Your personal car insurance likely won't cover you while driving for Uber or making deliveries. This guide covers the insurance gap, licensing requirements, provider options and costs for NZ rideshare and delivery drivers.
NZ's only Kiwi-owned listed general insurer. Tower is known for transparent pricing and a modern digital experience - click below to see what they can offer.
The critical gap between personal and commercial use that every rideshare driver needs to understand.
Standard personal car insurance policies in New Zealand are designed for private use - commuting, errands, social trips and leisure driving. When you start carrying passengers or making deliveries for payment, you are operating a vehicle for "hire or reward." This is a fundamentally different risk profile, and virtually all personal car insurance policies contain an exclusion for commercial or business use of this kind.
This means if you have an accident while driving a passenger for Uber, or while making a DoorDash delivery, your personal insurer can - and almost certainly will - decline your entire claim. This applies even if the accident was not your fault and even if you only drive part-time.
The insurance gap typically breaks into three phases:
For information on your rights and obligations as a consumer, see the Consumer Protection website from MBIE.
Key risk: Operating without appropriate insurance does not just affect accident claims. If your insurer discovers you have been using your vehicle for rideshare or delivery without disclosing it, they may void your entire policy - including cover for personal driving. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) requires full disclosure of material information to insurers.
What you need before you can legally carry passengers for hire in New Zealand.
What Uber provides for drivers - and the significant limitations you need to know about.
Uber provides contingent third-party liability insurance while a trip is in progress (passenger in vehicle). This covers bodily injury to passengers and third parties.
Platform insurance leaves significant gaps. You need your own policy covering commercial use to protect your vehicle and fill the coverage gaps.
Different options depending on how you use your vehicle for rideshare or delivery work.
A standalone commercial vehicle policy that covers your vehicle for both rideshare/delivery driving and personal use. This is the most complete option for full-time drivers.
Some insurers allow you to add a business use or commercial endorsement to your existing personal car insurance policy. This extends your cover to include rideshare or delivery work.
Covers damage you cause to other people's property, plus fire and theft of your own vehicle. Does not cover damage to your own vehicle from an accident.
Providers that offer car insurance policies covering rideshare, passenger transport or commercial delivery use in New Zealand.
Tower offers commercial vehicle insurance that can cover rideshare and passenger transport use. Tower is one of the larger NZ-listed insurers with a strong digital claims process. Their commercial policies can be tailored to cover vehicles used for hire or reward, including rideshare driving.
AA Insurance provides commercial vehicle insurance options that can cover rideshare and delivery driving. As one of NZ's most recognised insurance brands, AA offers strong roadside assistance integration and AA Member benefits alongside their commercial vehicle policies.
State (also part of IAG) provides commercial vehicle insurance options. State has been operating in New Zealand for over 100 years and offers both online and phone-based support for commercial vehicle policy enquiries.
Insurance considerations for food delivery drivers using a car, scooter or motorbike.
If you drive for UberEats, DoorDash or other food delivery platforms using a car, you are using your vehicle for commercial purposes. This means your standard personal car insurance likely does not cover you while making deliveries.
However, food delivery has some key differences from rideshare passenger transport:
Understanding these factors can help you find better value on your commercial vehicle policy.
Higher-value vehicles cost more to insure. SUVs and premium sedans used for rideshare attract higher premiums than economy hatchbacks. Vehicle age also matters - newer vehicles cost more for comprehensive cover.
Full-time rideshare drivers (30+ hours per week) pay more than part-time drivers. More time on the road means higher risk exposure. Some policies offer tiered pricing based on weekly driving hours.
Younger drivers (under 25) face higher premiums. A clean driving record with no at-fault claims helps reduce costs. Some insurers factor in how long you have held your P endorsement.
Driving in Auckland or Wellington typically costs more due to higher traffic density, accident rates and theft risk. Rural or smaller city drivers may see lower premiums.
Choosing a higher excess ($750 - $1,000 vs $300 - $500) can reduce your annual premium significantly. This is a common strategy for experienced drivers who rarely claim.
A no-claims bonus can reduce premiums substantially. Conversely, previous at-fault claims will increase your premium. Some insurers offer a protected no-claims bonus option for an additional cost.
Indicative annual premiums for commercial vehicle insurance covering rideshare and delivery use in NZ.
Disclaimer: These figures are indicative estimates based on publicly available pricing as at March 2026. Actual premiums depend on your vehicle, driving history, location, hours driven and the specific insurer. Always request a quote directly from the insurer for accurate pricing.
Practical steps to protect yourself and manage costs as a rideshare or delivery driver.
Always tell your insurer you are using your vehicle for rideshare or delivery. Non-disclosure can void your entire policy - including personal use cover. Be upfront about hours driven and which platforms you use.
Before driving for any rideshare platform, obtain your P endorsement, Transport Service Licence and ensure your vehicle has a CoF. Operating without these is illegal and may also invalidate your insurance. See the Waka Kotahi operator licensing page.
Commercial and rideshare insurance pricing varies significantly between providers. Get quotes from at least three insurers. Consider using an insurance broker who can access multiple commercial underwriters.
Increasing your excess from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your annual premium by 10 - 20%. This works well if you are a careful driver with a good claims history and can cover the excess if needed.
Keep accurate records of business vs personal kilometres. This helps at tax time (you can claim vehicle expenses as a self-employed driver) and some insurers offer better rates if you can demonstrate limited commercial use. See the IRD guide to motor vehicle expenses.
Regular maintenance keeps your CoF valid and may help with insurance premiums. Some insurers consider vehicle condition. Keep service records as they can support claims and demonstrate due diligence.
A dashcam provides evidence in the event of an accident, which can be invaluable when making an insurance claim. Some insurers may offer a small discount for vehicles fitted with a dashcam.
Your driving habits, vehicle value and available products change over time. Review your policy each year before renewal. If you have reduced your rideshare hours, you may qualify for lower premiums or a part-time policy.