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What Insurance Do Uber Drivers Need? A Georgia Guide

How Uber's coverage changes with your app status, what Georgia law requires, and how to fill the gaps your personal policy leaves.

What Insurance Do Uber Drivers Need? A Georgia Guide

Insurance is where many new drivers get surprised. Your personal policy may not cover rideshare, Uber's coverage changes depending on your app status, and the gaps can leave your own car unprotected. This guide explains what Georgia law and the platforms require, lays out your options for filling the gaps, and covers the simpler route of renting a car with insurance included.

Short on time? If you'd rather skip the hassle, see how Swift Ride works or see what's included with our rentals. The rest of this guide lays out every option honestly, so you can decide what fits.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your policy and current platform terms.

What insurance do Uber drivers need?

You need your own auto insurance that meets Georgia's legal minimums, with your name on the proof you upload to Uber. Uber adds coverage while you're online, but your personal policy covers you when the app is off. Your personal policy may not cover rideshare driving, so ask your insurer about a rideshare endorsement.

Sources: Uber Help, Requirements to sign up as a driver and Uber, Insurance. Uber notes that when you drive for a rideshare platform, most states require extra insurance.

What are Georgia's minimum car insurance requirements?

Georgia requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. This is often written as 25/50/25. Comprehensive and collision coverage aren't required by law, though a lender or leasing company may require them.

Source: Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Auto Insurance.

What does Georgia law require for rideshare drivers?

Georgia's code sets higher limits for ride-hailing. While you're logged on and available, coverage must be at least $100,000 per accident for injuries (up to $50,000 per person) and $50,000 for property. From accepting a ride until it's complete, it must be at least $1,000,000, plus uninsured motorist coverage.

Source: O.C.G.A. 33-1-24. Georgia law says these limits can be met by a policy from the ride-hailing company, a commercial policy held by the driver, or a rider or endorsement on the driver's personal policy. A 2023 Georgia bill, HB 529, changed these requirements effective July 1, 2023.

Graphic showing what insurance Uber drivers need in Georgia by period: app off uses a personal policy with Georgia minimums of 25/50/25, logged on and waiting requires 50/100/50 ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, $50,000 property), and from accepting a ride to drop-off requires $1 million

What does Uber's insurance cover?

Uber lists three periods. App off: your personal insurance applies. Online and waiting: Uber maintains third-party liability of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. En route to a pickup and during a trip: $1,000,000 in third-party liability.

Source: Uber, Insurance. Uber says these are minimums ("at least") and that coverage varies by state. You can view the Certificates of Insurance for Georgia in the Driver app under Account, then Insurance.

Does Uber insurance cover damage to my own car?

Only in some cases. Uber says contingent collision coverage applies while en route or on a trip, up to the car's actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible, and only if you carry comprehensive and collision on your own policy. There is no Uber collision coverage while you're offline or waiting.

Source: Uber, Insurance. Uber says the deductible may be $1,000 for rentals through its Vehicle Marketplace. That's why it matters to know exactly what insurance comes with any rental car you drive.

What are your options for covering the insurance gaps?

You can add a rideshare endorsement to your personal policy, buy a commercial policy, rely on platform coverage while keeping comprehensive and collision on your own policy, or rent a car with commercial insurance included. Georgia law allows the required limits to be met by a platform policy, commercial policy, or personal policy endorsement.

  • Rideshare endorsement: Uber says many personal insurers offer extra rideshare coverage. Ask your agent about the cost.
  • Commercial policy: a policy you hold that meets Georgia's rideshare limits. Uber Black requires one.
  • Platform coverage only: Uber's contingent collision only applies if you carry comprehensive and collision yourself.
  • Rent with insurance included: commercial insurance is included with every Swift Ride rental. Details below.

Sources: O.C.G.A. 33-1-24 and Uber, Insurance.

What about DoorDash and delivery apps?

In Georgia, DoorDash provides third-party liability coverage only from when you accept an order until it's delivered or canceled. DoorDash says its commercial policy covers up to $1,000,000 for third parties during that time, but doesn't cover damage to your own car. When online without an order, your policy is primary.

Sources: DoorDash Help, Understanding Auto Insurance Maintained by DoorDash and DoorDash Help, Requirements for Dashing. More in can you use a rental car for DoorDash.

What other coverage does Uber offer drivers?

Uber says that in 42 states, drivers can buy Optional Injury Protection for $0.024 per mile, covering medical expenses, disability, and more while online or on a trip. Where available, optional Vehicle Interruption Coverage pays a $2,500 lump sum if a covered accident or theft leaves your car inoperable for 24 hours or more.

Source: Uber, Insurance. Availability and terms can change, so read the details in the Driver app before you rely on them.

Tips for getting the right coverage

  1. Tell your insurer you drive rideshare and ask how your policy treats it.
  2. Ask about a rideshare endorsement. Uber says many personal insurers offer extra rideshare coverage, though it isn't required to sign up.
  3. Keep comprehensive and collision if you want Uber's contingent collision to apply on trips.
  4. Make sure your name is on the insurance card you upload to Uber.
  5. If you rent, ask in writing what's covered, during which periods, and the deductible.
  6. Save your trip records. They help show which coverage period you were in.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your policy and current platform terms. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about your situation.

The easier way: rent with Swift Ride

Shopping for rideshare coverage takes time. Renting from Swift Ride means the car comes with commercial insurance, with Atlanta-area pickup. Check swiftride.net for current locations and availability.

Every Swift Ride rental is fully managed:

  • Full maintenance included, with no out-of-pocket repairs or downtime
  • Regular inspections and service
  • Free tire replacements
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Commercial insurance included. Ask us for your proof-of-insurance document.
  • No long-term contracts

Uber requires proof of insurance with your name on it, so ask us for your proof-of-insurance document before you add the car in the Driver app. Our Uber car rental page also lists no credit check, unlimited mileage and virtual key access.

What you'll need, per our Atlanta page: a driver's license at least 1 year old, proof of insurance history, and approval from your gig platform.

Skip the hassle and start driving

Want insurance handled before your first trip? See how Swift Ride works, compare renting vs. buying, or contact us with questions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own insurance to drive for Uber?

Yes. Uber requires proof of vehicle insurance with your name on it, and its Atlanta page says partners must maintain their own insurance. (Uber Help, Uber Atlanta)

Does my personal insurance cover me while driving Uber?

Not always. Your personal policy covers you while you're offline, but it may not cover rideshare driving. Uber says many personal auto insurers offer additional rideshare coverage, so ask your insurer about it. (Uber)

How much liability coverage does Uber have during a trip?

Uber lists $1,000,000 in third-party liability while en route to a pickup and during a trip. (Uber)

What's the "gap" in rideshare insurance?

It's the period when you're online but haven't accepted a request. Uber provides liability then, but no collision coverage for your own car. (Uber)

What are Georgia's minimum insurance limits?

25/50/25: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. (Georgia OCI)

Is commercial insurance required for Uber in Georgia?

Not for UberX. Georgia allows the required limits to be met by the ride-hailing company's policy, a driver's commercial policy, or a personal policy endorsement. Uber Black and Black SUV do require commercial insurance. (O.C.G.A. 33-1-24, Uber Atlanta)

Sources

  • #uber
  • #insurance
  • #georgia
  • #gig drivers
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