Does GEICO Offer Rideshare Insurance?
Last Updated on January 21, 2026
If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare app, it’s smart to confirm how your car insurance works before you turn the app on. GEICO is a popular choice for personal auto coverage, but rideshare driving changes how insurers classify your vehicle use.
For a deeper look at GEICO’s standard auto coverage, see our GEICO auto insurance review.
Key Takeaways
- GEICO Coverage Depends on Your State: GEICO may offer a rideshare-specific policy in some areas, but you’ll need to confirm availability and policy type where you live.
- “App-On” Time Is the Biggest Risk: The waiting period between requests is where drivers most often discover gaps between personal insurance and platform coverage.
- Collision and Comprehensive Still Matter: Even when platforms provide protection during trips, physical-damage coverage is often contingent on you carrying collision/comprehensive on your own policy.
- Shop With Rideshare Use in Mind: When comparing quotes, ask specifically how each insurer treats rideshare driving across all periods—not just when a passenger is in the car.
Yes, GEICO May Offer Rideshare Insurance
GEICO’s website indicates that rideshare drivers may need a specific rideshare insurance policy (not a standard personal auto policy) and directs drivers to contact GEICO for rideshare insurance by phone. Availability and product structure can vary by state, and not every type of driving (rideshare vs. delivery vs. livery) is treated the same.
If you’re planning to drive for a transportation network company (TNC) like Uber or Lyft, don’t assume your personal policy automatically covers you. In general, personal auto policies aren’t priced or underwritten for “for-hire” driving, and many policies restrict or exclude coverage once you’re driving for pay.
What to Ask GEICO Before You Drive
- Is rideshare coverage available for my state and vehicle?
- Is it an endorsement added to a personal policy, or a separate rideshare policy?
- Which platforms are allowed (Uber/Lyft only, or also delivery apps)?
- Does coverage apply during “Period 1” (app on, waiting for a request)?
- Will my collision/comprehensive apply while ridesharing, and are there special deductibles or requirements?
Quick tip: Tell your insurer you’re doing rideshare driving before you start. If there’s a claim, undisclosed rideshare use can create delays, denials, or non-renewal issues.
Why Personal Auto Insurance Usually Isn’t Enough
Most personal auto policies are designed for commuting and errands—not for carrying passengers for a fee. Insurance regulators and industry groups routinely warn that coverage gaps can happen when you’re logged into a rideshare app, especially while you’re waiting for a match (often called “Period 1”).
If you’re unsure how your current insurer treats app-based driving, start with this guide on whether your insurance company covers you when driving for Uber or Lyft.
For additional background on rideshare insurance rules and common gaps, you can review the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) consumer resources on commercial ride-sharing: NAIC: Commercial Ride-Sharing.
How Uber and Lyft Coverage Periods Work
Uber and Lyft publish insurance details that follow a “period” structure. The exact coverages and limits can vary by state and market, but the big idea is consistent: your coverage depends on whether the app is off, you’re waiting for a request, or you’re on the way to a pickup / on a trip.
Rideshare Coverage Periods at a Glance
| Driving Status | What Uber Says It Provides | What Lyft Says It Provides | What Can Still Be Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| App off (personal driving) | Your personal auto policy applies. | Your personal auto policy applies. | None—assuming your policy is active and you’re using the car personally. |
| App on, waiting for a request | Liability coverage (commonly shown as 50/100/25 in most states). | Liability coverage of at least $50k/$100k/$25k (with some market exceptions). | Damage to your own car (collision/comp) is often excluded unless you have rideshare coverage through your insurer. |
| En route to pickup or on a trip | At least $1M liability; contingent collision/comp up to actual cash value if you carry collision/comp, with a $2,500 deductible. | In most markets, at least $1M liability; contingent collision/comp up to actual cash value if you carry collision/comp, with a $2,500 deductible. | High deductibles, eligibility rules, and state-by-state differences for UM/UIM, PIP, and MedPay. |
You can review the platforms’ published details here: Uber’s insurance overview and Lyft’s insurance overview.
Key Coverage Gaps to Watch For
- Period 1 exposure: When the app is on but you haven’t accepted a trip, platform coverage may be limited and your personal policy may exclude coverage without a rideshare endorsement.
- Physical damage rules: Platform collision/comprehensive is typically contingent on you carrying collision/comprehensive on your personal policy, and deductibles can be high.
- State variations: Limits, required coverages, and special rules (like no-fault benefits or UM/UIM requirements) vary widely.
Quick tip: If you finance or lease your car, make sure you keep collision and comprehensive on your personal policy. Without it, you may have no physical-damage protection for your car during key parts of rideshare driving.
Options for GEICO Policyholders Who Drive Rideshare
If you currently have GEICO and want to drive for Uber or Lyft, you generally have three realistic paths. The “right” choice depends on how often you drive, your state, and whether you need coverage beyond basic liability.
Option 1: Ask GEICO About a Rideshare Policy
Start by asking GEICO whether it offers rideshare coverage where you live, and whether that coverage is added to your current policy or issued as a separate rideshare policy. GEICO’s commercial auto page specifically directs rideshare drivers to request rideshare insurance: GEICO commercial auto insurance.
If GEICO can’t provide the rideshare setup you need in your state, ask what alternatives are accepted (for example, a different GEICO policy form, a partner program, or a commercial option).
Option 2: Switch to an Insurer With a Rideshare Endorsement
Many major insurers offer rideshare coverage designed to fill the “app-on” gaps. If GEICO doesn’t have a rideshare option that fits your situation, compare providers that specialize in rideshare drivers: best auto insurance companies for Uber and Lyft drivers.
Examples of large insurers that commonly offer rideshare solutions in many areas include State Farm and Allstate. The pricing impact depends on your state, driving record, vehicle, and how the insurer structures the coverage.
Option 3: Consider a Commercial Auto Policy
If you drive frequently, drive for multiple platforms, operate in a livery-like capacity, or have a business entity, you may need commercial coverage instead of (or in addition to) a rideshare endorsement. Learn when commercial coverage is typically required in our guide to when you need commercial auto insurance.
Commercial policies can also make sense for some small business setups (for example, multiple drivers using the same vehicle or business-owned vehicles). If that’s you, review this overview of small business auto insurance.
Relying only on platform coverage can still leave you exposed, especially during waiting time and for damage to your own vehicle. The safest approach is matching your personal/commercial coverage to how you actually use the car.
How to Switch From GEICO Without a Lapse
If you decide to move away from GEICO, set the change up carefully to avoid gaps. Here’s a clean way to handle it:
- Buy the new policy first and choose an effective date (see our guide on how to switch auto insurance companies).
- Make sure the start date lines up with your GEICO cancellation date to prevent a lapse in coverage.
- Confirm how refunds work if you prepaid, and check whether any fees apply (GEICO cancellation details: GEICO cancellation fee).
Final Word on GEICO Rideshare Coverage
GEICO may offer rideshare insurance in some areas, but you generally need to confirm the exact product and rules for your state. If GEICO can’t provide the coverage you need, switching to an insurer with a rideshare endorsement or moving to a commercial policy are the most common solutions.
Either way, avoid driving “app-on” without a plan—coverage gaps can get expensive, and they can also affect your long-term costs (learn more about how coverage gaps can affect car insurance rates).
