Using your vehicle to provide ridesharing services through Uber or Lyft can help you earn income, but it also poses unique insurance risks. A standard personal auto insurance policy won’t cover you when providing ridesharing services, which could put you on the hook for damages if you cause an accident.1
Texas doesn’t outright require specific rideshare insurance coverage. But you’ll need to carry higher amounts of liability insurance and other coverages when driving for a ridesharing company. The exact amount of car insurance coverage you’ll need depends on which phase of ridesharing you’re in at any given time.
Cost of rideshare insurance in Texas
You can typically add specific rideshare coverage to your personal car insurance policy. The exact price depends on how much coverage you get, the company you choose, and other factors. But you’ll generally pay between $14 and $168 more per month, in addition to your typical premium.
Here’s a look at the most affordable car insurance companies that offer rideshare insurance in Texas.
Best rideshare insurance companies in Texas
The above companies are the best ridesharing options in terms of average premiums. But it’s important to consider other factors beyond price when choosing an insurer, like customer satisfaction, discounts, and deductible options.
Here are a few of Insurify’s top picks for rideshare insurance in Texas.
State Farm: Best for customer satisfaction
GEICO: Best for discounts
Progressive: Best for reducing your deductible
Rideshare insurance requirements in Texas
Texas doesn’t require ridesharing insurance coverage specifically, but it does have different levels of coverage requirements depending on where you are in the ridesharing process. This means that if you’re a rideshare driver and are in an accident, the insurance you need to cover the damage will depend on which phase of the drive you’re in at the time.
Here’s how those coverage requirements break down:
Phase 1: This phase occurs when you’re driving your vehicle for personal use and the ridesharing app is turned off. In this phase, your personal coverage is sufficient protection. You’ll simply need the Texas minimum insurance coverage ($30,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $60,000 per accident, plus $25,000 in property damage liability).
Phase 2: This phase is when you’re driving your vehicle with the ridesharing app turned on but haven’t received a ride request yet. During this phase, you’ll need at least $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person ($100,000 per accident) and the same $25,000 in property damage liability.
Phase 3: Once you have a ride request and are actively driving to pick up a passenger or transporting them to their destination, you’re in Phase 3. In this phase, you’ll need at least $1 million in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance coverage for Phases 2 and 3, but it still may not be enough coverage if you get in an accident. For example, this insurance may not cover accidents with uninsured drivers. You also may have to cover a high deductible before the company’s coverage will kick in.
To ensure you’re not on the hook for big bills if you’re in a wreck, it’s a good idea to purchase separate ridesharing insurance.
Requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft in Texas
Driving for Uber and Lyft can be a lucrative way to make money. But this side hustle isn’t necessarily a good fit for everyone. To qualify to drive for these services in Texas, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
Rideshare car requirements
For Uber
Must have four doors
Must be 16 years old or newer
Must be in good condition with no cosmetic issues
Must have no commercial branding
For Lyft
Must be made in 2010 or later
Must have four doors
Must have five to eight seats, including the driver’s
Must not be a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
Must not be titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt, or any other equivalent classification
Rideshare driver requirements
For Uber
At least one year of driving experience (three years if younger than 25)
Valid driver’s license
Proof of residency and insurance
Driver profile photo
Pass driver screening, which includes a criminal history and driving record check
For Lyft
Valid driver’s license
Must be 25 or older
Pass driver screening, which includes a criminal history and driving record check
Must have a smartphone that can run the Lyft Driver app
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
Rideshare insurance coverage varies by insurer, but generally speaking, it can include the following:3
You may also be able to get coverage for things like roadside assistance, trip interruption, or rental car reimbursement under these policies.
Texas rideshare insurance FAQs
If you need more information on rideshare insurance, check out the additional information below.
Do you need rideshare insurance in Texas?
Separate rideshare insurance isn’t required in Texas, but you do need additional liability coverage if you drive for a ridesharing service. The amount you need varies by what phase of ridesharing you’re in and goes up to $1 million when actively transporting a passenger.
Does DoorDash count as rideshare for insurance?
DoorDash and other food delivery services can possibly count as ridesharing, but it depends on the insurance company. At Progressive, for example, rideshare insurance typically applies to delivery services, too. At State Farm, you might need to add business-use coverage to your policy. Ask your insurer what your policy covers.
Do Uber drivers in Texas have to carry commercial auto insurance?
Texas doesn’t require commercial auto insurance to drive for Uber, but you’ll need additional limits of liability coverage. You need commercial insurance only if you also use your vehicle for license-for-hire transport or as a black car, limousine, livery vehicle, or taxi.
Do you really need rideshare insurance if you have personal auto insurance?
Yes. Under Texas law, you need additional liability insurance to drive for a ridesharing service. Companies like Uber and Lyft offer this coverage directly. But you may still want additional ridesharing coverage to help pay for deductibles and other costs.
What happens if you get into an accident while ridesharing without insurance?
If you’re in an accident while driving for a ridesharing service, you have several options. The liability insurance of the other driver could cover damages if you’re not at fault. Or the insurance provided by the ridesharing service you work for could help — though it depends on what stage of ridesharing you’re in at the time of the accident.
How does a rideshare insurance claim work?
The process for filing a rideshare insurance claim varies. But generally, you’ll start by reporting the accident to the ridesharing company. If the insurance it provides doesn’t cover the damage, your personal policy or any additional rideshare insurance coverage you’ve purchased may help. In this case, you’d need to file a claim with your personal insurance company.