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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
- State requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers
- Why Uber and Lyft drivers need rideshare insurance
- What does not rideshare insurance cover?
- Uber car requirements and Lyft car requirements
- 9 Steps to become an Uber driver or Lyft driver
- 4 tips for driving for Uber or Lyft
- Frequently asked questions about Uber and Lyft ridesharing
Uber driver requirements and Lyft driver requirements
| Driver requirements | Uber | Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must meet the minimum age requirement to drive in your city. | Must meet the minimum age requirement to drive in your city. |
| Driving experience | One year of licensed driving experience or three years of licensed driving experience if you are under 23 years old. | Depending on your state, you must have at least one year of licensed driving experience if you are 23 or older. Three years of experience if you are under 23. |
| Driving record | Clean driving record essential. No DUI's or history of accidents, etc. | No more than three moving violations in the last three years or a single major moving violation, including driving with a suspended license or reckless driving. |
| Insurance | You must be listed as a driver on the personal auto insurance policy. | You must be listed as a driver on the personal auto insurance policy. |
| Social Security Number | Required for background check. | Required for background check. |
| Technology | Must have a smartphone to be able to download Uber app. | Must have a smartphone to be able to download Lyft app. |
| Vehicle | Must have a four-door, minimum four-passenger vehicle with a model year that is no more than 15 years old The vehicle cannot be damaged, have missing parts or commercial branding. If you choose not to drive your own car, you must be listed as an insured driver on the vehicle's personal auto policy. | Must have a four-door vehicle with a minimum of five seatbelts. Must meet the minimum vehicle age requirement for your city or state. Rental cars are prohibited, except those obtained through Lyft's Express Drive program. No subcompact vehicles are 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 vehicle 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 they are on the app and waiting for a ride request. That time 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.
"Drivers need to educate themselves on driving periods and what their rideshare company covers so that they know what periods they need additional coverage for," says Melanie Musson, an insurance expert for CarInsuranceComparison.com.
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.
"It's usually the best option to get a rideshare endorsement through your personal insurer. Their charge is usually cheaper than purchasing a stand-alone policy. You should definitely compare rates, though, because there are exceptions," Musson says.
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 does not rideshare insurance cover?
According to rideshare websites, the following may disqualify potential drivers.
| Item | Uber disqualification | Lyft disqualification |
|---|---|---|
| License | Suspended, revoked or invalid license | Suspended, revoked or invalid license |
| License plates | Invalid registration | Invalid registration |
| Vehicle age | Model year more than 15 years old | Not meeting the minimum vehicle age requirement for your city or state |
| Insurance | Suspended, revoked, or invalid insurance. Insurance not in driver's name | Suspended, revoked, or invalid insurance. Insurance not in driver's name |
Background check |
| Among other things, Lyft disqualifies driver applicants for:
|
Uber car requirements and Lyft car requirements
The most popular rideshare companies have similar vehicle requirements, with a few minor differences.
| Car requirements | Uber | Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| License plates | Valid plates required for the state in which you plan to drive | Valid plates required for the state in which you plan to drive |
| Seating | Must have seating and working seatbelts for at least four passengers | Must have seating for four passengers with a minimum of five seatbelts |
| Vehicle age | Model year must be 15 years old or newer | Must meet the minimum vehicle age requirement for 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 a safety inspection. This can usually be performed at a licensed 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.
9 Steps to become an Uber driver or Lyft driver
If you and your vehicle qualify, here's what you need to do to sign up:
- Complete an application online for Uber or Lyft.
- Submit information for a background check, including your Social Security number.
- Have your vehicle inspected at an authorized inspection center.
- Make sure you have the necessary auto insurance.
- Obtain an emblem or decal from the rideshare company. Display it on your windshield or dashboard.
- Once you're approved, download the app and software license for drivers on your smartphone.
- Enter the hours you are available to work on the app.
- Wait for riders to request a ride.
You can check the status of your application on Uber or Lyft's website.
4 tips for driving for Uber or Lyft
- Track your expenses: Track costs on a daily basis to determine exactly how much you earn an hour and so you have accurate expense records when filing tax returns.
- Get rideshare insurance: Reduce your financial liability if you get into an accident. Rideshare insurance can help to fill coverage gaps, especially during Period 1 when you're only covered by Uber and Lyft's liability policies.
- Understand the tax code: As an independent contractor, taxes aren't withheld from your paycheck. It is up to you to calculate the amount you owe the government. Setting aside money each month for taxes can prevent a big surprise at tax time.
- Drive early or late: Utilization (the time you spend with a passenger in the car) is critical to your success. During the very early morning or late evening hours, passengers may need rides to and from the airport or to and from your city's entertainment and dining district. These rides tend to be longer, which means you'll earn more from these trips. Taking the graveyard shift may help you earn more income.
Driving for Uber and Lyft comes with both advantages and disadvantages. You can earn extra money, but you also need to maintain your vehicle and have the right insurance protection to make ridesharing a viable business or side hustle. So, before you sign up for one of these services, make sure you truly understand all the costs associated with becoming a rideshare driver.
Frequently asked questions about Uber and Lyft ridesharing
How much does rideshare insurance cost?
How old can your car be for Uber?
Your car must be no older than 15 years to qualify for Uber driving.
How old do you have to be to drive for Uber or Lyft?
For both Uber and Lyft, the driver age requirement is city and state specific. You can inquire with Uber or Lyft about the requirements for your location.
Has the pandemic changed Uber and Lyft car requirements?
The pandemic has added to ridesharing requirements. Drivers are required to leave their front clear of passengers, wear masks and sanitize the car between customers. Drivers are also encouraged to follow all CDC guidelines.