Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers in New York
Last Updated on January 22, 2026
Driving for Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to earn income in New York—but it also changes how your car insurance works. Most personal auto policies exclude “livery” or “for-hire” use, meaning you can’t assume your everyday coverage will respond the same way once you start taking paid trips.
This guide breaks down the insurance requirements for rideshare drivers in New York, including the key difference between New York State trips (outside NYC) and New York City pickups regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). For a refresher on baseline coverage rules, see New York auto insurance requirements.
At a Glance
- Two Rulebooks: Pickups in NYC generally fall under TLC requirements, while trips originating outside NYC follow New York’s TNC rules (Article 44-B).
- Outside NYC Minimums: When logged on and waiting, NY requires at least 75/150/25 plus PIP/UM; on active trips, at least $1.25M liability plus $1.25M SUM and PIP.
- NYC TLC Update: TLC no-fault/PIP requirements are scheduled to change—$100,000 per person effective March 1, 2026—so confirm your current compliance if you drive in the city.
- Reduce Surprises: Consider a rideshare endorsement or commercial policy to limit coverage disputes and better protect your own vehicle (collision/comp) while driving for hire.
- Why Personal Auto Insurance Usually Won’t Cover Rideshare Driving
- Two Different Rulebooks: New York State vs New York City
- Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in New York State
- Rideshare Insurance Requirements Outside NYC (VTL Article 44-B)
- New York City Pickups: TLC Insurance Requirements
- What Uber And Lyft Typically Provide in New York
- Rideshare Endorsement vs Commercial Auto Insurance
- How Claims Often Work After a Rideshare Crash in New York
- Bottom Line: Staying Properly Covered as a NY Rideshare Driver
- FAQs on Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers in New York
Why Personal Auto Insurance Usually Won’t Cover Rideshare Driving
Personal auto insurance is priced for personal use—commuting, errands, and leisure driving. When you’re transporting passengers for a fee, insurers typically treat that as a business exposure (more time on the road, more passenger injury risk, more frequent claims). Many policies either exclude rideshare use entirely or limit coverage once you’re “available for hire.”
That’s why New York created specific rules for Transportation Network Company (TNC) insurance (Uber/Lyft-style rideshare) for trips outside NYC—and why NYC requires TLC-regulated coverage for pickups within the five boroughs.
Quick tip: In New York, the rules depend heavily on where the trip originates. A pickup in NYC is treated differently than a pickup elsewhere in the state—even if you’re driving the same car for the same app.
Two Different Rulebooks: New York State vs New York City
Outside NYC: New York’s TNC law (Vehicle & Traffic Law Article 44-B) applies when a rideshare trip originates in New York State but outside New York City. It sets minimum liability limits for when you’re logged into the app and when you’re on an active trip.
NYC Pickups: Article 44-B does not apply to a prearranged trip originating in New York City. NYC pickups are handled under TLC rules and typically require TLC-licensed driving and TLC-compliant insurance.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in New York State
Before you drive rideshare anywhere in New York, you must maintain an active New York auto policy that meets state minimums (including no-fault/PIP and uninsured motorists coverage). New York’s minimums are commonly referenced as 25/50/10 plus $50,000 PIP (and required uninsured motorists limits that generally mirror bodily injury minimums).
| Coverage | New York State Minimum (Typical Private Passenger Vehicle) |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident (minimums commonly referenced as “25/50”) |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 per accident |
| Personal Injury Protection (No-Fault/PIP) | $50,000 per person |
| Uninsured Motorists (BI) | Generally required at the same minimums as BI liability |
Note: New York law also includes specific minimum limits related to death benefits. For the most current official wording and requirements, review the New York DMV insurance requirements page.
Rideshare Insurance Requirements Outside NYC (VTL Article 44-B)
If you pick up passengers outside New York City, Article 44-B requires coverage while you’re logged onto the rideshare app and while you’re engaged in a prearranged trip. Importantly, New York requires the TNC to maintain a group policy that can satisfy these requirements, and the required TNC coverage is not designed to “disappear” just because your personal policy has exclusions.
Here are the minimum limits required outside NYC under Article 44-B (your actual coverage may be higher):
| App Status (Outside NYC) | What New York Requires | Who Commonly Provides It |
|---|---|---|
| App Off (Personal Use) | At least NYS minimum auto insurance (including PIP and uninsured motorists) | Your personal auto policy |
| Logged On, Waiting for a Request (Period 1) | At least $75,000/$150,000/$25,000 liability (“75/150/25”) plus uninsured motorists and PIP | TNC group policy and/or a rideshare endorsement that satisfies Article 44-B |
| Engaged in a Prearranged Trip (Period 2) | At least $1,250,000 liability plus $1,250,000 supplemental uninsured/underinsured (SUM) and PIP | TNC group policy (primary for most drivers during active trips) |
If you regularly drive outside NYC, it’s smart to keep a copy of your in-app insurance certificate and confirm exactly how your coverage is triggered (logged on vs. trip accepted vs. passenger in-car), especially if you use multiple platforms.
If you’re juggling multiple driver platforms, keep your device setup and documentation organized—especially in the event of a claim. (If you’re looking to streamline your phone setup, here’s a roundup of useful mobile apps NYC drivers often rely on.)
New York City Pickups: TLC Insurance Requirements
If your rides originate in NYC, you’re generally operating under the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) framework. TLC-licensed vehicles must maintain qualifying insurance on file (commonly via an FH-1 certificate), and coverage requirements differ from the statewide TNC rules.
NYC for-hire insurance is often referred to as TLC insurance. Learn more details here: TLC insurance in NYC.
Typical TLC minimums for many for-hire vehicles used for rideshare (1–7 passengers) include $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence (CSL) for liability. TLC’s personal injury protection (no-fault) requirement has also been updated by rulemaking with an effective date in 2026.
| NYC TLC Category (Common For Rideshare) | Liability Minimums | No-Fault/PIP Requirement | Timing Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHV (Livery/Black Car), 1–7 passengers | $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence (CSL) | $200,000 per person | Commonly shown on TLC minimum charts updated in prior years |
| Same Category (Rule Update) | Liability minimums remain TLC-regulated | $100,000 per person | Effective March 1, 2026 (TLC rule implementing Local Law 90 of 2025) |
Quick tip: If you drive in NYC, confirm your policy meets current TLC requirements and note the scheduled no-fault/PIP change on March 1, 2026. Requirements can also vary by vehicle type and seating capacity.
What Uber And Lyft Typically Provide in New York
Uber and Lyft generally maintain company coverage that satisfies New York’s required minimums during app-on and active-trip periods where applicable. However, the details depend on where you’re driving:
- Outside NYC: New York’s Article 44-B sets the minimum limits for “logged on” and “prearranged trip” periods. The TNC’s group policy is designed to meet these requirements.
- NYC Pickups: TLC rules apply, and coverage is typically arranged to comply with TLC licensing and insurance standards for for-hire vehicles.
To avoid surprises, review your in-app insurance certificate and confirm:
- When coverage is primary vs. excess (logged on vs. trip accepted vs. passenger in car)
- Whether collision/comprehensive (damage to your vehicle) is included and what deductible applies (see what “full coverage” typically includes)
- How to report a claim (in-app steps plus insurer contact details)
Rideshare Endorsement vs Commercial Auto Insurance
Even when New York requires TNC coverage, many drivers still benefit from a policy update on their own vehicle—especially for physical damage protection, smoother claims handling, and fewer gray areas at renewal time. Two common options are a rideshare endorsement (added to a personal policy) or a commercial auto policy.
| Option | Best For | What It Can Help With | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare Endorsement (Personal Policy Add-On) | Many part-time drivers using their own car | Reduces coverage disputes, may extend certain coverages into app-on time, can help align your policy with rideshare use | Availability varies by insurer; may not match TLC needs for NYC pickups |
| Commercial Auto Policy | Higher-mileage drivers or those needing broader business use | Designed for business exposures; can be more straightforward for underwriting and claims | Often costs more; may require business documentation depending on insurer |
If you think commercial coverage may be a fit, start here: commercial auto insurance in New York. If you’re comparing rideshare-friendly insurers, see rideshare insurance companies for Uber and Lyft drivers in New York.
How Claims Often Work After a Rideshare Crash in New York
New York is a no-fault state, meaning injury-related benefits often start with PIP/no-fault coverage (medical bills and certain lost wages) regardless of who caused the crash—up to the applicable limit. Liability coverage comes into play for damage to others and, in serious injury cases, additional claims.
- Document the period/status: Screenshot your app status (offline/online/ride accepted/ride in progress) and save trip details if safe to do so.
- Report promptly: Notify the rideshare platform and the appropriate insurer(s). Delays can create avoidable complications.
- Keep proof of coverage: Drivers may be required to carry and present insurance identification related to their coverage.
- Avoid uninsured operation: Driving without the required coverage can trigger serious consequences. If you’re unsure what happens after an uncovered incident, review what to expect after an accident without insurance.
Bottom Line: Staying Properly Covered as a NY Rideshare Driver
The safest approach is to treat rideshare insurance as a layered system:
- Maintain a personal auto policy that meets New York minimum requirements.
- Understand how Uber/Lyft coverage applies based on your location (NYC vs outside NYC) and your app status.
- Consider a rideshare endorsement or commercial policy if you want more consistency—especially for physical damage and renewals.
- Re-check requirements periodically, since city and state rules can change.
Insurance rules vary by city, vehicle type, and trip origin. Always confirm your specific obligations with the rideshare platform, your insurer, and the appropriate regulator (NYDFS/DMV and, for NYC, the TLC).
