Rideshare & Delivery Insurance
Falls Church, Herndon, Manassas

App‑based transportation and delivery keeps growing in Virginia. If you plan to drive for Uber or Lyft, or deliver for DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub, Uber Eats, Shipt, or Amazon Flex, your insurance needs change the moment you turn on the app. Virginia law sets specific coverage levels for these activities, and a standard personal auto policy usually doesn’t cover “driving for pay” unless you add the right endorsement.

Since July 1, 2024, all registered drivers in Virginia must carry insurance (the old uninsured motor vehicle fee option was repealed). And for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the state’s minimum liability limits are 50/100/25 ($50,000 bodily injury per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage).

Why a personal auto policy usually won’t cover rideshare or delivery work

Most personal auto policies exclude coverage while the car is being used to carry people or goods for a fee (often called the “public or livery conveyance” exclusion). That means a claim can be denied if the accident happens while you’re on the app, on the way to a pickup, carrying a passenger, or transporting goods—unless your policy has a rideshare or delivery endorsement.

Virginia coverage requirements when you drive for a platform

Virginia law treats passenger rides (Uber/Lyft) under Transportation Network Company (TNC) rules and deliveries (DoorDash/Instacart/etc.) under property carrier rules. Coverage requirements depend on your app status.

1) When you drive passengers (Uber/Lyft) — TNC rules

• App on, waiting for a ride (no passenger yet): Primary liability of at least 50/100/25.

• Ride accepted through passenger drop‑off (or trip closed in the app): Primary liability of $1,000,000; uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) also applies while a passenger is in your car.

Virginia DMV TNC Insurance Requirements and DMV TNC quick guide.

2) When you deliver goods (DoorDash, Instacart, etc.) — property carrier rules

For cars and light vehicles (≤ 7,500 lbs. GVWR):

• App on, available to accept a delivery: Minimum liability equals Virginia’s standard financial responsibility limits (50/100/25 as of 2025).

• From accepting a delivery request until the goods are delivered: $100,000 bodily injury per person / $300,000per accident / $50,000 property damage.

Code of Virginia §46.2‑2143.1 (insurance for motor carriers) and §46.2‑472 (minimum limits).

What this means for your policy

1) Add the correct endorsement before you start.
Ask for a rideshare endorsement (for Uber/Lyft) and/or a delivery/business‑use endorsement (for app‑based deliveries). Not every insurer offers both; if needed, we’ll help you review carrier options that fit your situation. Griffin Owens Insurance

2) Set limits that match Virginia law while you’re “on app.”

• Rideshare: make sure the combined platform + your endorsements meet 50/100/25 while waiting and $1,000,000 while on trips (plus UM/UIM).

• Delivery: ensure coverage equals 50/100/25 while available and 100/300/50 while on an active delivery.

3) Know what’s not covered.
Platform policies are typically third‑party liability only. Damage to your own vehicle, comprehensive/collision, rental, and downtime are usually not covered unless you add them on your personal policy.

4) Keep proof of insurance handy.
Virginia now requires insured status for registration and enforcement; be ready to show proof if DMV cannot verify electronically.

Common mistakes Virginia drivers can avoid

• Assuming your personal auto covers gig driving. Standard policies generally exclude it without an endorsement.

• Relying only on the app’s policy. It may not cover your car or certain gaps between “available” and “on trip.”

• Not matching Virginia’s updated limits. Since 1/1/2025, base limits are 50/100/25; delivery and rideshare phases have higher requirements at times.

A Clear Virginia Checklist (before you turn on the app)

1. Tell your agent you’ll be using the car for rideshare or deliveries.

2. Add the needed endorsement(s) and verify how they work with platform coverage in each app phase.

3. Confirm liability limits meet Virginia requirements for your driving type and app status.

4. If you want coverage for your own car, include comprehensive/collision (some carriers offer contingent coverage that coordinates with platform policies).

5. Carry proof of insurance and keep your app status documentation handy after any incident.

Ready to set this up?

If you use your personal vehicle anywhere in Virginia for rideshare or delivery, reach out to Griffin Owens Insurance. We’ll walk you through endorsements, limits, and gaps so your coverage lines up with Virginia law and the way you actually drive. Contact Griffin Owens Insurance before you start taking trips so you’re set up correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my personal auto policy cover me while I’m driving for Uber/Lyft or delivering with DoorDash in Virginia?

  Generally no. Most personal policies exclude carrying people or goods for a fee without a rideshare or delivery endorsement.

• Do platforms like Uber or DoorDash insure me?

  They may provide third‑party liability coverage that coordinates with state law, but terms vary and typically don’t cover damage to your own car. You still need the right policy and endorsements in your name.

• Did Virginia really end the uninsured motorist fee option?

  Yes. Since July 1, 2024, you must carry insurance to register and drive a vehicle in Virginia.

• What limits do I need in Virginia while I’m “available” but haven’t accepted a job?

  Rideshare: at least 50/100/25 (primary).

  Delivery: at least 50/100/25 (matches Virginia’s minimum financial responsibility).

• What limits apply after I accept a request?

  Rideshare: $1,000,000 liability plus UM/UIM while the passenger is in the car.

  Delivery: 100/300/50 until the goods are delivered.