If you're thinking of driving for Uber and Lyft, it isn't as simple as signing up, downloading the app, turning it on and accepting passengers.
Both companies have several requirements that drivers must meet for insurance, the age of their vehicle, their driving record and more.
Here's a rundown of the requirements you'll need to meet before you can drive for Uber or Lyft.
Uber driver requirements and Lyft driver requirements
Uber and Lyft have similar requirements for their drivers, although there are some differences. For example, while Uber requires a clean driving record, Lyft is less stringent.
Take a look at the requirements to drive for each rideshare company below; it may help you decide which company is right for you.
| Driver requirements | Uber | Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Meet the minimum driving age in your city | The minimum age requirement with Lyft is between 21 -25 and varies for your city or region |
| Driving experience | Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (3 years of experience if you are under 25 years of age) | Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. |
| Driving record | Clean driving record | No more than three violations in the past three years or a single moving violation in a year |
| Insurance | You must be listed on your personal auto insurance policies | You must be listed on your personal auto insurance policies |
| Technology | Must have a smartphone to download the Uber app. | Must have a smartphone to download the Lyft app |
| Vehicle | Must have an eligible four-door vehicle. | Must have four doors with a minimum of five seatbelts. Taxis and stretch limousines are not allowed. |
State requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers
Requirements for rideshare driving vary by state and, in some cases, by individual markets. For example, Colorado requires a medical exam, and drivers must display a "Driver Medical Certificate" in their vehicles at all times when they're working. That’s not necessary in most other states.
Other special state requirements include:
| State | Special requirement examples |
|---|---|
| California |
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| Hawaii |
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| Nevada |
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| Utah |
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| Washington, D.C. |
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Why Uber and Lyft drivers need rideshare insurance
Rideshare drivers must meet the minimum auto insurance requirements for their state. Drivers are also covered under Uber and Lyft's liability insurance policies when waiting for a ride request on the app. That time is known as Period 1. During this period, Uber's coverage and Lyft's coverage provide $50,000 of bodily injury per person, $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident and $25,000 of property damage coverage per accident.
Once you've accepted a ride request (Period 2), a passenger is in the vehicle and you're transporting them to their destination (Period 3), you’ll be covered under Uber and Lyft's contingent comprehensive and collision insurance and each company's liability policy. That includes $1 million of coverage. However, there are still coverage gaps during different phases of your trip.
Since you can't be covered under your personal auto policy if you use your car for business purposes, it's best to get rideshare insurance, which can help to fill these coverage gaps.
Rideshare insurance isn't offered in every state, so start by checking with your personal auto insurer to see if the company offers it. Either way, shop around and compare insurance companies to see who offers the most comprehensive coverage at the most affordable price for your needs.
What disqualifies a driver for Uber or Lyft?
According to rideshare websites, the following may disqualify potential drivers.
| Item | Uber disqualification | Lyft disqualification |
|---|---|---|
| License | A driver with suspended, revoked or invalid license | A driver with suspended, revoked or invalid license |
Background check |
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| Insurance | Suspended, revoked, or invalid insurance. Insurance not in driver's name | Suspended, revoked, or invalid insurance. Insurance not in driver's name |
Uber car requirements and Lyft car requirements
The most popular rideshare companies have similar vehicle requirements, with a few minor differences.
| Car requirement | Uber | Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| License plates | Valid license plates are required for the state in which you plan to drive | Valid license plates required for the state in which you plan to drive |
| Seating | Must have seats and working seatbelts for at least four passengers | Must have seating for four passengers with a minimum of five seatbelts |
| Vehicle age | Model must be 15 years old or newer | Must meet the vehicle age requirement in your city or state |
| Doors | Must have at least four doors | Must have at least four doors that can open from interior and exterior; no jump doors |
| Inspection | Must be able to pass safety inspection. This can usually be performed at a license repair shop or partner location affiliated with the rideshare company | Must be able to pass a safety inspection. This can usually, be performed at a licensed repair shop or partner location affiliated with the rideshare company |
Other conditions exist; review your rideshare company's complete requirements before signing up.
Frequently asked questions about Uber and Lyft ridesharing
How much does rideshare insurance cost?
The average increase to your policy for adding rideshare endorsement is 13%, or about $346 a year.
Did the pandemic change Uber and Lyft car requirements?
As the CDC mandate to wear masks during transportation is no longer in effect, the ridesharing requirements for Lyft and Uber have changed for riders and drivers. The driver no longer needs to keep the front passenger seat empty or keep the windows open, and health safety reasons like drivers not wearing a mask no longer appear as a cancellation option in the app.
Additional reporting by Mark Vallet, Gina Pogol and Beth Orenstein.
