Do Uber Drivers Need Special Insurance?
Yes. If you drive for Uber (or any ride-hailing platform) in the UK, you are legally required to have private hire insurance. Your standard car insurance policy explicitly excludes hire and reward use — meaning it will not cover you while you are carrying fare-paying passengers.
This requirement applies regardless of whether you drive full-time or just a few hours per week. Any time you are available for or carrying passengers through the Uber app, you need appropriate insurance in place.
What Type of Insurance Do Uber Drivers Need?
Uber drivers need a private hire insurance policy that covers "hire and reward" use. This is the same type of insurance required by all private hire drivers in the UK, regardless of which platform or operator they work with.
The insurance must be in place before you can:
- Apply for a private hire driver licence from your local council
- Register as a driver on the Uber platform
- Begin accepting ride requests
Does Uber Provide Insurance for Drivers?
Uber does not provide motor insurance for its drivers. As a self-employed contractor, you are responsible for arranging your own private hire insurance. Uber does maintain certain insurance policies that may provide additional cover in specific circumstances, but these do not replace your obligation to have your own policy.
Cover Options for Uber Drivers
Private hire insurance for Uber drivers is available at three levels:
- Comprehensive: Full cover including accidental damage to your own vehicle. Recommended for most drivers.
- Third Party, Fire and Theft: Covers third-party damage plus fire and theft of your vehicle.
- Third Party Only: Minimum legal cover — only covers damage to others.
Most policies also include social, domestic, and pleasure use, so you can use your vehicle for personal journeys too.
How to Arrange Insurance for Uber Driving
There are several routes to arranging private hire insurance:
- Specialist broker: A taxi insurance broker searches multiple insurers to find cover suited to your circumstances. Particularly useful if you have limited experience, claims, or convictions.
- Direct insurers: Some insurers sell private hire policies directly through apps or websites.
- Uber's insurance partners: Uber has relationships with certain insurers, though you are not obligated to use them.
What You Need to Get Started
To arrange private hire insurance for Uber driving, you will typically need:
- A full UK driving licence (held for at least 3 years in most areas)
- A private hire driver licence from your local council (or application in progress)
- Vehicle registration details
- Your claims history for the past 5 years
- Details of any convictions
- Proof of address
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same insurance for Uber and personal driving?
Yes. Most private hire policies include social, domestic, and pleasure use as standard, so you can use your vehicle for personal journeys as well as Uber work.
What if I drive for multiple platforms (Uber, Bolt, etc.)?
A standard private hire insurance policy covers you for all private hire work, regardless of which platform you use. You do not need separate policies for each app.
Is there a minimum number of hours I need to drive?
No. Your private hire insurance covers you whether you drive 5 hours per week or 50. The policy is in place for whenever you need it.
What happens if I have an accident while driving for Uber?
You should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Your private hire insurance will handle the claim in the same way as any other motor insurance claim. You should also report the incident through the Uber app.
Can new drivers get Uber insurance?
Yes, though premiums may be higher for drivers without previous taxi experience. A specialist broker can help identify insurers who are willing to cover new drivers at competitive rates.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms, conditions, and acceptance. My Taxi Insurance is a trading style of Captios Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 717691).
