Uber Insurance

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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on October 17, 2025 min read

Get insurance for Uber drivers

Ridesharing insurance, like Uber insurance, functions as commercial auto insurance. Driving for rideshare companies increases your risk becuase you are on the road more and carry passengers. While Uber offers some coverage, you must extend your personal insurance to cover ridesharing. Failing to inform your insurer could lead to claim denial or policy cancellation, and not all insurers offer this coverage.

This insurance fills a previous industry gap, offering innovative solutions for the growing sharing economy, benefiting both drivers and passengers.

Ontario approved ridesharing policies for Uber drivers on July 7, 2016, joining Alberta. Since then, Quebec and Nova Scotia have also introduced similar insurance that is active while the app is on and a ride is in progress.

What you need to know about insurance for Uber drivers:

Personal auto insurance usually excludes ridesharing, requiring drivers to extend coverage or use Uber's commercial insurance.
Uber offers supplemental commercial insurance with varying coverage levels depending on the trip phase.
Uber insurance differs significantly by province, including coverage details and interaction with personal policies.
Uber drivers must inform their personal auto insurer about ridesharing to avoid coverage issues and explore ridesharing-specific policies or endorsements.

How Uber insurance works in Canada

Understanding Uber insurance in Canada is crucial for all drivers. While Uber offers commercial insurance coverage through partners like Economical Insurance (in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Alberta), it's vital to remember that this coverage is supplemental to your personal insurance and only applies while actively using the Uber app for rides or deliveries.

The specifics of this coverage, including liability limits and availability of collision/comprehensive coverage, vary by province, with some provinces utilizing their existing public insurance systems. This section details how Uber insurance works in the different provinces where Uber is available:

Ontario

In Ontario, Uber drivers benefit from a comprehensive insurance framework designed to protect both drivers and passengers. This system typically involves a combination of your personal auto insurance and commercial coverage provided by Uber's partners, such as Economical Insurance. Understanding how these layers of protection work is essential for all rideshare drivers in the province.

While on a trip (accepting to drop-off):

$2 million liability coverage: Primary coverage for third-party liability.
Contingent collision and comprehensive: Covers vehicle damage (up to actual cash value, $2,500 deductible) if also covered by personal policy.
Statutory Ontario Accident Benefits: Covers medical rehabilitation and potential loss of income due to an accident.

Between trips (available on the app, no accepted trip):

$1 million third-party liability.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
All other coverages listed above.

Learn more on the Uber Economical website.

Alberta

Uber provides commercial auto insurance in Alberta via Economical Insurance. When on a rideshare trip, this includes $2 million in third-party liability and covers vehicle loss or damage (with a $2,500 deductible) from trip acceptance to conclusion. Between trips, while available on the app, coverage includes $1 million in third-party liability if your insurer denies coverage, along with statutory accident benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A certificate of insurance and policy link are available here.

Nova Scotia

When you're driving for Uber in Nova Scotia, Uber provides commercial auto insurance through Economical Insurance. This coverage is active from the moment you accept a trip until you reach the destination and includes:

$2 million third-party liability: This covers your liability to others if an accident occurs during a trip.
Vehicle loss or damage: Your vehicle is covered for loss or damage during a trip, subject to a $2,500 deductible. This coverage applies only if your personal auto policy also includes collision and comprehensive coverage.

Coverage Between Trips:

Even when you're available on the Uber app but haven't accepted a trip yet, Uber maintains commercial auto insurance on your behalf. This includes mandatory Nova Scotia accident benefits. If your personal insurer denies coverage during this time, the policy provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

You can find the certificate of insurance and a link to the full policy online.

Newfoundland and Labrador

When ridesharing in Newfoundland and Labrador, Uber provides commercial auto insurance via Economical Insurance. This coverage, active from trip acceptance to conclusion, includes:

$2 million third-party liability: Covers your liability to others.
Vehicle loss or damage: Covers your vehicle, subject to a $2,500 deductible, if your personal policy also has collision and comprehensive.

Between trips, Uber provides:

Mandatory accident benefits.
$1 million third-party liability: If your personal insurer denies coverage.

Saskatchewan

If you have replacement cost coverage (full value replacement does not account for depreciation) or an Auto Pak policy to reduce your deductible, those coverages won’t apply if you’re in a collision while actively ridesharing in Saskatchewan.

For Uber drivers in Saskatchewan, modifying your SGI car insurance policy is not necessary. Uber contributes an extra premium to SGI, ensuring that basic insurance covers ridesharing activities.

Basic plate insurance offers $200,000 in liability coverage. Should damages exceed this amount, Uber's additional liability insurance will provide coverage up to $2 million. Furthermore, Uber's policy includes $2 million in uninsured motorist coverage, protecting you if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

However, it's important to note that if you have replacement cost coverage (which covers the full value without depreciation) or an Auto Pak policy to lower your deductible, these coverages will not apply in the event of a collision while you are actively ridesharing.

British Columbia

For Uber drivers in British Columbia, there's no need to modify your existing ICBC car insurance policy. Your personal insurance remains active for personal use and when the Uber app is on, but you haven't yet accepted a trip.

However, from the moment you accept a ride request until you drop off your passenger, Uber's commercial policy takes over. This policy provides $2 million in third-party liability coverage and includes collision and comprehensive coverage if you have them on your personal policy in British Columbia. A $1,000 deductible applies, which is the amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer covers the remainder.

How to get Uber Insurance

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Uber insurance options in Ontario

There are a couple of options for Uber drivers to get auto insurance in Ontario with Aviva and Economical. Additional insurers are also planning to come to market with Uber insurance options.

Uber insurance with Economical

As of September 1, 2020, Economical Insurance entered a partnership with Uber Canada to offer insurance in Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Drivers will automatically receive commercial insurance when using the app.

Female uber driver driving a car with male passenger talking on mobile phone

Uber insurance phases

Uber insurance can be broken down into 4 phases:

Phase 0: The driver is offline, and drivers use their personal insurance.
Phase 1: The driver is logged into the app and is available to accept rides.
Phase 2: The driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger.
Phase 3: The driver is transporting a passenger to their destination.

Economical coverage amounts are different for each phase

During each phase, a different level of coverage is enacted, and the Uber commercial auto insurance does not kick in until the app is turned on and the driver is ready to engage in ridesharing.

Here is how it works for each phase:

Phase 0: Personal insurance in effect.
Phase 1: $1,000,000 Third Party Liability, Standard Accident Benefits, Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Coverage* (subject to $2,500 deductible)
Phase 2 & 3: $2,000,000 Third Party Liability, Standard Accident Benefits, Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Coverage* (subject to $2,500 deductible)

However, this is the basic coverage, and it may not be enough for some drivers who may require more comprehensive insurance when engaging in ridesharing services.

Aviva insurance for Ontario Uber drivers

This Aviva Uber insurance is an add-on or endorsement that goes beyond your standard insurance.

Existing Aviva Insurance policyholders can add the extra protection for a small fee that is based on your current annual Aviva auto premium and the number of ridesharing hours you perform weekly.

If you do not currently have insurance with Aviva, you will need to switch providers to get insured.

To be covered by Aviva ridesharing insurance, drivers must meet these conditions:

You can rideshare for a maximum of 20 hours a week.
You are contracted with a transportation network or ridesharing company.
You must be licenced for a minimum of 6 years in the US or Canada.
You can carry up to 7 passengers.
Your vehicle cannot be licenced as a commercial vehicle (no taxis or limousines).
Your vehicle is not used for commercial purposes, including delivery services.

You can receive this as an addition or endorsement to your personal Aviva insurance if you meet these conditions. According to Aviva, “Uber does not currently offer any ridesharing insurance that fully conforms with Ontario’s minimum automobile insurance requirements.” Uber only provides third party liability for its drivers. This is not adequate in Ontario.

Greg Somerville, CEO of Aviva Canada says, "We're excited to offer a simple and affordable solution within a driver's existing personal auto policy, thereby providing drivers and passengers with absolute peace of mind that they are properly insured while ride-sharing." Aviva’s product protects ride-sharing drivers from the time they respond to a request for a lift to when they drop passengers off.

Aviva Canada and Pembridge Insurance also offer this for ridesharing drivers in Alberta.

How much does Uber insurance cost?

Uber provides some car insurance coverage automatically when you're driving for them, but this doesn't mean your personal auto insurance won't be affected. While there might not be a direct "additional charge" for ridesharing from your personal insurer, factors like increased annual kilometres driven due to ridesharing can lead to a slight premium increase, as your insurer perceives a higher risk.

If you participate in or plan to become an Uber driver, you must inform your auto insurance provider. Your advisor can then ensure your insurer is aware of your activities, which is vital for maintaining proper coverage.

The cost of specific policies like Aviva Uber insurance will vary. It is typically an additional fee based on your existing policy and the number of hours you spend ridesharing weekly.

Which Uber drivers are included in insurance?

It is available for the following ride-sharing operations:

UberX

Seats up to 4 passengers. The most affordable Uber option.

UberXL

Seats up to 6 passengers and are usually SUVs.

Uber Green

Hybrid and electrical vehicle options.

UberTaxi

Find local taxis for your ride.

Uber Pet

Pet friendly trips for you and your furry family members.

Uber Select

This is an entry-level luxury car service. The vehicle seats up to 4 people, and cars are BMWs, Mercedes, and other luxury vehicles.

Uber Eats

The delivery of food, groceries, and other items.

Uber Black

The premium car service offering luxury vehicles, professional drivers.

Do I need proof of my Uber policy?

You will not receive a paper copy of your Uber policy. An electronic insurance certificate can be found through the Uber app. Refer to this document if you experience an accident or traffic violation.

Why do I need to get insurance as an Uber Eats or Uber delivery person?

The risks associated with ridesharing can leave you financially vulnerable without the right coverage, and standard policies often fall short. Here are three main reasons why you need to be properly insured:

Regular insurance doesn't cover ride-sharing: Uber requires you to have valid car insurance, but your insurer may not cover you or your vehicle if you get in an accident while ridesharing. So, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for damages to your vehicle and for medical costs (if applicable). Uber insurance solves this issue and ensures drivers are properly insured.
Your current insurance may get cancelled: Your insurer may not renew if they find out you are a ridesharing driver. If you are currently a driver or plan to become one, contact ThinkInsure today.
Peace of mind: You’ll have peace of mind knowing you and your passengers are properly protected. Whether you are driving for personal use or are driving people around using the Uber app, you will be insured.

What is the difference between ride-sharing and taxi insurance?

Taxis are considered commercial vehicles so they must have proper commercial auto insurance to legally operate. Ride-sharing vehicles are used for both personal and paid fare driving purposes.

The key difference between ridesharing and taxi insurance lies in the vehicle's primary use and the level of coverage required. Taxis are exclusively used for commercial purposes, meaning their sole function is to transport paying passengers.

Because of this dedicated commercial use, taxis are classified as commercial vehicles and are mandated to have comprehensive commercial auto insurance. This type of insurance is designed to cover the higher risks associated with constant passenger transport, including higher liability limits and coverage for a wider range of potential incidents.

Ride-sharing vehicles, on the other hand, are used for a dual purpose: personal transportation and paid fare driving. This blended use case creates a unique insurance situation. Standard personal auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage when the vehicle is being used for commercial activities, such as ridesharing.

While ridesharing companies like Uber provide some insurance coverage while the driver is actively engaged in transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, there can be gaps in coverage, especially when the driver has the app on but is not actively engaged in a ride.

This is why ridesharing insurance is necessary, it bridges the gap between personal and commercial use, providing coverage during all phases of the ridesharing activity, ensuring the driver is protected regardless of whether they have a passenger in the car or are simply waiting for a ride request.

Understanding how Uber insurance coverage applies to accident claims

Male Uber driver focused on the road with a female passenger in the back seat

Uber's insurance coverage varies depending on the driver's app status, ranging from no coverage when offline to full coverage with $1 million liability when transporting passengers. Determining the driver's status at the time of the accident is crucial for filing a claim with the correct insurance provider, either Uber's or the driver's personal policy.

Here's a breakdown of how Uber's insurance policies work:

Driver Offline (App Off)

Insurance Coverage: Uber's insurance does not apply when the driver is not logged into the Uber app.
Responsibility: The driver's personal auto insurance policy is solely responsible for covering any damages or injuries resulting from an accident during this period.

Driver online, waiting for a ride request (app on, no ride accepted)

Insurance Coverage: Uber provides limited liability coverage during this period. This coverage only applies if the Uber driver is at fault for the accident.

Coverage limits can include:

$50,000 per person for bodily injuries.
$100,000 total per accident for bodily injuries.
$25,000 for property damage.

Driver en route to pick up a rider or transporting a passenger (ride accepted or passenger in vehicle)

Insurance Coverage: Uber's full insurance coverage is in effect.

Coverage Includes:

$1 Million in Third-Party Liability Coverage:** This covers injuries and damages caused to others if the Uber driver is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage:** This protects you if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to cover your damages. UM/UIM coverage can help with medical expenses, property damage, and other accident-related losses.

A note on Uber insurance claims

A significant challenge lies in determining which insurance policy was active at the time of the accident. This requires establishing the Uber driver's status within the app (offline, online waiting, or on a trip). Knowing the driver's status is crucial for determining which insurance company (Uber's or the driver's personal insurer) to file a claim against.

Highlights of rules for Uber (PTCs) and taxis

Many new rules will apply to Uber drivers and other ridesharing services if they want to operate in Toronto and GTA. Some rules for taxis have also changed to help make things fairer. Below is a summary of some of the key changes.

Fares

Uber: Can only book fares by using a smartphone app.
Taxis: Can pick up curbside customers hailing and book fares via a smartphone app.

Background checks

Uber: Background checks are now required.
Taxis: Background checks continue to be required.

Annual licencing

Uber: Annual licencing fee of $10 per driver and 20 cents per trip.
Taxis: Annual licencing fee of $290 per driver.

Driver licencing

Uber: Must have a G licence and a city permit.
Taxis: Must have a Taxicab driver’s licence.

Vehicle safety checks

Uber: Vehicles must now have 2 safety checks per year.
Taxis: Taxis continue to require 2 safety checks per year.

Base fair

Uber: Must raise its base fare from $2.50 to $3.25 to be the same as taxis.
Taxis: Taxicab base fare remains at $3.25.

Liability insurance

Uber: Need $2 million in liability and must show proof of insurance to the City of Toronto.
Taxis: Need $2 million in liability protection.

Surge pricing (can raise pricing based on demand)

Uber: They apply surge pricing in high demand times.
Taxis: Taxis can now apply surge pricing if rides are booked via a smartphone app.

Cameras and emergency lights

Uber: Cameras or emergency lights aren't required now, but this will be reviewed by the city council.
Taxis: Cameras and flashing emergency lights continue to be required.

Uber insurance FAQs

Does Uber insurance cover the driver?

Yes. Uber insurance will provide coverage to drivers when they are offering ridesharing services. The level of protection is dependent on your insurance policy and plan limits.

Does driving for Uber increase your insurance?

Yes. Your premiums will increase if you drive for a ridesharing platform. Why? You will be driving more hours than a normal person. This increases your risk of filing a claim or getting into an accident.

Does Uber insurance cover my car?

Yes. Your Uber policy will cover your vehicle when you are working as a driver. Liability, accident benefits, and DCPD levels will vary based on your policy details.

Am I required to tell my insurer if I am an Uber driver?

Yes. You need to speak with your insurer before you start driving for Uber or any other ridesharing service. Your insurance policy is not valid if you operate a vehicle-for-hire service. Additional insurance is required.

Can I do Uber Eats without insurance?

To deliver for Uber Eats, a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance are mandatory for registration and delivery. Uber requires proof of insurance to activate and maintain your account, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and providing coverage during various stages of delivery. Failure to maintain adequate insurance can result in serious personal liability, account issues, and claims denial.

Do I need commercial insurance to be an Uber driver?

While Uber in Ontario offers commercial insurance (through Economical Insurance) during active rideshare or delivery trips, you must maintain your personal auto insurance policy for all other times and inform your insurer of your rideshare activity.

What type of insurance do I need for Uber Black?

Uber Black is a premium car service offering luxury vehicles, professional drivers, and an elevated experience with features like ride preferences and flexible waiting times. To provide Uber Black rides, drivers must be licensed limousine drivers with their own commercial insurance, as Uber does not provide coverage for these services.

Get a quote for Uber car insurance

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Kayla Jane Barrie

Digital Content Writer

Kayla-Jane has been a content writer with ThinkInsure since 2020. She creates insurance content for auto, home, and commercial. Kayla-Jane has a diploma in Journalism.

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Make sure you have proper insurance if you are an Uber driver. Get a quote now!

Compare rates from Canada's top auto insurance providers

Get insurance for Uber drivers

What you need to know about insurance for Uber drivers:

How Uber insurance works in Canada

Ontario

Alberta

Nova Scotia

Coverage Between Trips:

Newfoundland and Labrador

Saskatchewan

British Columbia

How to get Uber Insurance

1) Personal information

2) Enter your details

3) Compare

Choose your policy

Uber insurance options in Ontario

Uber insurance with Economical

Uber insurance phases

Economical coverage amounts are different for each phase

Aviva insurance for Ontario Uber drivers

How much does Uber insurance cost?

Which Uber drivers are included in insurance?

UberX

UberXL

Uber Green

UberTaxi

Uber Pet

Uber Select

Uber Eats

Uber Black

Do I need proof of my Uber policy?

Why do I need to get insurance as an Uber Eats or Uber delivery person?

What is the difference between ride-sharing and taxi insurance?

Understanding how Uber insurance coverage applies to accident claims

Driver Offline (App Off)

Driver online, waiting for a ride request (app on, no ride accepted)

Driver en route to pick up a rider or transporting a passenger (ride accepted or passenger in vehicle)

A note on Uber insurance claims

Highlights of rules for Uber (PTCs) and taxis

Uber insurance FAQs

Does Uber insurance cover the driver?

Does driving for Uber increase your insurance?

Does Uber insurance cover my car?

Am I required to tell my insurer if I am an Uber driver?

Can I do Uber Eats without insurance?

Do I need commercial insurance to be an Uber driver?

What type of insurance do I need for Uber Black?

Get a quote for Uber car insurance

Kayla Jane Barrie

Insurance Blog And News

Ontario Speeding Tickets Increase Insurance

Understanding The Car Insurance Claims Process

Accident Forgiveness in Ontario

Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule In Ontario - SABS

More ways to save on car insurance