Your personal car insurance almost certainly does not cover you while driving for Uber, DiDi or Ola. This guide explains the insurance gap, state-based licensing, provider options and costs for Australian rideshare and delivery drivers.
One of Australia's largest insurers with a specific rideshare add-on option. Allianz offers the ability to extend your comprehensive cover to include rideshare use - click below to get an estimate.
The critical gap between personal and commercial use that every Australian rideshare driver needs to understand.
Standard personal car insurance policies in Australia are designed for private use - commuting to work, running errands, social outings and leisure driving. When you start carrying passengers or making deliveries for payment, you are operating a vehicle for "hire or reward." This fundamentally changes the 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, DiDi or Ola, or while making a DoorDash or Menulog 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 as an insurance consumer, see the Moneysmart car insurance guide from ASIC.
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. ASIC and the Insurance Council of Australia stress the importance of full disclosure of material information to insurers.
What you need before you can legally carry passengers for hire in Australia. Requirements are state-based.
What Uber provides for drivers in Australia - 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 rideshare use to protect your vehicle and fill the coverage gaps across all driving phases.
Different options depending on how you use your vehicle for rideshare or delivery work in Australia.
A standalone commercial vehicle policy that covers your vehicle for both rideshare and delivery driving as well as personal use. This is the most complete option for full-time drivers.
Some Australian insurers let you add a rideshare endorsement to your existing personal car insurance policy. This extends your cover to include rideshare or delivery work at a lower cost than a standalone commercial policy.
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 a collision.
Providers that offer car insurance policies covering rideshare, passenger transport or commercial delivery use in Australia.
Allianz offers a specific rideshare add-on that can be added to their comprehensive or third-party fire and theft car insurance. This extends your cover to include driving for rideshare platforms like Uber, DiDi and Ola. Allianz is one of the few major Australian insurers with a dedicated rideshare product.
AAMI provides car insurance that can cover rideshare and delivery driving when properly disclosed. Part of the Suncorp Group, AAMI offers comprehensive cover with agreed value, lifetime repair guarantee and online claims management.
Youi offers customisable car insurance that can accommodate rideshare use. Known for their tailored pricing model, Youi assesses each driver individually and can provide cover for commercial passenger use when disclosed.
Budget Direct offers competitively priced car insurance and can provide cover for rideshare and delivery use when disclosed. Their online-first approach means quick quotes and straightforward policy management.
Suncorp provides comprehensive car insurance that can cover rideshare use when properly disclosed. As one of Australia's largest insurance groups, Suncorp has broad underwriting capability and an established repairer network.
Insurance considerations for food delivery drivers using a car in Australia.
If you drive for UberEats, DoorDash, Menulog 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 rideshare or 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, as newer vehicles cost more for comprehensive cover.
Full-time rideshare drivers (30 or more hours per week) pay more than part-time drivers. More time on the road means greater 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 also consider how long you have held your rideshare accreditation.
Driving in Sydney or Melbourne typically costs more due to higher traffic density, accident rates and theft risk. Drivers in regional areas or smaller cities may see lower premiums.
Choosing a higher excess ($750 to $1,000 instead of $300 to $500) can reduce your annual premium noticeably. This is a common approach for experienced drivers who rarely need to 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 rideshare and delivery insurance in Australia.
Disclaimer: These figures are indicative estimates based on publicly available pricing as at April 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 state's required accreditation, vehicle registration for point-to-point use and ensure your insurance is in place. Operating without these is illegal and may also invalidate your insurance.
Rideshare insurance pricing varies significantly between providers. Get estimates 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 to 20 percent. This works well if you are a careful driver with a clean claims history and can cover the excess if needed.
Keep accurate records of business versus 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 ATO guide to motor vehicle expenses.
Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle roadworthy and may help with insurance premiums. Some insurers consider vehicle condition. Keep service records as they can support claims and demonstrate responsible ownership.
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.