If you use your personal vehicle to drive for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, or any other rideshare or delivery services, your standard auto insurance policy may not fully protect you. Don't be surprised to learn that personal auto insurance typically excludes coverage when the vehicle is used for commercial purposes. This means if you're in an accident while you are working, you could be left paying out of pocket for damages.
Most personal auto policies have a “business use exclusion,” which means they won’t cover accidents that happen while you're driving for hire. Companies like Uber and Lyft do provide some insurance—but only during specific periods:
- Period 1: App is on, but no ride or delivery accepted. Limited liability coverage may apply.
- Period 2: Ride or delivery accepted, en route to pick up. More comprehensive coverage kicks in.
- Period 3: Passenger or delivery in the car. Full commercial coverage is typically provided.
However, these policies often have high deductibles and may not cover damage to your own vehicle unless you have collision coverage on your personal policy.
To stay protected, consider these options:
Rideshare Endorsement: Some insurers now offer a rideshare or delivery endorsement that can be added to your personal policy. This fills the coverage gap during Period 1 and may offer additional protection.
Commercial Auto Insurance: If you're driving full-time or for multiple platforms, a commercial policy may be necessary. It’s more expensive but offers better and broader protection.
Talk to Your Trusted Choice Agent: Every insurer is different. Some may deny claims if they find out you were driving for a service without proper coverage. Be upfront with your agent to ensure you’re not at risk.
Driving without the right insurance can lead to denied claims, canceled policies, or even lawsuits. For just a small increase in premium, you can gain peace of mind knowing you're covered—whether you're delivering dinner or giving someone a ride home.
Angelyn Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance
Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance
Agent. Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com,
(228) 385-1177, azeringue@southgroup.net.
Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance
Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or
concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance
questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you
have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember,
we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no
charge – just visit any one of our convenient locations!
To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to
save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your
Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ ,
SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa
Dunn, Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino,
Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino, Tiffany Nguyen, Alexa
Weldon, Denise Pickers and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can
reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520,
email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498
or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast ,
or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !
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