As of August 2024, Uber and Lyft drivers in Massachusetts will make a minimum of $32.50 per hour following a multi-year litigation case between the rideshare companies and the state.[?] If you’re thinking of picking up some work with a rideshare company to cash in on the new regulation, be aware that you need rideshare insurance in Massachusetts. You can endorse your current policy to add rideshare insurance and get coverage from Uber or Lyft.
The state has minimum limits you must obtain. Learn where to get rideshare coverage, the average costs, and the minimums required to get started.
Rideshare insurance is a type of coverage specifically for rideshare drivers.
Several companies offer rideshare insurance, which can provide more protection during different phases of driving.
Massachusetts has specific insurance and inspection requirements for rideshare drivers.
Cost of rideshare insurance in Massachusetts
The average cost of rideshare insurance in Massachusetts is $111 per month for liability coverage and $221 for full coverage. Your monthly payment amount will vary based on the specific coverage and your driving history, among other factors.
As a benchmark, here are some insurance companies that offer rideshare coverage in Massachusetts and the average monthly quote for liability insurance.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Midvale Home & Auto | $66 |
| Safeco | $82 |
| Liberty Mutual | $123 |
Best rideshare insurance companies in Massachusetts
Here, you can find additional information about some of the top insurance companies in the Massachusetts market.
Midvale Home & Auto: Best for low rates
Safeco: Best for endorsements
Liberty Mutual: Best for discounts
Rideshare insurance requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires drivers of transportation network companies (TNCs) — more commonly referred to as rideshare companies — to obtain rideshare insurance. So Uber drivers and Lyft drivers must get rideshare insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements. The levels of coverage depend on the phase you’re in when an incident occurs.
Phase 1
This is when you’re driving in a personal capacity and the rideshare app is off. In this case, since you’re not technically working for the rideshare service, your regular personal auto policy covers you.
Phase 2
This is when you’re driving with the Uber or Lyft app on and activated but no ride has been requested yet. Rideshare companies provide some level of insurance in Phase 2.
Massachusetts requires drivers in Phase 2 to have a minimum of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 total for bodily injury, and $30,000 in property damage coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP). The coverage amounts can come from your personal policy, the rideshare company’s, or both.[?]
In Phase 2, when you’re on the app and available for a trip, Uber offers third-party liability insurance, which includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury as well as $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident. Lyft offers the same coverage amounts for Phase 2, with exceptions in some states.
Phase 3
Phase 3 occurs when you’re driving with the rideshare app on and heading to pick up passengers or taking them to their destination.
Massachusetts requires drivers in Phase 3 to have a minimum liability coverage of $1 million per occurrence, per vehicle for bodily injury, property damage, death, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection. The coverage amounts can come from your personal policy, the rideshare company’s, or both.
In Phase 3, when you’re en route or on a trip, Uber’s coverage includes $1 million in bodily injury and property damage coverage. Lyft matches those levels of coverage for Phase 3.
As an independent contractor providing driving services for work, make sure you have the required coverage. When you’re driving for personal use, your personal auto insurance policy provides coverage. Rideshare coverage ensures you fill the gaps so you’re covered during different times.
Uber car requirements
Have a four-door vehicle
Have a vehicle that’s no more than 16 years old
Car in good condition
No cosmetic damage on the vehicle
Vehicle has no commercial branding
Lyft car requirements
Have a four-door vehicle
Have a minimum of five seat belts
Have a maximum of eight seat belts
Boston drivers must have a vehicle that’s from 2008 or newer
All other Massachusetts drivers must have a vehicle from 2009 or newer
Taxis, limousines, and non-Express Drive vehicles aren’t allowed
Must not have a salvage title or similar
Rideshare driver requirements
Here, you can see the driver requirements to drive with each of these rideshare companies.
Uber driver requirements
Have a current U.S. driver’s license
Proof of residency in Massachusetts
Proof of personal auto insurance
Meet minimum age requirements for driving in the state
One year of driving experience with a license (three years if you’re younger than 25)
Background check
Get a Massachusetts TNC vehicle inspection
Lyft driver requirements
Valid Massachusetts driver’s license (temporary out-of-state licenses are okay)
Minimum of one year of driving experience
Be at least 25 years old
Pass a background check with Lyft
Pass a required background check with the state of Massachusetts
Proof of personal auto insurance
Get a Massachusetts TNC vehicle inspection
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
When you’re driving for a rideshare company, having rideshare coverage can offer you additional protection. While you use your personal car for commercial purposes, you want to cover your bases. To do that, you can look into different rideshare insurance policies.
Rideshare insurance FAQs
If you’re thinking of becoming a rideshare driver, you might have more questions before getting started. Here’s some additional information about rideshare insurance in Massachusetts.
Do you need rideshare insurance in Massachusetts?
If you drive for a rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft, in Massachusetts, you must have rideshare insurance. The protection this coverage provides depends on the phase of driving you’re in. The insurance coverage can come from you, the company, or both.
Does DoorDash count as rideshare for insurance?
In most cases, rideshare insurance covers you while working for DoorDash or other food delivery services. But you’ll want to check your specific policy. DoorDash also has its own coverage it offers to drivers.
Do Uber drivers in Massachusetts have to carry commercial auto insurance?
Uber drivers in Massachusetts don’t have to carry commercial auto insurance. They only need to meet the minimum rideshare insurance requirements set by the state. But if you have a commercial vehicle like a black car or limousine, you must get commercial auto insurance to drive with Uber.
Do you really need rideshare insurance if you have personal auto insurance?
Your personal auto coverage and the insurance the transportation network company provides can cover you up to a certain point while driving for the service. But rideshare insurance can make sure you have no gaps that can leave you vulnerable.
What happens if you get into an accident while ridesharing without insurance?
To drive for Uber or Lyft, you must have car insurance. If you drive without insurance and get into an accident, you could be breaking state law and ridesharing regulations and be on the hook for a number of expenses related to the accident.
How does a rideshare insurance claim work?
If you get into an accident or have an incident while driving for Uber or Lyft, you can file a claim with your rideshare insurance company. Once you let your insurance company and Uber or Lyft know about the incident, the applicable insurance can help cover costs.
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