If you drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, rideshare insurance — a type of commercial insurance policy — can be useful. In Maryland, rideshare drivers must carry rideshare insurance.
Below, you’ll find information on rideshare regulations in Maryland and how much you can expect to pay for rideshare insurance in the Old Line State.
How much does Maryland rideshare insurance cost?
Rideshare insurance in Maryland costs an average of $195 per month for liability-only coverage and $309 per month for full coverage. Remember that these are averages. Your rideshare insurance rates will vary based on factors like your age, gender, vehicle type, driving history, and insurance company.
In Maryland, USAA, Safeco, and GEICO offer the lowest rideshare insurance rates. Here’s a look at the average quotes in Maryland for the top rideshare insurance companies.
Rideshare insurance requirements in Maryland
Rideshare insurance can help protect Maryland drivers working for TNCs like Uber and Lyft. Coverage applies in three phases, including:
Phase 1: This is when you’re driving for personal use and your rideshare app is turned off. Your personal auto coverage is in effect and will pay for any accidents or incidents covered on your policy. In Maryland, the state’s required insurance for this phase is $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage liability.2
Phase 2: Phase 2 occurs when you’ve turned on your rideshare app but haven’t received a ride request. If your personal car insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage during this time, your rideshare company’s insurance will apply and serve as secondary coverage. It’s a good idea to make sure your personal auto insurance policy offers sufficient coverage.
Phase 3: During phase 3, you’re either en route to pick up a passenger or driving them to their destination. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage.3
Uber and Lyft requirements in Maryland
Both Uber and Lyft have certain vehicle and driver requirements you must meet before you can start working as a rideshare driver in Maryland. Here’s what you need to know about minimum requirements for drivers and vehicles in the state.
Rideshare car requirements
Uber and Lyft require that the vehicles their drivers use meet the following criteria:
Must have four doors and be 12 years old or newer
Must be in decent condition with no cosmetic damage
Must pass a vehicle inspection and can’t be commercially branded3
Must have four doors and be 12 years old or newer
Must be in decent condition with no cosmetic damage
Must pass a vehicle inspection and can’t be commercially branded3
Rideshare driver requirements
Uber and Lyft also have requirements for Maryland residents who want to become drivers on their platforms.
Must have at least a year of driving experience, or three years if younger than 25
Must have a valid Maryland driver’s license
Must have proof of residency and insurance
Must take a driver profile photo
Must complete a driver screening5
Must be at least 25 years old
Must have a valid driver’s license in Maryland or another state
Must pass a driver screening test
Must own a smartphone and download the Lyft app
Must give consent for a Transportation Network Operator (TNO) license and Lyft will apply for you4
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
Here are the different types of rideshare insurance coverage you might want to explore:
You should also consider how high you want to set your deductible — the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest. Lower deductibles lead to higher premiums but reduce your financial burden after a claim. Higher deductibles result in lower premiums but require you to dish out more out of pocket in the event of a claim.