Buckle is an insurtech company that helps small and midsize managing general agents (MGAs) grow in their respective insurance markets through “fronting” — the process of using a licensed insurer to issue policies for a self-insured organization or captive insurer.1
Buckle works with Gateway Insurance, which it fully acquired in 2020, to provide more competitive terms and lower-cost fronting services.2 After acquiring Gateway, Buckle began selling commercial car insurance to rideshare and delivery drivers. But the company no longer offers this coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about Buckle, including alternative insurance options to consider for rideshare insurance.
It’s unclear exactly why Buckle Insurance stopped selling rideshare coverage. But several news articles indicate that a lack of funds was a driving factor. The company decided to limit underwriting to reduce risk, improve profitability, and protect capital, according to a regulatory filing by Gateway Insurance. The company also went through a series of layoffs during this time.
Alternatives to Buckle Insurance
Though Buckle doesn’t sell rideshare insurance anymore, you have plenty of other options to choose from. Here are several reputable rideshare insurance companies that can be a good alternative to Buckle.
State Farm: Best for customer satisfaction
USAA: Best for military personnel
Progressive: Best for coverage options
Rideshare coverage options
Rideshare insurance provides protection for the coverage gaps between your personal auto insurance policy and the rideshare company’s insurance policy. The most common coverage gap is the period when you have the rideshare app turned on but haven’t matched with a passenger yet.
Rideshare insurance provides similar coverage to your personal car insurance policy. Here are the coverage options that most rideshare insurance policies include:
How to get a rideshare insurance quote
Most car insurance companies don’t provide rideshare insurance quotes online like they do for personal car insurance because many insurers offer rideshare insurance only to existing policyholders.
To get a rideshare quote, you should call the insurance company’s customer service department. An agent will ask you some questions to calculate your premium. If you’re not buying rideshare insurance from your existing auto insurance company, the quote process might also involve a credit check.
How to file a rideshare insurance claim
The process of filing a rideshare insurance or delivery insurance claim will depend on the specific insurer you have. Here are the general steps you’ll need to follow:
Document the damage. If you’re filing a physical damage claim under the collision or comprehensive portion of your rideshare insurance policy, take photos and videos of the damage. This will help the insurance adjuster investigate the claim and determine how much it’ll cost to repair the vehicle.
Report the claim. Most insurance companies and rideshare platforms allow drivers to file a claim on the website, over the phone, or through the mobile app. When you file the claim, you’ll need to provide a description of the incident and provide the information you have, like a police report, witness statements, and photos and videos of the damage.
Wait for reimbursement. Once the insurer approves your claim, you’ll receive the settlement from your insurance company. If you’re filing a physical damage claim, you’ll probably need to pay a deductible. Either the deductible will come out of your final settlement or you’ll pay the deductible to the repair shop that works on your vehicle.
Buckle Insurance FAQs
While Buckle no longer offers rideshare insurance for gig drivers, the company is still operating. The following information can help answer your remaining questions about Buckle and rideshare insurance options.
When did Buckle stop selling car insurance?
It appears that Buckle stopped selling car insurance for rideshare drivers in 2023 after it began experiencing financial issues and laid off a significant number of employees. The insurance company hasn’t sold any other insurance products since then. The company has its focus on its fronting insurance model.
Do drivers need to meet a rideshare insurance requirement?
State laws don’t legally mandate rideshare insurance in the same way that they require liability insurance. But if your car insurance company finds out that you’re driving for a rideshare service and you don’t have rideshare coverage, it could cancel your policy. Additionally, your car insurance company might not pay for incidents that happen while you’re driving for rideshare platforms if you don’t have coverage.
Do you need separate insurance as a delivery driver?
Certain delivery drivers can also get rideshare insurance, specifically if you drive for an app-based delivery service, like Uber Eats or DoorDash. But not all delivery drivers can get rideshare insurance. For example, if you work for a package delivery company full-time, you’re technically using your vehicle as part of a business, which would require a commercial car insurance policy.
)
)
)
)
)