Rideshare driving offers flexibility, especially if you want to earn money without a long-term commitment. Whether you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or other platforms temporarily or during peak events, you may ask: Can I get 24-hour auto insurance as a rideshare driver?
The answer is yes. 24 hour auto insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers is a short-term policy designed to fill the gap when you’re driving for just a day or two. It’s ideal for part-time drivers, new gig workers, or people testing the waters.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about short-term rideshare insurance: how it works, what it covers, when to buy it, and how it compares to traditional policies.
Why Rideshare Drivers Need Special Insurance
When you sign up to drive for Uber or Lyft, your personal auto insurance no longer covers you the same way during work. Rideshare companies offer limited insurance, but it only applies during certain periods.
Rideshare Driving Periods:
- Period 0 – App is off: your personal insurance applies
- Period 1 – App is on, waiting for a request: limited liability from Uber/Lyft
- Period 2 – En route to passenger: full commercial coverage from Uber/Lyft
- Period 3 – Passenger in car: full commercial coverage continues
The biggest coverage gap is in Period 1. That’s where 24-hour rideshare insurance can help.
What Is 24-Hour Auto Insurance for Rideshare Drivers?
24-hour rideshare insurance is a short-term auto insurance policy designed to cover you for a full day while driving for platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, or Grubhub.
It usually offers:
- Liability coverage
- Collision and comprehensive (optional)
- Rideshare gap protection during Period 1
- Coverage while using your car personally
Tip: Not all insurers offer 24-hour rideshare coverage, but it’s growing in popularity for temporary drivers.
What Does 24-Hour Rideshare Insurance Cover?
Coverage may vary, but most policies include:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability
- Collision coverage (if you already carry it)
- Comprehensive protection (theft, vandalism, weather damage)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Medical payments or personal injury protection
Some policies even offer coverage for app-on time, which personal auto insurance often excludes.
When to Buy 24-Hour Insurance as a Rideshare Driver
This option makes sense if:
- You drive for Uber or Lyft only occasionally
- You’re new to rideshare and testing it out
- You’re doing a one-time event or weekend driving
- Your personal insurer doesn’t cover rideshare activity
- You want to avoid the cost of a full commercial policy
For example, driving during a festival or surge pricing event might require just a day of coverage.
How Much Does 24-Hour Rideshare Insurance Cost?
Costs vary based on your location, driving history, and vehicle, but on average:
| Coverage Type | Estimated Cost (Per Day) |
| Liability only | 10 to 15 USD |
| Liability + Comprehensive | 15 to 25 USD |
| Full rideshare coverage | 25 to 40 USD |
Compared to monthly rideshare endorsements (which can cost 30 to 80 USD/month), 24-hour coverage is a flexible, budget-friendly alternative for part-time drivers.
Where to Buy 24-Hour Rideshare Insurance
Not all major insurance companies offer day-by-day rideshare coverage, but a few providers and brokers specialize in it:
- Buckner
- Kover.ai
- Rideshare Rental (includes bundled coverage)
- Bonzah
- RentalCover.com
- Some state-based providers or independent agents
Always confirm that the insurer is approved in your state and recognized by your rideshare platform.
Pros and Cons of 24-Hour Rideshare Insurance
Pros:
- Affordable for part-time drivers
- Fills gaps in Uber and Lyft policies
- Can be purchased on-demand
- Avoids annual commercial costs
Cons:
- May not be available in all states
- Not suitable for full-time drivers
- Limited options among big-name insurers
What Happens If You Drive Without Proper Coverage?
If you drive for Uber or Lyft without the right insurance:
- Your personal auto insurance may deny claims
- You may face policy cancellation
- You could be personally liable for accidents in Period 1
- You may face fines or suspension in states requiring rideshare-specific insurance
That’s why having even one day of proper coverage can protect your income and driving record.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Weekend Hustle
You want to drive for Lyft on Saturday only to earn some extra cash. You don’t want a permanent policy. A 24-hour plan gives you full coverage for the day without a long-term commitment.
Scenario 2: Festival Surge Driving
You drive Uber only during large events for surge pricing. You activate 24-hour rideshare coverage for each event instead of paying monthly premiums year-round.
Scenario 3: New to Rideshare
You’re trying out rideshare driving for the first time. A one-day policy lets you explore without risking your personal insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does my personal auto insurance cover Uber or Lyft driving?
Not during Periods 1 to 3. Most policies exclude commercial use unless you have a rideshare endorsement.
What happens if I get into an accident while waiting for a ride?
Uber and Lyft provide limited liability only. Without extra coverage, you’re responsible for repairs to your own vehicle.
Can I buy coverage just for one day?
Yes. That’s what 24-hour rideshare insurance is for. It’s ideal for temporary or occasional driving.
Do Uber and Lyft offer insurance?
Yes, but it only covers certain time periods. You need your own coverage to fill the gaps.
Can I use the same policy for DoorDash or Instacart?
Many 24-hour rideshare policies also cover food delivery services. Check your provider’s terms.
Final Thoughts
So, is 24 hour auto insurance worth it for Uber and Lyft drivers? Absolutely—if you drive part-time, occasionally, or during peak events. It protects you during periods when neither Uber/Lyft nor your personal policy offers coverage. It’s also a smart way to stay compliant and reduce financial risk without committing to a full-time commercial policy.
Always read the policy terms and confirm it meets your platform’s requirements. For flexible, affordable coverage, 24-hour rideshare insurance offers a perfect bridge between personal and commercial policies.
Ready to hit the road with confidence? Visit Alias Insurance to compare short-term insurance quotes for Uber, Lyft, and other gig platforms.
