Ontario Uber Drivers Need Personal and App-Based Insurance Coverage
Ontario Uber drivers need personal auto coverage plus app-based protection, with limits and vehicle damage coverage changing by trip stage.
For Ontario drivers, the key insurance question is what happens at each stage of an Uber trip. A personal auto policy applies when the app is off; Uber’s commercial coverage applies during app-based work. The two protections serve different periods, so drivers should tell their personal insurer they’re driving for a ride-share service and check how the policies fit together.
Coverage follows the trip stage
Uber’s commercial auto insurance is provided through Economical Insurance, part of Definity Financial. The source identifies Economical as Uber’s Ontario provider as of 2025. Coverage applies when drivers are using the app, with liability limits that depend on whether a trip has been accepted.
| Trip stage | Who provides coverage | Coverage described |
|---|---|---|
| App off | Driver’s personal auto insurer | Personal policy coverage |
| App on, waiting for a request | Uber coverage through Economical | $1 million in third-party liability and accident benefits |
| Request accepted, driving to pickup | Uber coverage through Economical | $2 million in third-party liability and accident benefits |
| Passenger in the vehicle | Uber coverage through Economical | $2 million in third-party liability and accident benefits |
The policy may also include uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage may apply if the driver already carries those coverages on their personal policy; the source lists a $2,500 deductible. That condition matters: the platform coverage described here does not automatically mean vehicle damage is covered in every situation.
Uber’s coverage may include third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured motorist protection, and coverage while travelling to collect a passenger or transporting one. Drivers can access a Certificate of Insurance in the Uber driver app. For more on third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured motorist coverage, and certificates of insurance, the source links to separate explainers.
Personal coverage still matters
When the app is off, Uber’s commercial policy doesn’t take the place of a driver’s personal auto insurance. Drivers need personal coverage for that time, alongside the protection that applies while they’re working through the app. The source warns that failing to tell a personal insurer about ride-share activity could affect coverage after a crash. Drivers should confirm how their policy treats this use before accepting trips.
Coverage gaps can arise when drivers assume their personal policy covers every app period, overlook the change in protection after accepting a request, or don’t check the deductible attached to contingent vehicle damage coverage. The amount and type of protection depend on the trip stage and the terms that apply. In an accident, drivers should identify whether the app was off, waiting for a request, heading to a pickup, or carrying a passenger.
Another option for some part-time drivers
Aviva offers a ride-share endorsement that extends a personal auto policy for occasional work. The source lists these eligibility conditions: a G2 licence or higher; at least six years of driving experience in Canada or the United States; driving no more than 20 hours per week; a contract with a transportation network company such as Uber or Lyft; and a vehicle carrying no more than seven passengers. The vehicle can’t be used for commercial delivery or registered as a taxi or limousine.
The endorsement’s cost depends on the personal premium and the number of hours driven each week. Drivers should check the terms with their insurer, especially if their work includes food delivery: the source says Aviva’s endorsement excludes vehicles used for commercial delivery. Economical’s Uber coverage, by comparison, is described as applying to active Uber drivers, including those delivering through Uber Eats.
Driver and vehicle requirements
Ontario Uber applicants must be at least 21 and hold a valid Ontario G licence or equivalent. They need proof of Canadian citizenship or authorization to work in Canada, valid Ontario vehicle registration, and personal auto insurance. The process also includes a background check, a driver-record review, and an annual Safety Standards Certificate. Details on Ontario G licences and the Safety Standards Certificate are linked in the source.
Vehicle age requirements differ by location: Toronto requires model year 2017 or newer, while most Ontario municipalities require model year 2014 or newer. UberX seats up to four passengers, and UberXL generally uses SUVs that seat up to six. Uber Select is described as a luxury-car option, including brands such as BMW and Mercedes, with room for up to four passengers. Vehicle eligibility can depend on the service tier and local requirements.
Costs, earnings and other platforms
The source estimates Uber drivers’ earnings at $15 to $20 per hour after platform fees, with results varying by busy periods, surge pricing, and trip density. It reports gross earnings of $18 to $25 per hour for Lyft drivers in dense urban areas such as Toronto and Ottawa. These figures are estimates in the source, not guaranteed earnings.
Uber insurance is included for eligible trips through the platform, but drivers still need personal auto insurance. The cost of any ride-share endorsement can vary with factors including location, age, driving history, vehicle type, and hours worked. Lyft is described as providing commercial auto coverage through Aviva Canada at no additional cost to drivers, with protection divided into periods for waiting, travelling to a pickup, and carrying a passenger.
Before driving, confirm the app-stage limits, any vehicle damage deductible, and the personal policy’s treatment of ride-share work. Keep the coverage details available in the app and review them if your driving hours, vehicle, or services change.
