insurance options available in New Jersey?
State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO are among the strongest options because they offer rideshare coverage, competitive pricing for many drivers, and strong financial stability. But the best insurer for you depends on your driving record, vehicle, and coverage needs.
Where can you find affordable rideshare insurance in New Jersey?
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the most effective way to find affordable rideshare insurance. Many drivers save money by adding a rideshare endorsement to an existing personal policy instead of purchasing commercial coverage, so shop around to find the best rate.
How much does rideshare insurance cost in New Jersey?
The cost you’ll pay for rideshare insurance depends on many factors, including your driving history, location, vehicle, and insurer. A rideshare endorsement is generally one of the least expensive ways to obtain the additional protection Uber and Lyft drivers need.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Ride-sharing and insurance: Q&A."
- NJ Gov. "Rideshare insurance in NJ."
- Gridwise. "Rideshare Insurance in NJ."
- J.D. Power. "Auto Insurers Struggle to Maintain Seamless Interactions Across Channels, JD Power Finds."
Methodology
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:
- 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.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)