A guide to rideshare driving insurance

If you drive for a ridesharing service like Uber, DiDi or Ola, you’ll want car insurance that covers both the personal use of your car and the trips you offer paying customers. But do you know whether your current policy ticks both boxes? If it doesn’t, and your car needs repair or replacement after an incident, you could end up paying big bucks out of your own pocket. And if you can’t pay right away, you could be deprived of an important source of income while you save.

Knowing what your insurance policy — or one you’re considering — does and doesn’t cover can help you hit the road with confidence. This guide can help!

Am I covered for rideshare driving?

Ridesharing companies may offer you some level of insurance, but it may not cover the personal use of your car, and could still leave you liable for costs if an incident occurs. If you take up rideshare driving, let your own insurer know. If they let you add rideshare use to your policy and remain covered, then do so. Your premium and policy limits may change, but at least you’ll know you’re covered. If they don’t offer cover when you start using your car for ridesharing, it might be time to shop around.

You should also check your ridesharing company’s insurance policies to see what is and isn’t covered. In Australia, Uber driver-partners must show proof of either comprehensive or third party property damage cover, along with other requirements.   

Types of cover for rideshare driving

Ridesharing companies may require drivers to take out Third Party Property Damage, which covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles and property.

It’s mandatory in Australia for drivers to have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance, which covers legal liability or personal injury claims made against you in the event of an accident. CTP Insurance may be bundled with your registration or purchased separately, depending on your state or territory. You might know this as Green Slip in NSW, CTP in SA or Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Insurance in the ACT. 

Comprehensive Car Insurance

Paying the full cost of repairs to your own vehicle after an accident can leave a hefty hole in the wallet. That’s where Comprehensive Car Insurance kicks in. It's usually the most expensive option, but also the most popular. It covers you for damage to your car as well as damage to other people’s vehicles and property.

Rideshare drivers usually clock up more hours on the road than other commuters, so they may have a higher risk of an accident. With Comprehensive Car Insurance, you know that your car is covered. Check the Product Disclosure Statement to see what is and isn’t covered.

With AAMI, there aren’t any limits on the amount of hours you can rideshare drive while maintaining coverage, so you can continue to offer your services without worrying. You should note though, for the additional cover which provides a hire car (after theft or a not at fault incident) or if you choose to add the optional cover - hire car after an event, you may not be able to use the hire car for rideshare driving.​

Explore AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance

What happens if I have an accident as a rideshare driver?

If you have an accident while driving for a ridesharing service, you should first check that everyone is safe, phone emergency services if necessary, and take any reasonable steps to prevent further accidents and damage.

You’ll then need to report the incident and make a claim. If you’re an AAMI customer, you can make a claim using the AAMI App, online, or by calling 13 22 44.

Make a claim

If you like, you can learn more about what to do in a minor car accident.

How to include rideshare driving in your cover

AAMI customers can easily do this via My Account. 

• Log in to your My Account and select your car insurance policy.
• Click ‘Update policy’ and then scroll down to ‘Car usage’.
• Select the ‘Ridesharing’ box from the list.

Alternatively, you can call 13 22 44 to speak to one of our customer service consultants.

If you’re not an AAMI customer yet, all you have to do is select the ridesharing box when getting an online quote.

Read more:

• Car insurance covers you didn’t know you had
• Car maintenance and servicing 101 – a beginner’s guide
• Number plate theft: is your car protected?

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI) trading as AAMI. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statemen before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.