Uber Eats Insurance Requirements: Complete Driver Guide (2025)

Quick Answer: Does Uber Eats Require Insurance?

Yes. Uber Eats requires all delivery drivers to maintain valid auto insurance meeting their state's minimum requirements. But here's what most drivers don't realize: Uber's insurance coverage for Eats deliveries is different from rideshare coverage, and your personal policy probably won't cover you if something goes wrong during a delivery.

This guide breaks down exactly what insurance Uber Eats provides, where the coverage gaps are, and how to protect yourself properly.

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Uber Eats Insurance Requirements at a Glance

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How Uber Eats Insurance Works

Uber provides insurance coverage for Uber Eats drivers, but it's structured differently than Uber rideshare coverage. Understanding these differences is crucial.

Coverage Periods for Uber Eats

Period 1: App Off

• Uber provides: No coverage
• You need: Personal auto insurance
• Status: Normal personal driving

Period 2: App On, Waiting for Delivery Requests

• Uber provides: Limited liability coverage
• Coverage: Contingent on personal insurance denial
• Limits: Varies by state (typically lower than active delivery)

Period 3: Active Delivery (Pickup to Drop-off)

• Uber provides: Commercial auto liability
• Coverage: Up to $1,000,000 third-party liability
• Includes: Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

Key Differences: Uber Eats vs. Uber Rideshare

Important: Uber Eats drivers do NOT get the same collision and comprehensive coverage that Uber rideshare drivers receive. This is a major difference.

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What Uber Eats Insurance Does NOT Cover

Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered:

Not Covered by Uber

• Damage to your own vehicle - Collision repairs are your responsibility
• Theft or vandalism - No comprehensive coverage provided
• Your medical expenses - Limited or no coverage for your injuries
• Mechanical breakdowns - Normal wear and tear excluded
• Deductibles - You pay any applicable deductibles
• Non-delivery accidents - Only active deliveries are covered

The Personal Insurance Problem

Most personal auto insurance policies contain exclusions for:

• Commercial use of your vehicle
• Delivery driving for compensation
• Food delivery services specifically

This means if you have an accident while delivering for Uber Eats:

1. Your personal insurer may deny the claim
2. Uber's coverage has limitations
3. You could be personally liable for damages

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State Minimum Insurance Requirements

Uber Eats requires drivers to carry at least their state's minimum auto insurance. Here are requirements for major states:

Liability Minimums by State

Note: Michigan has unique no-fault requirements with much higher bodily injury minimums.

No-Fault State Requirements

If you deliver in a no-fault state, you must also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

• Florida - $10,000 PIP required
• Michigan - Unlimited PIP available
• New York - $50,000 PIP required
• New Jersey - $15,000 PIP minimum
• Massachusetts - $8,000 PIP required

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Recommended Insurance for Uber Eats Drivers

Option 1: Personal Insurance + Delivery Endorsement (Recommended)

The most cost-effective solution for part-time drivers:

What it includes:

• Your standard personal auto coverage
• Added endorsement for delivery/rideshare work
• Fills coverage gaps during all driving periods

Typical cost: $15-40/month additional

Insurers offering delivery endorsements:

• Progressive (most states)
• State Farm
• Geico
• Allstate (Ride for Hire)
• Farmers
• Liberty Mutual
• USAA (members only)

Option 2: Hybrid/Rideshare Policy

Some insurers offer policies specifically designed for gig workers:

• Progressive - Rideshare coverage built into policy
• Allstate - Ride for Hire endorsement
• State Farm - Rideshare driver coverage

Option 3: Commercial Auto Insurance

Best for full-time Uber Eats drivers (30+ hours/week):

Advantages:

• Complete coverage during all activities
• No gaps or exclusions
• Higher liability limits available

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost ($150-400/month more than personal)
• May be overkill for part-time drivers

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How to Get Covered Properly

Step 1: Review Your Current Policy

Contact your insurance company and ask:

1. "Does my policy cover food delivery driving?"
2. "Is there a commercial activity exclusion?"
3. "What happens if I have an accident while delivering?"
4. "Do you offer a rideshare or delivery endorsement?"

Step 2: Disclose Your Delivery Work

This is critical. Failing to tell your insurer about delivery work can result in:

• Claim denials
• Policy cancellation
• Being labeled as having "material misrepresentation"
• Difficulty getting future coverage

Step 3: Add Appropriate Coverage

For occasional drivers (under 15 hours/week):

• Add rideshare/delivery endorsement
• Ensure collision coverage on your policy
• Consider umbrella policy for extra liability protection

For regular drivers (15-30 hours/week):

• Rideshare endorsement minimum
• Higher liability limits (100/300/100)
• Collision and comprehensive coverage

For full-time drivers (30+ hours/week):

• Consider commercial auto policy
• Or comprehensive rideshare policy
• Maximum liability coverage recommended

Step 4: Document Your Coverage

Keep these items accessible:

• Current insurance card (digital and physical)
• Policy declarations page
• Proof of rideshare/delivery endorsement
• Uber's insurance information

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What To Do After an Accident

If you're involved in an accident while delivering for Uber Eats:

Immediate Steps

1. Ensure safety - Check for injuries, move to safe location if possible
2. Call 911 - Report accident, request police report
3. Document everything - Photos, witness info, other driver's insurance
4. Report to Uber - Use the app to report the incident
5. Contact your insurer - Report the accident to your personal insurance

Filing Claims

During active delivery (Period 3):

• Uber's insurance is primary for liability
• File through Uber's claims process
• Your collision coverage handles your vehicle damage

During Period 2 (app on, no delivery):

• File with your personal insurance first
• If denied, Uber's contingent coverage may apply
• Document the denial for Uber's claims process

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber Eats verify my insurance?

Yes. Uber requires proof of insurance during signup and periodically requests updated documentation. You must upload valid insurance cards showing at least your state's minimum coverage. Failure to maintain valid insurance results in account deactivation.

Is Uber Eats insurance the same as Uber rideshare insurance?

No. Uber Eats coverage is more limited. The key difference is that Uber Eats does NOT include collision or comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, while Uber rideshare does (with a deductible). Liability coverage limits are similar at $1 million during active deliveries.

Can I deliver for Uber Eats with just liability insurance?

You can meet Uber's minimum requirements with liability-only insurance. However, this is risky because neither Uber nor your liability policy will pay for damage to your own vehicle. Adding collision coverage to your personal policy is strongly recommended.

How much does insurance for Uber Eats drivers cost?

Uber's coverage is free—included when you deliver. Proper personal coverage varies:

• Standard policy: $100-200/month (varies by state, age, driving history)
• Delivery endorsement: Add $15-40/month
• Commercial policy: $250-500/month total

What if my insurance company doesn't offer delivery coverage?

Options include:

• Switch to an insurer that offers rideshare/delivery endorsements
• Consider Progressive, Geico, or State Farm (widely available)
• Look into commercial auto insurance
• Use a gig economy insurance specialist

Does Uber Eats insurance cover bike and scooter deliveries?

Uber's auto liability coverage only applies to car deliveries. If you deliver by bicycle, e-bike, or scooter, different rules apply. Uber provides occupational accident insurance for bike/scooter couriers in some markets, but coverage is more limited.

Will my rates go up if I tell my insurer I deliver for Uber Eats?

Possibly, but usually modestly ($15-50/month for an endorsement). The alternative—not disclosing and having a claim denied—is far more expensive. Some insurers don't charge extra for occasional delivery work.

What happens if I get in an accident without proper coverage?

You could face:

• Personal liability for all damages (potentially tens of thousands)
• Lawsuit from injured parties
• Uber account deactivation
• Insurance claim denial
• Difficulty getting future insurance
• Traffic citations for driving uninsured

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Key Takeaways

• Uber Eats requires valid auto insurance meeting state minimums
• Uber provides up to $1 million liability during active deliveries
• Uber does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle (unlike rideshare)
• Personal insurance usually excludes commercial delivery driving
• Best protection: Add rideshare/delivery endorsement ($15-40/month)
• Always disclose delivery work to your insurance company
• Full-time drivers should consider commercial or hybrid policies
• Keep documentation accessible in case of accidents

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Uber Eats insurance requirements based on publicly available sources and Uber's published policies. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements, Uber's policies, and state regulations can change. Coverage varies by location and individual circumstances.

Always verify current requirements with:

• Your state's Department of Insurance
• Your auto insurance provider
• Uber's official driver policies

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: November 2025

Sources: Uber Driver Insurance Policy, State DMV requirements, Insurance industry guidelines