8 years in insurance and personal finance writing
Former data scientist for U.S. Geological Survey
Lindsay is a freelance personal finance writer currently pursuing her Series 65 license. She enjoys helping readers learn money management skills that improve their lives.
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15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
You’re considered an independent contractor as soon as you switch on a ridesharing app, and that means you need coverage beyond your personal car insurance.[1] The good news is that Uber and Lyft offer standard coverage that meets Arizona insurance requirements.[2]
The bad news is this coverage may not offer enough protection in certain cases, such as when you don’t have any passengers in your car. It may also jeopardize your personal auto policy in some cases.[3]
Here, you’ll learn how rideshare coverage works and how you can ensure you have the protection you need.
Most insurers offer rideshare coverage as an endorsement on your personal auto policy.
Auto-Owners, Mile Auto, and State Farm offer the best coverage options for the extra money.
It’s best to speak with an agent to ensure you’re fully protected since everyone’s risk is different and you’re exposed to more liability when driving for rideshare companies.
Cost of rideshare insurance in Arizona
Drivers who buy rideshare insurance endorsements for their personal auto insurance policies typically pay $262 per month for full coverage, compared to $180 per month without the added protection. One of the best ways to save money on coverage is by shopping around.
The following companies offer the lowest rates on liability-only coverage with a rideshare endorsement.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $70 |
Mile Auto | $74 |
State Farm | $86 |
GEICO | $89 |
Root | $93 |
USAA | $96 |
Sun Coast | $112 |
Metromile | $115 |
Best rideshare insurance companies in Arizona
Learn more about the top three rideshare insurance companies in Arizona and the types of coverage they offer.
Auto-Owners: Best for low rates
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $46/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $77/mo |
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
Debra
November 3, 2024
Excellent
Scotty
November 2, 2024
They are a bunch of crooks. My policy has increased every single time, and I've only had one small claim.
Dana
October 31, 2024
Average
Independent insurance agents sell Auto-Owners policies in 26 U.S. states. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for protection in addition to rideshare insurance, such as life insurance or homeowners coverage.
The company has many favorable reviews from a strong customer base, and if you’re involved in an accident with another driver with Auto-Owners, the company will waive your collision deductible.[4]
Lots of discount options
A++ (Superior) AM Best financial stability rating
Low number of customer complaints lodged with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Quotes available only through an agent
Below-average J.D. Power ratings for digital services
Available in only 26 states
Mile Auto: Best for sporadic rideshare drivers
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.5 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $51/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $88/mo |
Cookie
October 15, 2024
Excellent
Tasha
October 10, 2024
Not pleased
Thomas
October 8, 2024
Mixed Review
Mile Auto is a relatively new company that’s only been around since 2019. It offers per-mile coverage, which may not be the best choice if rideshare driving is your main work. But if you only drive occasionally, it could save you a lot of money.
Doesn’t record your driving
Save 30%–40% if you drive 10,000 miles or less per year
Limited automated reporting for some newer Ford and Porsche vehicles
No discount options
Poor customer service reviews
Must manually send in a snapshot of your odometer once a month
State Farm: Best for quality coverage
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $57/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $95/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Charles
November 19, 2024
New Car Price
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
When you’re looking for the best possible outcome, it often pays to be with a larger insurer — and State Farm is as large as it gets when it comes to personal and commercial vehicle coverage. Its coverage options extend not only to the infamous “coverage gap” when you’re logged in and without a ride but also to other phases, depending on the insurance you have.
Long-standing history in the insurance industry
Highly rated mobile app
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southwest region
Doesn’t offer gap coverage
Not as many discounts as some insurers
Poor rating with the Better Business Bureau
Rideshare insurance requirements in Arizona
Arizona Revised Statute 28-4038 requires all drivers working for a transportation network company (TNC) to carry a certain amount of coverage for each phase of the ride they’re in.[5] You can see the requirements below, along with who’s responsible for the coverage, since it’s not always a straightforward answer like with standard auto insurance policies.
Phase 1: The app is on, but you haven’t yet accepted a ride. Arizona law requires you to carry a 25/50/20 policy at a minimum. Uber and Lyft offer a free 50/100/25 liability policy, but you’ll need to file a claim with your personal insurance first.
Phase 2: You’ve accepted a ride request and are en route to pick up your passengers. Arizona law requires you to carry at least $250,000 of liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Uber and Lyft drivers get $1 million in rideshare coverage.
Phase 3: You currently have people in your vehicle. Arizona’s laws require your liability insurance coverage to increase up to a minimum of $1 million. Uber’s and Lyft’s driver insurance continues, subject to you filing a claim with your personal auto insurance policy first.
As you can see, each rideshare service has crafted insurance policies offering adequate coverage to meet state minimum requirements, and the coverage is free for all drivers while they’re using the rideshare app. But these policies have several downsides, including:
You have no control over the deductibles and coverage amounts, which may not be the best choice for your personal situation.
You may not have protection against damage to your own car or medical bills if you’re injured in an at-fault accident.
You have to file claims with your personal auto insurance policy first — even if they don’t offer rideshare coverage — which can raise your rates and even lead to policy cancellations.
That’s why insurance experts recommend that rideshare drivers purchase a rideshare endorsement on their personal car insurance policy. These policies typically cover you during Phase 1 of the rideshare cycle, but some companies extend some types of coverage options into Phases 2 and 3.
Requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft in Arizona
The requirements to drive for Uber and Lyft vary by city, not state, so you might have different hoops to jump through in Phoenix than in Tucson. You’ll need to sign up as a driver to learn if you’re eligible, but some broad policies apply to everyone, as you’ll see below.
Rideshare car requirements
4-door vehicle
In good working condition
No cosmetic damage, commercial branding
14–16 years old or newer, depending on what city you live in
Rideshare driver requirements
Driver profile photo
Proof of residency
U.S. driver’s license
Pass a background check
Proof of insurance coverage
Uber: At least one year of driving experience (three years if you’re younger than 25)
Lyft: Age 25 or older
Types of rideshare insurance coverage
Insurance companies frequently offer a rideshare endorsement with the same type of options as a personal auto policy. These include:
Liability coverage
Liability insurance pays for any bodily injury or property damage that you cause to other people.
Collision and comprehensive coverage
Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged, whether it was your fault or not. Uber and Lyft offer these coverages only if you carry them on your own auto insurance policy.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for any damage to you caused by drivers who either don’t have insurance or don’t carry enough insurance to fully cover the cost.
Medical payments/personal injury protection coverage
Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection pay for medical expenses and related costs if you or your passengers need medical treatment after a covered accident.
Rideshare insurance FAQs
Driving for a rideshare company means you might need to purchase extra coverage for the additional liability you’re taking on. Here’s more information to help guide you at a glance.
Does Arizona require rideshare insurance?
Yes, Arizona requires all rideshare drivers to carry additional coverage. Uber and Lyft offer supplementary policies to help all drivers meet these requirements, but they leave big gaps in your coverage. Buying a special rideshare endorsement from your insurance agency can help ensure you’re fully protected.
Do Uber drivers in Arizona have to carry commercial auto insurance?
Yes, Uber drivers in Arizona must carry commercial vehicle insurance. Uber does cover all drivers for the minimum required amount, but there are many downsides to relying on this policy alone. That’s why experts recommend talking with an insurance agent to make sure you’re carrying the right coverage to fully protect you in all cases.
Do you really need rideshare insurance if you have personal auto insurance?
You don’t need rideshare insurance since Lyft and Uber insurance may cover you, but only if you file a claim against your policy first — which can lead to policy cancellations or increased rates. Rideshare insurance policies, in contrast, protect you better against the fine print details in your contract with these transportation companies.
What happens if you get into an accident while ridesharing without the right insurance?
You’ll need to file a claim with your personal insurance first. Without a rideshare endorsement, Uber and Lyft accidents aren’t covered, so your insurer may increase your rates or cancel your policy. Once your insurer denies your claim or you exhaust the limits of your coverage, then Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance policies will kick in.
Does DoorDash count as rideshare for insurance?
It depends on the insurance company. State Farm’s website notes that delivery drivers who use their personal cars may only need a “business-use notation on your policy,” for example, as opposed to a full rideshare policy that covers passengers.
How does a rideshare insurance claim work?
You’ll typically need to file a claim with your personal insurer first, whether you’re covered or not. Most personal auto policies don’t cover business use of vehicles, and if not, then Uber’s or Lyft’s coverage will kick in.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Arizona
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Ride-sharing and insurance: Q&A."
- United Policyholders. "Ridesharing: Auto Insurance Options."
- NOLO. "What Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Need to Know About Car Insurance?."
- J.D. Power. "Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds."
- Consumer Protection Division Arizona Department of Insurance. "Ride-Sharing."
Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance personal finance writer living in Suquamish, WA. Her work has appeared with FICO, Credit Karma, The Balance, and more. She enjoys helping people learn how to manage their money better so they can live the life they want.
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
Featured in