Rideshare Insurance in New York (2025)

Rideshare insurance is a special type of car insurance for drivers who work with transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. Personal auto insurance policies won’t cover rideshare drivers while on the job, so a rideshare insurance policy fills coverage gaps.

While New York requires all drivers to have car insurance, it doesn’t require rideshare drivers to have rideshare insurance. Many insurers offer rideshare insurance as an affordable add-on. The type of insurance covering rideshare drivers depends on the three driving phases they’re in.

Here’s what rideshare drivers need to know about securing rideshare insurance in New York.

Cost of rideshare insurance in New York

Rideshare insurance in New York is fairly expensive. Rideshare drivers pay an average of $387 per month for liability coverage and $491 for full coverage. The table below shows the cheapest rideshare insurance companies in New York.

Best rideshare insurance companies in New York

Below are three of the best rideshare insurance companies for different types of New York drivers. Each offers different benefits and prices, so it’s important to compare multiple policies and prioritize what’s important to you. Your rates will also vary based on your driving record, age, and where you live.

CSAA: Best for affordability

Safeco: Best for customization

Liberty Mutual: Best for discounts

Rideshare insurance requirements in New York

Rideshare drivers in New York must have the following coverages before beginning to drive with a transportation network company (TNC) such as Uber or Lyft:1

• New York state’s minimum liability coverage

• Personal injury protection coverage

• Uninsured motorist coverage

• Financial responsibility coverage through their TNC

The insurance that kicks in in the event of the claim depends on which of the three phases of the rideshare process the driver is in.

Phase 1

Phase 1 is when the driver uses their vehicle for personal use, and the rideshare app is turned off. If you’re in an accident during this phase, your personal auto insurance policy will cover the damages.

Phase 2

Phase 2 is when the driver has turned on the app and is waiting for someone to request a ride. During this phase, rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage, typically in the following amounts:2

• $50,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage

• $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage

• $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Rideshare insurance can cover any potential gaps your TNC insurance doesn’t cover.

Phase 3

Phase 3 is after the driver accepts a ride and is heading to the pickup location or driving the passenger to the dropoff location. During this phase, Uber and Lyft provide extensive coverage:

• $1 million in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage

• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if your personal policy has these)

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

• Personal injury protection and medical expenses coverage

• Medical payments coverage

Both Uber and Lyft have a deductible of $2,500.2 3 While New York state doesn’t require you to have rideshare insurance, it can be useful in covering some gaps not covered by your TNC. If you don’t have it and get into an accident while waiting for a ride, your out-of-pocket expenses could end up being quite high.

Requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft in New York

Rideshare drivers in New York must meet certain requirements for themselves and their vehicles before hitting the road. Here’s what to expect in New York state and New York City.

Rideshare car requirements

Rideshare driver requirements

Types of rideshare insurance coverage

While New York doesn’t require drivers to have rideshare insurance, your insurance company may require it, and it can still be useful coverage even if it doesn’t. Coverages may differ by company, but typical coverage options include: