Rideshare Insurance Ontario (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash): What’s Required
You drive for Uber on Friday nights, deliver for DoorDash between shifts, or help a colleague via Facebook Ridesharing? Your personal Ontario auto insurance policy does not cover you during these hours — unless you’ve added the specific endorsement. Here’s how rideshare insurance works in Ontario in 2026.
What Uber and Lyft cover — and what they don’t
Uber and Lyft offer group insurance (via Intact in Canada) that activates in three phases:
- Phase 1 — App open, waiting: limited Intact coverage. $1M liability, but no collision/comprehensive.
- Phase 2 — Trip accepted, en route: full Intact coverage ($2M liability, collision, comprehensive) with $1,000 to $2,500 deductible.
- Phase 3 — Passenger on board: identical to phase 2, until trip ends.
The grey zone: app closed, no active trip
When the app is closed and you’re driving for personal use, your personal policy takes over — provided you’ve disclosed to your insurer that you do ridesharing. Without this disclosure, the personal policy can be cancelled retroactively at the time of a claim. This is the leading cause of coverage denial in 2025 in Ontario.
Endorsements and costs by Ontario insurer
- Intact — Rideshare Endorsement: $15 to $25/month. Covers phase 1 gap and confirms personal coverage when app is off.
- Aviva Journey: telematics discount up to 25% AND rideshare-compatible via $12/month endorsement.
- Belair Direct: Ridesharing endorsement $18/month; requires online declaration in app.
- Wawanesa: integrated rideshare coverage with no extra premium, if annual commercial mileage stays under 12,000 km.
- Cooperators: « Ride-Share Vehicle Insurance » available since 2024, starting at $10/month.
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Skip: food delivery vs passenger rideshare
Food delivery is classified as commercial delivery — even more restrictive than passenger rideshare. Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Skip provide limited liability coverage only during active delivery. Without the appropriate endorsement, an accident while delivering a burger is not covered at all.
Frequently asked questions
Does my standard auto policy cover Uber during a long weekend?
No. Simply accepting a trip without an endorsement will trigger a coverage denial for any losses during that period.
Is Intact’s Uber coverage enough?
For occasional ridesharing (less than 5 hours/week), it may be sufficient — but only when combined with your mandatory personal endorsement. Otherwise, denial.
Can I do ridesharing without telling my insurer?
No. This is considered material misrepresentation. The insurer can cancel all your policies and flag you with CGI (Central Group Insurance) for 6 years.
How long to add the endorsement?
Instant with most insurers; effective as soon as the prorated premium is paid.
Driving for Uber or delivering with DoorDash? An insurance broker compares all 5 Ontario endorsements and finds the lowest cost option for you.
