You’re considered an independent contractor as soon as you switch on a ridesharing app, and that means you need coverage beyond your personal car insurance.1 The good news is that Uber and Lyft offer standard coverage that meets Arizona insurance requirements.2
The bad news is this coverage may not offer enough protection in certain cases, such as when you don’t have any passengers in your car. It may also jeopardize your personal auto policy in some cases.3
Here, you’ll learn how rideshare coverage works and how you can ensure you have the protection you need.
Most insurers offer rideshare coverage as an endorsement on your personal auto policy.
Auto-Owners, Mile Auto, and State Farm offer the best coverage options for the extra money.
It’s best to speak with an agent to ensure you’re fully protected since everyone’s risk is different and you’re exposed to more liability when driving for rideshare companies.
Cost of rideshare insurance in Arizona
Drivers who buy rideshare insurance endorsements for their personal auto insurance policies typically pay $262 per month for full coverage, compared to $180 per month without the added protection. One of the best ways to save money on coverage is by shopping around.
The following companies offer the lowest rates on liability-only coverage with a rideshare endorsement.
Best rideshare insurance companies in Arizona
Learn more about the top three rideshare insurance companies in Arizona and the types of coverage they offer.
Auto-Owners: Best for low rates
Mile Auto: Best for sporadic rideshare drivers
State Farm: Best for quality coverage
Rideshare insurance requirements in Arizona
Arizona Revised Statute 28-4038 requires all drivers working for a transportation network company (TNC) to carry a certain amount of coverage for each phase of the ride they’re in.5 You can see the requirements below, along with who’s responsible for the coverage, since it’s not always a straightforward answer like with standard auto insurance policies.
Phase 1: The app is on, but you haven’t yet accepted a ride. Arizona law requires you to carry a 25/50/20 policy at a minimum. Uber and Lyft offer a free 50/100/25 liability policy, but you’ll need to file a claim with your personal insurance first.
Phase 2: You’ve accepted a ride request and are en route to pick up your passengers. Arizona law requires you to carry at least $250,000 of liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Uber and Lyft drivers get $1 million in rideshare coverage.
Phase 3: You currently have people in your vehicle. Arizona’s laws require your liability insurance coverage to increase up to a minimum of $1 million. Uber’s and Lyft’s driver insurance continues, subject to you filing a claim with your personal auto insurance policy first.
As you can see, each rideshare service has crafted insurance policies offering adequate coverage to meet state minimum requirements, and the coverage is free for all drivers while they’re using the rideshare app. But these policies have several downsides, including:
You have no control over the deductibles and coverage amounts, which may not be the best choice for your personal situation.
You may not have protection against damage to your own car or medical bills if you’re injured in an at-fault accident.
You have to file claims with your personal auto insurance policy first — even if they don’t offer rideshare coverage — which can raise your rates and even lead to policy cancellations.
That’s why insurance experts recommend that rideshare drivers purchase a rideshare endorsement on their personal car insurance policy. These policies typically cover you during Phase 1 of the rideshare cycle, but some companies extend some types of coverage options into Phases 2 and 3.
Requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft in Arizona
The requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft vary by city, not state, so you might have different hoops to jump through in Phoenix than in Tucson. You’ll need to sign up as a driver to learn if you’re eligible, but some broad policies apply to everyone, as you’ll see below.
Rideshare car requirements
4-door vehicle
In good working condition
No cosmetic damage, commercial branding
14–16 years old or newer, depending on what city you live in
Rideshare driver requirements
Driver profile photo
Proof of residency
U.S. driver’s license
Pass a background check
Proof of insurance coverage
Uber: At least one year of driving experience (three years if you’re younger than 25)
Lyft: Age 25 or older
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
Insurance companies frequently offer a rideshare endorsement with the same type of options as a personal auto policy. These include:
Rideshare insurance FAQs
Driving for a rideshare company means you might need to purchase extra coverage for the additional liability you’re taking on. Here’s more information to help guide you at a glance.
Does Arizona require rideshare insurance?
Yes, Arizona requires all rideshare drivers to carry additional coverage. Uber and Lyft offer supplementary policies to help all drivers meet these requirements, but they leave big gaps in your coverage. Buying a special rideshare endorsement from your insurance agency can help ensure you’re fully protected.
Do Uber drivers in Arizona have to carry commercial auto insurance?
Yes, Uber drivers in Arizona must carry commercial vehicle insurance. Uber does cover all drivers for the minimum required amount, but there are many downsides to relying on this policy alone. That’s why experts recommend talking with an insurance agent to make sure you’re carrying the right coverage to fully protect you in all cases.
Do you really need rideshare insurance if you have personal auto insurance?
You don’t need rideshare insurance since Lyft and Uber insurance may cover you, but only if you file a claim against your policy first — which can lead to policy cancellations or increased rates. Rideshare insurance policies, in contrast, protect you better against the fine print details in your contract with these transportation companies.
What happens if you get into an accident while ridesharing without the right insurance?
You’ll need to file a claim with your personal insurance first. Without a rideshare endorsement, Uber and Lyft accidents aren’t covered, so your insurer may increase your rates or cancel your policy. Once your insurer denies your claim or you exhaust the limits of your coverage, then Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance policies will kick in.
Does DoorDash count as rideshare for insurance?
It depends on the insurance company. State Farm’s website notes that delivery drivers who use their personal cars may only need a “business-use notation on your policy,” for example, as opposed to a full rideshare policy that covers passengers.
How does a rideshare insurance claim work?
You’ll typically need to file a claim with your personal insurer first, whether you’re covered or not. Most personal auto policies don’t cover business use of vehicles, and if not, then Uber’s or Lyft’s coverage will kick in.