Pennsylvania requires rideshare insurance if you drive for a transportation network company, like Uber or Lyft. This specialized coverage is designed to bridge the gap between your personal policy and what Uber or Lyft provides. It protects you throughout all phases of rideshare driving, from waiting for a ride request to dropping off passengers.
Here’s what you need to know about getting the right car insurance coverage in the Keystone State.1
Your personal auto policy won’t cover you once your rideshare app is on.
Erie ranks highest for customer satisfaction among Pennsylvania rideshare insurers.
Adding rideshare coverage can increase your premium by 15%–20%.
Cost of rideshare insurance in Pennsylvania
On average, rideshare insurance in Pennsylvania runs about $239 per month for full coverage and $128 for liability-only coverage. But your rates can vary depending on where you live, your driving history, and the level of coverage you choose. Some drivers in Philadelphia might pay more than drivers in Pittsburgh or smaller cities due to higher accident rates and traffic density.2
Here are the most affordable rideshare insurance options in Pennsylvania, according to Insurify data.
Best rideshare insurance companies in Pennsylvania
While it’s tempting to go for the lowest premium, choosing the best rideshare insurance in Pennsylvania means looking beyond just price. Coverage quality can make all the difference when you’re on the road.
State Farm: Best for customer service and claims
Erie Insurance: Best for local expertise
GEICO: Best for tech-savvy drivers
Rideshare insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires drivers to have certain insurance coverage in place before driving for a transportation network company, like Uber or Lyft. Your insurance needs shift throughout your day, depending on which of the three distinct phases you’re in when a car accident occurs.3
Phase 1: Personal driving (app off). Your personal auto insurance covers you while off the clock.
Phase 2: App on, no ride accepted. State law requires you to beef up your coverage, even before you accept a ride. You’ll need:
$50,000 bodily injury per person
$100,000 bodily injury per accident
$25,000 property damage liability
$25,000 pedestrian medical coverage
$5,000 driver medical coverage
During this phase, Uber and Lyft provide matching backup coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. Still, it may only kick in after you file a claim with your auto insurance company.
Phase 3: After accepting a ride. At this phase, coverage requirements jump to $500,000 in bodily injury liability protection. Uber and Lyft each offer $1 million in liability coverage, plus comprehensive and collision coverage if you have it on your personal insurance policy.
Requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft in Pennsylvania
Before hitting the road as a rideshare driver in Pennsylvania, Uber and Lyft have specific requirements for you and your car.
Rideshare car requirements
Uber and Lyft have strict rideshare vehicle standards. A four-door car (2009 or newer), valid registration, seat belts, and insurance proof are must-haves. Your vehicle must also have:
Valid Pennsylvania registration
5–8 seats with working seat belts
Current proof of insurance
Each company has additional requirements. Uber vehicles must be in good condition with no cosmetic damage or commercial branding. Lyft doesn’t allow vehicles with more than 350,000 miles and requires a current inspection sticker.
Rideshare driver requirements
You’ll need at least one year of driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and to pass a driver screening review. But Uber and Lyft have different age restrictions — Lyft drivers must be 25 years or older, while Uber generally sets the minimum age to 18 (but you’ll need three years of driving experience if you’re younger than 23).
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
As a rideshare driver, it’s important to understand each type of coverage and how it protects you. Here’s a breakdown:
Pennsylvania rideshare insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about rideshare insurance policies, you’re not alone. Check out the additional information about Pennsylvania rideshare insurance below.
Do you need rideshare insurance in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania state law requires all rideshare drivers to have insurance, with specific policy limits for each phase of rideshare driving. Your personal auto policy alone won’t meet the state’s requirements.
Do Uber drivers in Pennsylvania have to carry commercial auto insurance?
Pennsylvania doesn’t specifically require Uber drivers to have commercial auto insurance. Depending on your insurance company, you can add a rideshare endorsement to your personal policy instead of getting commercial coverage.
Do you really need rideshare insurance if you have personal auto insurance?
Yes. Personal auto insurance policies typically exclude any commercial use of your vehicle. Without rideshare insurance, you could face a coverage gap when your rideshare app is on but you haven’t yet accepted a ride.
What happens if you get into an accident while ridesharing without insurance?
You could be personally responsible for all damages and injuries if you’re in an accident while driving for a rideshare company without insurance. You may also face fines, and the state may suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration.4
Does DoorDash count as rideshare for insurance?
No. DoorDash doesn’t fall under rideshare insurance requirements in Pennsylvania. But DoorDash rules state you must have auto insurance coverage. DoorDash provides some coverage, but it only applies after you file with your personal insurance.
How does a rideshare insurance claim work?
Filing a rideshare insurance claim depends on when the accident happens. If you’re using your car personally, you’ll work with your insurance company. Once you’re online in the app, both your rideshare coverage and Uber or Lyft’s insurance work together to cover damages.
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