When do you need rideshare insurance in New York?
If you’re a driver with a transportation network company (TNC) such as Uber or Lyft, New York state doesn’t require you to carry a rideshare insurance policy in addition to your personal auto insurance policy. But the Empire State requires all rideshare companies to provide insurance for rideshare drivers and passengers during specific phases of the trip.[1]
That said, New York City has different insurance requirements for Lyft and Uber drivers. If you’re driving for a TNC in New York City, you must abide by the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) insurance requirements for commercial vehicle insurance. Relying on personal auto insurance can result in a fine and license suspension.[2]
Though drivers in most of New York don’t legally need rideshare insurance, Uber and Lyft drivers should always consider it to protect their personal vehicles. It can help fill in the coverage gaps between your personal auto policy and the coverage Uber or Lyft provides. Many insurers offer rideshare coverage as an affordable add-on.
Find Cheap New York Car Insurance
Insurify partners with 120+ top insurers for real quotes
Rideshare insurance requirements in New York
To become a driver with a TNC in New York state, you must have the state’s minimum liability coverage, which includes the following:[3]
Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
Bodily injury liability and death per person: $25,000 for injury and $50,000 for death
Bodily injury liability and death per accident: $50,000 for injury and $100,000 for death
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage: $50,000
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: Equal to bodily injury liability limits
New York state requires rideshare companies to cover rideshare drivers with higher liability limits while they’re driving for the company. Both Uber and Lyft have a $2,500 deductible on their TNC insurance.
While New York state doesn’t require you to have rideshare insurance, it can be useful in covering some gaps that your TNC doesn’t cover. If you don’t have rideshare insurance and get into an accident while waiting for a ride request, your out-of-pocket expenses could end up being quite high.
The insurance that kicks in in the event of a claim depends on which of the three phases of the rideshare process the driver is in. Learn more about each phase below:
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 | $75,000 per person and $150,000 per accident for bodily injury liability; $25,000 per accident for property damage; UM coverage; and PIP coverage | Yes |
| 2 | Driving to pick up your passenger(s) | On | No, not without rideshare insurance | $1.25 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage; $1.25 million in supplemental UM/UIM coverage; PIP coverage | Yes |
| 3 | Driving to the passenger’s destination | On | No, not without rideshare insurance | $1.25 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage; $1.25 million in supplemental UM/UIM coverage; PIP coverage | Yes |
Rideshare insurance requirements in New York City
The rideshare insurance requirements in New York City are quite different from the rest of the state. In NYC, rideshare vehicles must follow the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) insurance requirements for vehicles that carry no more than seven passengers.
Specifically, Uber and Lyft drivers in New York City need the following minimum commercial auto insurance coverage:[4]
$100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
$10,000 in property damage coverage
$100,000 in personal injury protection
Cost of rideshare insurance in New York
A personal auto insurance policy with a rideshare endorsement costs an average of $209 per month for liability coverage and $332 for full coverage in New York.
New York rideshare drivers pay the second-highest rates in the nation for rideshare coverage, just behind Maryland. New York requires TNCs to provide a minimum of $1.25 million in UM/UIM coverage, which Lyft describes as “excessive and unreasonable.”
This mandatory coverage — though it’s a TNC insurance requirement — is likely part of the reason why rideshare insurance coverage is so expensive in the Empire State.
In the table below, you’ll find the cheapest insurance companies for full-coverage insurance with a rideshare endorsement in New York.
Insurance Company | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $151 | $96 |
| USAA | $157 | $98 |
| Travelers | $185 | $115 |
| State Farm | $215 | $136 |
| Allstate | $226 | $143 |
| GEICO | $236 | $150 |
| CSAA | $293 | $244 |
| Chubb | $419 | $265 |
| Progressive | $487 | $277 |
| Bristol West | $580 | $377 |
Best rideshare insurance companies in New York
If you’re in a car accident while driving for a rideshare company, you want to feel confident that your insurer will cover the insurance claim, no matter what phase of the rideshare you’re in.
To make sure you have the proper protection, consider purchasing a rideshare endorsement from one of these three top insurance companies in New York for rideshare insurance.
AAA: Best for affordability
| User Reviews | 4.6 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $176/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. | $211/mo |
CSAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.3 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.3 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the professional customer service and quick claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and expensive premiums. Some also found the communication lacking and felt neglected.
AAA offers New York drivers the most affordable rideshare insurance coverage, and it’s the best option for drivers looking to save money on a policy. The insurer covers drivers during gaps in coverage in the different rideshare phases, ensuring drivers are never unprotected.
Low number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
AAA membership includes roadside assistance
AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)
Must be an AAA member to be eligible for coverage
1.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
Insurance partners and coverage vary by location
State Farm: Best for personalized service
| 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. | $98/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. | $155/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 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’s rideshare endorsement extends the coverage you already have, including collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, as well as coverage for your medical expenses. The company claims that a rideshare endorsement will only raise your current premium by about 15% to 20%.
Since State Farm relies on a network of insurance agents, you’ll have a personalized experience.
Highly rated mobile app
Excellent customer satisfaction rating in New York
Low NAIC complaint index score
Relatively few agents based in New York
Must contact an agent to add a rideshare endorsement
1.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
USAA: Best for military members
| 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. | $71/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. | $113/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.
Existing USAA members can access the company’s rideshare gap coverage. This gap coverage will extend any insurance coverage you’re already carrying for your personal auto insurance policy. It’s valid whether you’re working for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or a delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Excellent customer satisfaction rating in New York state
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Guaranteed car repairs at more than 3,800 facilities nationwide
Available only to military members and their families
Must have an existing USAA auto policy to add rideshare coverage
1.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
New York rideshare insurance FAQs
If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or another TNC in New York, the answers to the following questions can help you determine if you need to purchase rideshare insurance coverage.
What’s the difference between rideshare and commercial auto insurance in New York?
Rideshare insurance is typically an endorsement you add to a personal auto insurance policy that offers additional coverage, on top of the rideshare company’s legally required coverage.
Commercial auto insurance is a stand-alone business insurance policy required for full-time drivers or people with a fleet of vehicles as part of their business. Rideshare drivers in New York City have to carry commercial auto insurance, but Uber and Lyft drivers throughout the rest of the state don’t have to.
How much is rideshare insurance in New York?
New York has some of the most expensive rideshare insurance rates in the nation, with an average monthly cost of $209 for liability coverage and $332 for full coverage.
What insurance do rideshare drivers need in New York?
New York requires rideshare drivers to carry the state’s minimum liability coverage, personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage, and coverage through their TNC.
Can you drive for Uber without rideshare insurance in New York?
New York doesn’t require you to purchase rideshare insurance to drive for Uber or Lyft. That said, your insurance company may require you to add a rideshare endorsement to your personal auto insurance policy to keep your insurance policy current.
If you’re a rideshare driver in New York City, you need to follow the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) insurance requirements.
What company has the cheapest rideshare insurance in New York?
Erie has the cheapest insurance company for New York rideshare drivers, with an average monthly rate of $158 for a full-coverage policy, according to Insurify data. But the best way to find the lowest rates for your situation is to compare quotes from multiple companies.
Sources
- New York State Department of Financial Services. "FAQs About Transportation Network Companies (Ride Sharing)."
- NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. "Vehicle Insurance."
- New York State Department of Financial Services. "How much auto insurance must I carry?."
- NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. "Vehicle Insurance Requirements."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 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.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)