Most personal auto policies exclude coverage while you're using your vehicle for hire or commercial delivery. That means the moment you open the Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash app, your personal coverage may be suspended.
The Three Coverage Periods
- Period 0: App is off. Your personal policy applies normally.
- Period 1: App is on, waiting for a request. Your personal policy excludes you; the rideshare company's coverage is minimal.
- Period 2-3: Accepted a request through drop-off. The rideshare company provides coverage, but it may not match your current policy limits.
The Fix: A Rideshare Endorsement
A rideshare endorsement added to your personal auto policy fills Period 1 and ensures you have continuous coverage from the time you open the app to the time you drop off the passenger or delivery. Most endorsements cost $10-30 per month added to your existing premium.
Delivery Drivers Are in the Same Situation
If you drive for delivery services like Amazon Flex or Instacart, the coverage situation is similar - the endorsement is the right fix there too. The commercial exclusion in a standard policy is broad enough to capture those platforms.
Tell your agent you drive for any app-based platform. Concealing it creates a situation where a claim during a delivery could legitimately be denied, leaving you personally responsible for damage or injury. North Carolina is one of the states that specifically addresses rideshare insurance through the NC Department of Insurance, and many carriers now offer rideshare endorsements for Wake Forest and Triangle-area drivers. Talk to an IronHaven agent about the right rideshare coverage for your situation.
