If you’re signing up to deliver for UberEats, you might be surprised to find that the platform asks for proof of car insurance before you can begin driving. Even if you’re only delivering food not passengers it’s a mandatory step in the application process.
So, what’s the reason behind this?
Uber Eats checks your car insurance because it’s legally required and critical to protecting both you and the company during active deliveries. Without proper coverage, you could face liability issues, claim denials, or even removal from the platform.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Why insurance is required to drive for Uber Eats
- The difference between personal and delivery coverage
- What insurance Uber provides and what you still need
- What happens if you drive uninsured
- How to get affordable coverage for food delivery
- Common FAQs and real-life examples
Let’s clear things up so you can deliver confidently and stay protected.
Why Does Uber Eats Require Car Insurance?
1. It’s Legally Required
Almost every U.S. state requires minimum liability insurance for all drivers including those delivering food.
Uber Eats asks for your insurance to ensure:
- You’re compliant with local laws
- You’re not putting customers or third parties at risk
- Uber isn’t held liable for something your own policy should cover
2. Uber Provides Limited Insurance
Uber Eats does offer some limited commercial insurance, but it only activates during certain stages of your delivery.
To access this protection, you must:
- Use an insured vehicle
- Provide proof that you have at least personal auto liability insurance
Uber’s own insurance doesn’t replace your personal policy it sits on top of it.
3. It Protects Uber Legally and Financially
Uber uses independent contractors, not employees. That means you are responsible for maintaining your vehicle and meeting state insurance requirements.
Verifying your insurance:
- Shields Uber from lawsuits
- Ensures claims can be processed smoothly
- Reduces the platform’s financial exposure
What Kind of Car Insurance Do You Need for Uber Eats?
Uber Eats only requires personal car insurance to get started but it may not cover you during deliveries.
There are three coverage tiers to know:
| Period | What You’re Doing | Whose Insurance Applies | Notes |
| Period 0 | App is off | Your personal policy | Uber provides no coverage |
| Period 1 | App is on, waiting for orders | Your policy + Uber contingent | Uber covers limited liability only |
| Period 2/3 | En route to or delivering order | Uber’s commercial policy | Covers liability + some damage coverage |
Best Option: Rideshare or Delivery Endorsement
Many personal policies exclude commercial use so if you deliver without the right endorsement, your insurer may:
- Deny your claims
- Cancel your policy
- Flag you as high risk
To stay fully protected, consider:
- A rideshare insurance add-on (offered by insurers like Progressive, GEICO, State Farm)
- A commercial auto policy (if driving full-time)
What Insurance Does Uber Eats Provide?
Uber Eats provides limited auto insurance when you’re actively delivering. Here’s what it includes:
| Coverage Type | Provided by Uber Eats During Delivery? | Limits |
| Liability | Yes (active delivery only) | Up to $1 million |
| Collision | Yes (if you have personal collision) | Up to car’s actual value |
| Comprehensive | Yes (same as above) | Subject to $2,500 deductible |
| Uninsured Motorist | Yes | Varies by state |
This only applies when:
- You’ve accepted a delivery
- You’re en route to pick up or drop off
During “waiting time” (Period 1), Uber provides limited liability only and you must file a claim through your own insurer first.
Real-Life Scenario
Driver: Carlos, 30
Location: Orlando, FL
Incident: Rear-ended while waiting for a food order
Personal Policy: Had basic liability (no rideshare endorsement)
Result:
- Uber’s insurance didn’t apply (Period 1)
- Carlos’s insurer denied claim due to commercial use
- Paid $1,800 in repairs out-of-pocket
Carlos said:
“I didn’t realize my policy didn’t cover delivery work. I thought Uber had it all covered it cost me big time.”
What Happens If You Don’t Have Car Insurance?
Trying to deliver for Uber Eats without valid insurance could lead to:
Application Rejection
You won’t pass Uber’s onboarding process without uploading proof of active insurance.
Account Deactivation
If your insurance lapses or is canceled, your Uber Eats driver account may be suspended or deactivated.
Denied Claims
If you’re in an accident without proper coverage, both Uber and your insurer may refuse to pay, leaving you financially exposed.
Legal Penalties
Driving without insurance can result in:
- Fines
- Points on your license
- License suspension
- Vehicle impoundment (in some states)
How to Get the Right Insurance for Uber Eats
Here’s how to stay legal and fully protected:
Step 1: Review Your Current Policy
Call your insurer and ask:
- “Does my policy cover food delivery or rideshare driving?”
- “Do I need a commercial endorsement or upgrade?”
Step 2: Compare Rideshare-Friendly Insurers
Top insurers that offer delivery/rideshare coverage:
- Progressive
- GEICO
- State Farm
- Allstate
- USAA (for military families)
Step 3: Add Coverage
Expect to pay:
- $15–$30/month extra for a rideshare add-on
- $100–$200/month for full commercial coverage (if driving full-time)
Step 4: Upload Proof to Uber Eats
Make sure your insurance card:
- Matches the vehicle you use
- Shows your name and policy dates
- Is not expired
You can update your insurance anytime in the Uber Driver app.
FAQs: Uber Eats and Car Insurance
Because personal auto insurance is legally required, and Uber’s coverage only kicks in during deliveries not while you’re waiting or offline.
Yes, but only if the delivery was active. And Uber’s insurance covers liability first, not your own car unless you also have a collision.
Only if you are listed on that policy and Uber approves the vehicle and documentation.
Uber only provides limited liability coverage during waiting periods. If you’re hit, your own insurance must respond first.
Yes, if you don’t disclose delivery use. Insurers may raise rates, cancel your policy, or deny claims if they find out later.
Final Thoughts
So, why does Uber Eats check if you have car insurance?
Because it’s the law and because Uber’s own insurance only covers you during active delivery periods. You need valid personal coverage to drive legally, and possibly additional protection for full coverage.
To recap:
- You must show proof of personal insurance to sign up
- Uber provides limited coverage during delivery
- You’re not covered while waiting for orders unless you have the right personal coverage
- Driving without insurance can lead to fines, deactivation, or out-of-pocket claims
Looking for affordable delivery-friendly auto insurance? Alias Insurance helps drivers compare plans that include rideshare and food delivery coverage so you stay protected every mile of the way.
