Rideshare insurance in Australia isn’t a separate product; it’s your car policy set to cover business use when you carry paying passengers for apps like Uber, DiDi or Shebah. Standard “private use” cover often excludes this unless you tell your insurer and select the right level. You still need CTP for injuries, and most platforms require at least third party property cover; comprehensive offers broader protection. If you don’t disclose ridesharing, a claim can be declined.
In this 2025 guide, we set out what the major platforms expect, explain CTP, third party, TPFT and comprehensive in plain English, and show what is and isn’t covered when the app is on, en route and with passengers. You’ll see state nuances, typical costs and what drives premiums, ways to save, excesses and add‑ons, eligibility, how to read the PDS/TMD, a checklist, claims steps and tax tips. Let’s start with the key takeaways.
At a glance: key takeaways for 2025
A quick 2025 snapshot to help you choose rideshare insurance in Australia. Scan these essentials before you switch, update or compare cover.
- Set to business use: Private-only policies often exclude ridesharing; update your car cover.
- CTP is compulsory: Platforms need at least third party (Shebah: comprehensive); injury support rarely covers your car.
- Insurer rules vary: Many cover rideshare only on comprehensive; disclose use or risk a declined claim.
- Costs in 2025: Comprehensive ~$1,600–$3,500 p.a.; third party can start near ~$900.
What rideshare platforms require (Uber, DiDi, Shebah and more)
Before you can go online, platforms set minimum insurance. You’ll need CTP and a registered vehicle. Most expect at least third party property, and some mandate comprehensive. You must be a named insured and disclose rideshare/business use to your insurer.
- Uber: CTP and at least third party property; driver must be policyholder or named insured.
- DiDi: CTP plus third party or comprehensive; extra state‑based requirements apply.
- Shebah: Full comprehensive plus the relevant CTP for your state/territory.
Always confirm the latest requirements in each platform’s terms.
Insurance types explained: CTP, third party, TPFT and comprehensive
In Australia, rideshare insurance sits on the usual four car insurance tiers. When comparing rideshare insurance Australia‑wide, know how each level behaves when the app is on, en route and on‑trip. Whatever you buy, you must tell your insurer you’re using the car for ridesharing (business use) or a claim can be declined.
- CTP (compulsory): Mandatory injury cover for people (including passengers); no cover for cars/property. NSW: Green Slip.
- Third Party Property (TPPD): Pays others’ vehicle/property damage you cause; never repairs your own car.
- Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT): TPPD plus fire and theft cover for your car; excludes accidental damage.
- Comprehensive: Covers your car (accidental, weather, theft) and others; many insurers require it for rideshare.
What’s covered and what’s not when you’re ridesharing
When the app is on, what’s paid out depends on your policy type and whether you’ve told your insurer you’re using the car for rideshare (business use). CTP only covers injuries to people, not vehicle damage. Third party pays for damage you cause to other cars/property; TPFT adds fire and theft for your own car. Comprehensive is the level that typically repairs your car after a crash or weather — and many insurers only permit ridesharing on comprehensive. If you don’t disclose rideshare use, a claim can be refused.
-
Typically covered (check the PDS):
- Your car’s accidental damage: Comprehensive.
- Damage to others’ property: Third party, TPFT, comprehensive.
- Weather events (storm, flood, hail): Comprehensive.
- Theft/fire of your car: TPFT and comprehensive.
- Towing/hire car after theft: Often TPFT/comprehensive.
- Uninsured driver damage: Common on third party/TPFT/comprehensive.
- Passenger injuries: Through CTP, not your car policy.
-
Commonly not covered or limited:
- Your car’s collision damage on third party/TPFT: Not covered (TPFT excludes accidental damage).
- Undisclosed rideshare use: Claims can be declined.
- Platform “support” (e.g., Uber injury protection): Personal injury only — it doesn’t repair your vehicle.
Rideshare vs food delivery: how cover differs
Driving people vs parcels isn’t the same risk to insurers. When comparing rideshare insurance Australia‑wide, rideshare use is often supported once you set the policy to business use (frequently on comprehensive), while food delivery may be excluded or need different cover. CTP still applies for injuries, but damage to your vehicle depends on your policy.
- Disclose your use: Say if you do rideshare, delivery, or both.
- Eligibility differs: Some brands allow rideshare but exclude delivery (e.g., Bingle).
- Injury support isn’t car cover: Uber’s package covers certain personal injuries, not your vehicle.
- Check the PDS: Many insurers only permit rideshare on comprehensive.
State and territory differences you should know
The basics are national — your car must be registered and carry CTP — but state and territory schemes differ in name, scope and how claims run. That matters when you’re comparing rideshare insurance Australia‑wide, because CTP only covers injuries (never vehicle damage), and the exact injury benefits and passenger provisions aren’t identical across jurisdictions. Always check your CTP certificate and your car insurer’s PDS to confirm ridesharing is included as business use.
- NSW (Green Slip): CTP (Green Slip) includes limited cover for injuries to the at‑fault driver, and covers rideshare passengers.
- ACT (MAI Scheme): CTP is called the Motor Accident Injuries Scheme; confirm rideshare inclusion with your provider.
- SA: Youi notes its SA CTP includes cover for rideshare passengers; verify specifics with your CTP insurer.
- Platform rules vary by state: Some apps (e.g., DiDi) flag extra state‑based requirements; always check the latest platform terms alongside your policy.
How much rideshare insurance costs in 2025
Here’s what most drivers can expect to pay in 2025. Comprehensive rideshare insurance in Australia typically sits around $1,600–$3,500 per year, while stripped‑back third party policies can start near $900 p.a. Actual premiums vary widely by car, drivers, address and the extras you choose.
Note that many insurers only permit ridesharing on comprehensive cover, so that cheaper third‑party price may not be available for your use. Switching your policy to business/rideshare use can also lift the premium versus private‑only cover. The smartest move is to compare multiple rideshare‑ready quotes on the same excess and options, then confirm in the PDS that ridesharing is included.
What affects your premium and ways to save
Rideshare insurance is risk‑priced. Insurers weigh who drives, what you drive and where it’s kept — and switching from private to rideshare (business use) can lift the premium. Cover level matters too: many brands allow ridesharing only on comprehensive. The upside? You can still sharpen your rideshare insurance Australia costs with smart, PDS‑backed choices.
- What pushes premiums up: Younger drivers or recent claims; higher‑value/performance cars; high‑risk postcodes and street parking.
- Pick a fit‑for‑purpose level: If your platform permits it, TPFT can be cheaper than comprehensive but excludes accidental damage to your own car.
- Ways to save (without cutting essentials):
- Compare like‑for‑like: Same excess, options and declared rideshare/business use.
- Tune your excess: Comprehensive often allows a variable excess — higher excess, lower premium.
- Reduce risk signals: Park off‑street and add security; some providers also offer benefits when you use preferred repairers.
Excesses and special conditions for rideshare drivers
Excess is what you pay when you claim. With rideshare (business use), some brands add a rideshare/taxi excess; others don’t — Suncorp says no additional rideshare excess. Your base excess still applies, and non‑disclosure or being unnamed can see a claim refused.
- Disclose business use: Be a named insured on the policy (Uber requires it).
- Rideshare-specific excess: It may stack on your base excess — check the PDS.
- Preferred repairers: Some providers reduce your excess when you use them.
Useful add-ons and benefits for rideshare drivers
The right extras keep you earning when your car’s off the road. As you compare rideshare insurance Australia policies, prioritise benefits that cut downtime and out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Hire car cover: after not‑at‑fault incidents and after theft.
- Lifetime repair guarantee: quality repairs backed for life.
- 24/7 towing and roadside assist: help when trips go wrong.
- Personal effects cover: limited cover for damaged/stolen items.
- Emergency transport/accommodation: costs after an insured incident.
- Key/lock replacement: if keys are lost or stolen.
Eligibility and vehicle requirements
Before you compare rideshare insurance Australia policies, make sure you and your car qualify. You’ll need a registered vehicle with current CTP in your state, to disclose rideshare/business use, and to be named on the policy. Some uses (food delivery or hire/rental) can be excluded unless you hold the right cover.
- Registered + CTP current: NSW Green Slip/ACT MAI, etc.
- Named on policy: Uber requires policyholder or named insured.
- Declare business use: Many brands allow rideshare only on comprehensive.
- Meet platform minimums: Uber/DiDi ≥ third party; Shebah needs comprehensive.
- Check exclusions: Some insurers cover rideshare but exclude delivery or hire.
- State extras: Platforms like DiDi note state‑based requirements; verify documents.
How to read the PDS and TMD like a pro
Your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) spells out inclusions, exclusions, limits and excesses; the Target Market Determination (TMD) explains who the policy is designed for. Read both with a rideshare lens: you want explicit permission for business/rideshare use and the practical conditions that apply when you drive for a platform.
- Business/rideshare allowed; driver named; level required.
- Exclusions/limits: delivery or hire, km caps, age/unnamed.
- Excesses: base, any rideshare/taxi, variable options.
- Cover: third‑party vs TPFT vs comprehensive; hire car/towing.
- TMD fit: rideshare/business included; key suitability flags.
How to choose a policy: a quick checklist
Choosing rideshare insurance means matching platform rules to the cover you actually need. CTP handles injuries; your car policy covers vehicles and property.
- Disclose use: Declare business/rideshare use and be a named insured.
- Meet platform minimums: Uber/DiDi ≥ third party; Shebah requires comprehensive.
- Pick cover level: Comprehensive repairs your car; TPFT adds fire/theft; TPPD covers others only.
- Check excesses and extras: Any rideshare/taxi excess; hire car options.
- Watch exclusions: Delivery/hire uses may be excluded.
How to switch or update your current policy for rideshare use
Already insured for private use? To be covered while earning, you must switch your car policy to business/rideshare use before you go online. Many insurers can update your usage online or by phone; if they don’t cover ridesharing (or only on certain levels), compare alternatives and avoid any gap in cover.
- Contact your insurer; request business/rideshare use and written confirmation (PDS clause).
- If pricing jumps or cover is limited, compare like‑for‑like quotes.
- Check cancellation terms and any pro‑rata return premium.
- Align start/stop dates the same day; list all drivers.
- Keep rego, CTP and platform documents ready for verification.
How claims work for rideshare incidents
If you have an incident while ridesharing, treat it like any car claim — with extra proof that the app was on. CTP handles injury claims separately; your car policy deals with vehicle and property damage. Insurers expect you to have disclosed business/rideshare use and be a named insured; non‑disclosure can see a claim declined. Platform “injury protection” won’t repair your car.
- Prioritise safety: Check everyone, call 000 if needed.
- Gather evidence: Photos, dash‑cam footage, witnesses, drivers’ details and regos.
- Prove rideshare status: App screenshots (online/trip screen), booking ID, platform incident report.
- Notify and lodge fast: Contact your insurer; claim via app/online/phone with a police/event number if applicable.
- Follow repair pathway: Use the insurer’s tow/assess network; many offer lifetime repair guarantees and preferred repairer options.
- Know your costs: Pay any applicable excess; some policies include hire car after theft or not‑at‑fault.
- Keep records: Receipts for towing, emergency transport/accommodation and communications.
Tax, records and compliance tips for drivers
Think like a small business. The ATO treats ride‑sourcing as a commercial activity, so track income and expenses and only claim the business‑use portion. For rideshare insurance Australia, keep proof that your insurer knows about business/rideshare use, and maintain clean documentation to speed claims and meet platform checks.
- Track kilometres and on‑app hours to apportion business use.
- Keep receipts for insurance premiums and other car running costs.
- Save policy docs (PDS/TMD, certificate) showing rideshare/business use and that you’re a named insured.
- Keep CTP and registration current and on file.
- Store trip IDs, app screenshots and incident numbers; notify the platform and insurer promptly.
- Get professional tax advice; claim only the business‑use percentage.
How National Cover compares quotes and supports drivers
National Cover does the heavy lifting. We compare APRA‑regulated policies, match platform rules, and beat like‑for‑like quotes. ASIC‑licensed analysts optimise cover, excess and price — and we back it with real, year‑round support.
- Price‑beat guarantee: We beat written quotes, not just teaser rates.
- Like‑for‑like checks: Same excess, declared business use, PDS confirmation of rideshare inclusion.
- Switching + claims help (365 days): Email lodgement, lifetime repair warranty, 24/7 towing.
- Transparent value: Our Quote‑to‑Value Ratio shows exactly what you’re paying for.
Wrap up
Rideshare cover isn’t a mystery: disclose business use, meet your platform’s minimums, pick the level that keeps you earning, and confirm it all in the PDS/TMD. Costs vary by car, drivers and postcode, and many insurers allow ridesharing only on comprehensive — so comparing like‑for‑like quotes (same excess, same declared use) really matters.
Ready to sort it in minutes? We compare APRA‑regulated policies, beat like‑for‑like quotes, and back you with 365‑day claims help, lifetime repair warranties, 24/7 towing and not‑at‑fault replacement cars. Get sharper pricing without losing protection — start with National Cover today: Compare rideshare cover and costs.
