What are the Uber car requirements?
You must meet extensive car and driver requirements such as proof of insurance and a relatively new model car in order to drive for Uber. Here's a list of everything you'll need to qualify.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Driving for Uber is an increasingly popular way to make extra money on the side or even as a full-time job. However, there are some requirements for driving with Uber, specifically requirements for the type of Uber vehicle you can drive, though. There are also some requirements to be an Uber driver i.e., requirements that need to be met in order to drive for Uber as well. You may also be wondering if you need to be covered by rideshare insurance.
If you’re looking for the car requirements for Uber, read on to learn what it takes to get you covered.
- Your car must be no more than 15 years old and have no cosmetic damage
- You must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check
- You need to carry state minimum auto insurance plus rideshare coverage
Requirements for Driving an Uber Vehicle
The requirements for Uber vehicles need to be met before you can drive for the company. These requirements center around both the age and condition of your vehicle.
The basic requirements for an Uber car are that:
- Must have four doors and the ability to transport at least four passengers
- The year of your car for Uber must be no more than 15 years old
- Rental vehicles are not allowed unless they are from the Uber rental company
Most of these requirements aren’t particularly difficult to meet. Any four-door sedan or SUV should fit the four-passenger requirement. The car year requirements for Uber may be an issue, but this is a logical requirement, as newer vehicles are considered safer than older cars.
You may be wondering why cosmetic damage is an issue. After all, if the damage is purely cosmetic it does not affect the safety of the vehicle. However, Uber has a great interest in protecting its brand image. The company doesn’t want a vehicle with visible dents, rust, or other imperfections that may cast a negative light on the company. To maintain this image, qualifications for an Uber car include cosmetics.
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Car Qualifications for Uber
In addition to the car qualifications for Uber vehicles, Uber has non-negotiable driver requirements. To become a rideshare driver for Uber you must:
- Meet the minimum age to drive in your city
- Be at least 25 years old and have a minimum of one year of licensed driving experience
- Have a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience if you are under 25
- Provide proof of a valid driver’s license
- Have proof of residency in your city, state, or province
- Provide a driver portfolio picture
- Pass a driver screening that includes a background check and driving record check
The minimum driving age in most states and cities is 16. So, what would be the minimum age for an Uber driver? This means the Uber age requirement to drive is at least 19 years old in order to meet the three years of licensed driving requirement.
On the insurance front, Uber requires that all drivers first meet their state’s minimum car insurance requirements. In addition, Uber provides rideshare liability auto insurance that covers its drivers while they are logged into the app and working. This is important because most consumer car insurance policies don’t cover business use.
Read more: How to Get an Uber Driver Auto Insurance Discount
Requirements for Uber Black Drivers
Uber Black is the company’s premium rideshare service. This service costs riders more, and in exchange for the extra fee, they get a premium experience. As per the Uber Black qualifications for drivers, you will need to drive and insure a luxury vehicle in order to be considered for the Uber Black program. The car requirements for Uber Black, i.e., the car eligibility for Uber Black vehicles vary by city, so you’ll need to check the list of Uber Black cars to see if yours qualifies.
Uber requirements go beyond the vehicle you drive for the Uber Black program, however. According to Uber Black driver requirements, drivers must maintain at least a 4.85 rating on the platform. This rating puts you in exclusive company as one of the top drivers Uber has to offer. The goal of the program is to provide a luxury, five-star experience to passengers so both the vehicles and drivers need to be in the upper echelon.
Requirements for Uber Eats Car Drivers
When you drive for Uber Eats instead of the company’s ridesharing service, the vehicle requirements are similar. The main difference is there is no passenger requirement and your car can be either a two-door or a four-door.
It’s worth noting that Uber Eats vehicle requirements allow drivers to deliver by scooter, bicycle, or on foot. So even if you don’t meet the car requirements for Uber Eats, you may still be able to drive for Uber Eats if you live in an area where other delivery methods are feasible. If you are driving for Uber Eats, you may want to look into food delivery car insurance options.
To drive for Uber you’ll typically need to be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license and meet state minimum insurance requirements. You’ll need to pass a background and driving history check. You will need to drive a four-door vehicle no older than 15 years that can carry at least four passengers and that has no cosmetic defects.
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Do Uber Drivers Need Commercial Insurance
Uber is one of the most popular rideshare services in the United States, and the world by extension. Many have considered driving for the service to make a few dollars on the side since the cost of living is high.
But before you do that, you need to consider the implication on your car insurance and how much you would have to pay in the event of a car accident.
Essentially, Uber is a ride-sharing (sometimes referred to as ride-hailing) service where customers hail for a ride and make pick-up arrangements via a smartphone application often at a lower cost than a regular taxi.
Uber competes with taxi and black car services in the people transport business. Passengers must have the Uber app downloaded to their phones to hail for a ride.
Coverage by the Rideshare Company
About three years ago, Uber expanded their liability coverage and rolled it out for its growing fleet of independent drivers across the world.
The implication of the newly rolled out coverage was clear for the riders — in the event of an accident that results in bodily injuries, the company would provide coverage for up to one million dollars in damages. If you are an Uber driver, the claim navigation process remains the same.
The company, however, provides collision and comprehensive coverage during a trip.
Your car’s rideshare app has to be on, and you have to have a passenger in the vehicle for the coverage to apply — that’s what is implied by “during a trip.”
For the collision and comprehensive coverage provided by Uber to apply, the driver must have collision and comprehensive coverage on his/her auto insurance policy.
Note: be sure to also read our guide to food delivery auto insurance.
Coverage Gaps Between Commercial Policies and Personal Policies
Unless you have additional coverage, your auto insurer will not provide coverage when ferrying passengers for the Uber service with your car.
Personal coverage stops as soon as you turn on the rideshare app in your vehicle, creating a coverage gap. The Uber coverage might adequately protect the customer and your car during a trip, but what about you, the driver?
If you are a rideshare driver, you can buy commercial insurance to make sure you are fully protected in the event of an accident during a trip. However, commercial insurance policies are prohibitively expensive hence unaffordable for an average Uber driver.
As a result, car insurance companies have started offering auto insurance products designed to provide coverage for Uber drivers during trips. A good example of such a product is rideshare insurance.
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Rideshare Insurance Explained
Rideshare insurance is the product of an effort by auto insurance providers to meet Uber and Lyft drivers’ demand for coverage as the rideshare services grow in popularity.
A typical rideshare insurance plan covers personal use and periods when the app is on but there is no passenger in the car – at least in part.
Note that Uber may deny your claim if your Uber app was on during an accident but there was no customer on board.
Getting rideshare insurance is way cheaper and makes more sense than purchasing commercial insurance. All the major auto insurance providers in the country including State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, Safeco, Progressive, USAA, and Geico all offer rideshare insurance.
Specific coverage varies from one provider to the next, so make sure you compare quotes before you purchase a policy.
Purchasing Rideshare Insurance
Rideshare insurance is not available in all states, and not all auto insurance companies offer the product. If your auto insurance carrier doesn’t offer rideshare insurance, you can try elsewhere — that’s a smart thing to do anyway, especially when it comes to price comparison.
Remember that you have to inform your insurer that you are driving for Uber.
Failing to disclose this information may lead to the cancellation of your personal auto insurance policy – the insurance company will find out that you are driving for a ride-sharing service eventually.
Find out the gaps between Uber’s insurance policy and your personal auto insurance policy and fill them. If rideshare insurance is not available in your state, consider commercial insurance.
Ridesharing is a fairly new industry. As the industry continues to evolve, auto insurance options will also be expanding. For Uber and Lyft drivers, obtaining auto insurance coverage will be easier as the industry grows. For now, weigh your options and compare online quotes to obtain coverage that meets your needs.
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The Risks of Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber are a heavily relied on service in many areas, which means drivers for these companies need to understand the risks they’re taking on. These risks include low insurance limits, the risk to their personal vehicle, and risk to their passengers or a third party.
Lawmakers are still working out how these ridesharing services will be required to operate in many regards, including insurance requirements.
While every state has different insurance regulations already in place, this makes defining how services like Uber operate even more difficult. If you have questions about how your coverage works as an Uber driver, contact your insurance provider or your state’s Department of Insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an Uber driver?
If you’re wondering how to become an Uber driver, you generally need to be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license and meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. You must also pass a background check and have a driving history check. Your vehicle should be a four-door car, no older than 15 years, able to carry at least four passengers, and have no cosmetic defects.
Can I become an Uber driver if my car is leased?
Yes, you can drive for Uber with a leased car as long as you are listed as an approved driver on the lease agreement.
Is there a mileage limit for Uber cars?
You may be asking yourself: “Does Uber have a mileage limit?” There are no specific mileage requirements for Uber vehicles. But even though there are no Uber car mileage requirements, keep in mind that the condition of your vehicle is important, and high mileage may affect its reliability.
Do I need a smartphone to drive for Uber?
Yes, you will need a smartphone that meets Uber’s driver car requirements to download and use the Uber driver app for navigation, trip management, and communication with passengers.
Can I use an electric vehicle (EV) for Uber?
Uber does allow electric vehicles (EVs) for their platform, as long as they meet the other vehicle requirements, such as having four doors and being able to accommodate at least four passengers. However, charging infrastructure availability and range limitations should be considered for EV drivers.
What are the qualifications for becoming an Uber driver?
In addition to the vehicle requirements, Uber has non-negotiable driver requirements. To drive for Uber, you must:
- Meet the minimum age to drive in your city.
- Be at least 25 years old and have a minimum of one year of licensed driving experience, or have a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience if you are under 25.
- Provide proof of a valid driver’s license.
- Have proof of residency in your city, state, or province.
- Provide a driver portfolio picture.
- Pass a driver screening that includes a background check and driving record check.
What are the insurance requirements for Uber drivers?
Uber has specific insurance requirements that drivers must meet. The requirements may vary depending on the region, but generally, drivers need to have personal auto insurance that meets the minimum liability coverage limits set by Uber. In addition, Uber provides contingent liability coverage that becomes active when the driver is logged into the app but doesn’t have a passenger yet.
Can Uber provide a car insurance policy for its drivers?
Yes, Uber provides auto insurance coverage for its drivers while they are using the app and actively driving passengers or en route to pick up passengers. This coverage is designed to protect both the driver and the passengers during the ride.
Are there any additional insurance options available for Uber drivers?
Yes, Uber offers additional insurance options for drivers who want extra coverage. These options include comprehensive and collision coverage, which can help protect the driver’s vehicle in case of damage, even if the driver is at fault. However, these additional coverages may come at an extra cost to the driver.
How much is insurance for Uber drivers?
Insurance rates for Uber drivers are influenced by several factors, such as the driver’s location, driving history, age, and the type of vehicle they use. Uber collaborates with insurance providers to determine the rates based on these factors and the specific requirements of the region.
Are there any pros and cons to consider regarding Uber auto insurance?
Pros:
- Coverage during active driving: Uber provides insurance coverage when a driver is actively using the app and transporting passengers, offering protection for both the driver and passengers.
- Additional coverage options: Uber offers additional insurance options that drivers can choose to purchase, providing extra protection for their vehicles.
- Collaboration with insurance providers: Uber collaborates with insurance companies, ensuring that drivers have access to appropriate coverage and competitive rates.
- Ease of obtaining coverage: Uber’s auto insurance is integrated into the app, making it convenient for drivers to access and maintain the necessary coverage.
Cons:
- Contingent coverage limitations: Uber’s contingent liability coverage may have limitations, such as lower coverage limits or exclusions for certain situations. Drivers should review the policy details to understand the extent of coverage.
- Additional cost: While basic coverage is provided by Uber, additional insurance options may come at an extra cost to the driver, potentially increasing their overall expenses.
- Personal auto insurance requirements: Drivers must have personal auto insurance that meets Uber’s minimum liability coverage limits, which can be an added expense if they don’t already have it.
How to apply for an Uber driver?
To become an Uber driver, you’ll need to go through several steps to ensure you meet the driver and vehicle requirements and can provide the necessary documents.
Does my car qualify for Uber?
To determine the car you can use for Uber, you need to consider several factors that vary by the service type and location. You should check the list of Uber approved cars to see if your vehicle qualifies.
How to become an Uber Black driver?
To become an Uber Black driver, your vehicle must meet higher Uber Black car requirements, including:
- A newer model luxury vehicle
- Black exterior and interior.
- High-end makes and models
- Excellent condition with no cosmetic damage
Some cars that qualify for Uber Black are Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Tesla, etc.
Does Tesla qualify for Uber Black?
Yes, Tesla is one the eligible vehicles for Uber Black. Certain Tesla models, such as Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model 3 meet Uber Black car year requirements.
How to drive for Uber without a car?
If you want to drive for Uber with no car, you can rent or lease a vehicle. Uber partners with rental companies to provide vehicles to drivers who don’t own a suitable car.
How old can an Uber car be?
The oldest car allowed for Uber is the one that is no more than 10 to 15 years old, but this can be stricter in some cities where the requirement might be for cars no more than 5 to 10 years old.
How much is commercial insurance for Uber Black?
The price of commercial insurance for Uber Black can vary widely based on several factors. Because it’s a premium service using luxury vehicles, commercial insurance for Uber Black will be more expensive than for standard Uber services. It can cost anywhere from around $250 to $850 per month.
How much is commercial auto insurance for Uber?
On average, Uber commercial auto insurance costs around $145 per month.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.