What kind of auto insurance do you need if you drive for Uber or Lyft?

This article has been updated from a previous version. 

Finn* started driving for Uber in the Greater Toronto Area to make extra cash. “I found myself needing $150-$200 extra a month to stay out of the red,” they said. After thinking through different ideas to make more money, Finn decided to drive for Uber. But when they renewed their personal insurance, Finn was asked if they drove for a ridesharing program. They said no.  

“I have absolutely no idea what the repercussions are. Under no circumstances do I want my rates to go up because they already went up due to other circumstances.”  

But Finn’s auto insurance premium might not necessarily rise if they tell their insurance company they drive for Uber. And they’ll be protecting themselves by doing so, too. We’ll explain why in more detail below. 

Uber and Lyft position themselves as an easy way to make extra money with an asset you already own but don’t use 100% of the time: your car. Getting set up as a rideshare driver takes time but is straightforward — Uber has a three-step process. Similarly, Lyft has a three-step process that involves basic information intake, a vehicle inspection, and a background check.  

These ridesharing companies provide coverage when you’re on the clock. Uber provides $2 million of liability coverage and the same amount for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. It also has contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for drivers, but only if the driver took it upon themselves to get collision coverage and comprehensive coverage on their personal auto policy. 

Finally, in Ontario, Uber has commercial auto insurance for its drivers when they’re on the clock, but haven’t accepted a trip. Lyft offers similar coverage for its drivers.  

Regardless, you’ll need additional insurance on top of what you’re getting from Lyft or Uber. 

What insurance do you need as a rideshare driver?  

While Lyft and Uber provide you with commercial insurance that offers coverage while providing a rideshare service, you’re still required to have your own car insurance when using your vehicle for personal reasons. Be sure to compare car insurance rates before securing your own policy to avoid overpaying for coverage. All Canadian drivers must have third-party liability coverage by law (which is part of a standard insurance policy). 

Your premium depends on various factors, including age, your home address, the type of car you drive, and your driving record. 

Pete Karageorgos, former director of consumer and industry relations (Ontario) at the Insurance Bureau of Canada states that it’s essential to inform your insurance company that you’re using your car for commercial purposes.  

“When you add ridesharing into the mix, you should tell your personal auto insurance provider because now your personal vehicle is being used for commercial reasons part of the time,” he says. That could invalidate your personal insurance even if you’re getting commercial coverage from Lyft or Uber.  

“Part of the reason is that you need to know who is on the hook if an accident happens,” Karageorgos says. Personal insurance won’t cover you if you get into a collision while working and vice versa.  

Does driving for Lyft or Uber raise your car insurance rate?  

All you wanted was to make some extra cash on the side, and we’ve stressed you out about your premium. However, there is good news. Just because you drive for a ridesharing company doesn’t mean your personal premium will go up. It depends on where you get your insurance. Karageorgos says that certain private insurance providers offer coverage for people who drive for Uber or Lyft.  

Aviva Insurance, for example, offers insurance for rideshare drivers using their personal vehicles for services. There are some limitations to these policies, however, so read the fine print before signing up.  

Some policies have a weekly maximum number of hours you can drive for ridesharing companies. You’ll also need to meet the company’s conditions regarding the following:  

• Licence class 

• Years of driving experience 

• The capacity limit in the vehicle, including yourself as the driver 

• Type of driving service (Uber versus Uber Eats) 

• Registration as a taxi or limousine (usually not allowed) 

So, should you tell your insurance company you’re driving for a rideshare company? Yes, for several reasons. The company may offer a policy that provides coverage at no extra cost, but should anything happen, you’ll be covered whether you’re on or off the clock. A premium increase, if it should happen, would be cheaper than what you’d pay out of pocket for a collision.  

*Name has been changed for privacy. 

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