Rideshare insurance is simply car insurance that recognises you’re carrying paying passengers. In Australia, that means having compulsory injury cover (CTP) plus a car policy that explicitly allows business/rideshare use, so you’re covered when the app is off, on, en route and on‑trip. It isn’t a special product so much as the right settings and disclosures on your existing policy. Crucially, platform “support” often helps with certain personal injuries but won’t repair your car — and not telling your insurer you’re ridesharing can see a claim declined.
This guide explains how rideshare cover works in Australia, what Uber, DiDi and Shebah require, and the differences between CTP, third party, third party fire & theft and comprehensive. You’ll learn when you’re covered at each stage of a trip, what the platforms do (and don’t) cover, the disclosure rules that matter, state and territory injury scheme nuances, passenger liability, and how rideshare rules differ from food delivery. We’ll also outline common inclusions/exclusions, 2025 costs, ways to save, excesses, useful add‑ons, how to switch your current policy, how claims work — and how to get it sorted with confidence.
How rideshare insurance works in Australia
In simple terms, rideshare insurance in Australia sits on two layers: compulsory third party (CTP) injury cover, plus your car policy set to business/rideshare use so it legally covers carrying paying passengers. CTP handles injuries (e.g., to you and your riders, depending on state scheme); it never repairs cars. Your car policy addresses vehicle and property damage, but only if you’ve disclosed ridesharing and you’re a named insured — non‑disclosure can see a claim refused. Many insurers allow ridesharing only on comprehensive; third party options may meet platform minimums but won’t fix your own car after an at‑fault crash.
Practically, once the app is on you’re treated as driving for business, so your declared usage and policy level decide what’s paid. Platform “injury protection” can help with certain personal injuries while online or on‑trip, but it isn’t a substitute for rideshare insurance that repairs your vehicle.
What Uber, DiDi and Shebah require from drivers
Before you go online, platforms set minimums you must meet alongside your car insurer’s rules. For rideshare insurance in Australia, expect current registration, CTP in your state/territory, and at least third party property cover (some mandate comprehensive). You must also disclose business/rideshare use to your insurer and be a named insured driver.
- Uber: Current rego, CTP, and at least third party property insurance. The driver must be the policyholder or a named insured.
- DiDi: CTP plus third party or comprehensive insurance, with extra state-based requirements you’ll need to confirm locally.
- Shebah: Full comprehensive insurance required, plus the relevant CTP for your state/territory.
Insurance types explained: CTP, third party, TPFT and comprehensive
When people ask what is rideshare insurance, they’re really asking which level of car cover still applies when you carry paying passengers. In Australia, rideshare insurance sits across the usual tiers: CTP for injuries, then a car policy for vehicles and property. Third party options can satisfy platform minimums, but they won’t repair your car after an at‑fault crash; many insurers only allow ridesharing on comprehensive. Whatever you choose, disclose business/rideshare use.
- CTP (compulsory): Injury cover for people (including passengers); mandatory with registration; never covers cars or property.
- Third party property (TPPD): Pays for damage you cause to others’ vehicles/property; doesn’t repair your own car.
- Third party fire & theft (TPFT): TPPD plus fire and theft for your car; excludes accidental damage to your car.
- Comprehensive: Repairs your car for accidental damage, weather and theft, and covers others; commonly required by insurers for rideshare.
Always check the PDS/TMD and ensure you’re a named insured using the car for business.
When you’re covered: app off, app on, en route and on‑trip
With rideshare insurance in Australia, cover depends on what “state” you’re in. CTP always sits underneath to handle people’s injuries, while your car policy (set to business/rideshare use) decides who pays for vehicle and property damage. Some platforms (e.g., Uber) add limited driver injury support while you’re online, but that won’t repair your car.
- App off (private use): Your standard car policy applies. CTP covers injuries only; third party won’t repair your car after an at‑fault crash, comprehensive can.
- App on, waiting: You’re now on business use. You must have disclosed ridesharing. Third party covers others; comprehensive can repair your car. Platform injury support may apply while online.
- En route to rider: Same business‑use rules. CTP handles injuries; your declared rideshare policy level determines car repairs.
- On‑trip with passenger: Passenger injuries are through CTP. Vehicle damage depends on your policy; many insurers only allow rideshare on comprehensive. Be a named insured or risk a declined claim.
What your rideshare platform covers (and what it doesn’t)
Platforms add support, but it’s not a substitute for rideshare insurance in Australia. In Australia, Uber says driver-partners are covered by a support package that includes insurance for certain personal injuries while driving, at no extra cost. Coverage like this is supplemental, usually applies only when the app is on, and it doesn’t repair your vehicle. You still need CTP and a car policy that allows business/rideshare use.
- Typically included by platforms: Certain personal injury support for drivers while online/en route/on‑trip (scope varies by company; confirm details with your platform).
- Commonly not covered: Damage to your own car (you’ll rely on your car insurance); off‑app time; anything your CTP or personal policy is designed to handle.
- Bottom line: Platform cover is limited and conditions vary; maintain CTP plus third party or comprehensive that permits rideshare, and disclose your use.
Disclosure rules: business use, named insured and PDS/TMD
For rideshare insurance in Australia to respond, you must tell your insurer you’re using the car for business/rideshare. Non‑disclosure or misrepresentation can see a claim refused or the policy voided. You also need to be a policyholder or named insured (Uber requires it). The short answer to what is rideshare insurance is: the same car cover, correctly disclosed and permitted in the PDS/TMD.
- Disclose business use: Update your policy before going online; notify immediately if you start mid‑term.
- Be named on the policy: Policyholder or named insured, not just an occasional driver.
- Check the PDS: It should explicitly allow rideshare; many brands only allow it on comprehensive and may add specific excesses.
- Read the TMD: Ensure the policy is designed for rideshare/business users.
- Keep proof: Written confirmation of rideshare acceptance and copies of your declarations.
State and territory differences in CTP and injury schemes
CTP sits beneath every rideshare policy, but the injury schemes differ by state and territory. That matters because, while CTP never covers vehicle damage, it does decide who’s eligible for treatment, income support and how at‑fault drivers are treated. For rideshare insurance in Australia, always check your CTP certificate and your car policy’s PDS/TMD to confirm ridesharing is included.
- NSW (Green Slip): Covers both at‑fault and not‑at‑fault injuries, with limited cover for the at‑fault driver; Youi notes its NSW CTP includes rideshare passengers.
- ACT (MAI Scheme): CTP is called the Motor Accident Injuries Scheme; confirm rideshare inclusion with your provider.
- South Australia: Youi notes its SA CTP includes cover for rideshare passengers; verify details with your CTP insurer.
Platforms like DiDi also flag state‑based requirements, so cross‑check platform terms against your CTP and car policy.
Passenger cover and liability explained
If you’re carrying paying passengers, injuries are handled by your state/territory CTP scheme, not your car policy. That’s the backbone of rideshare insurance in Australia: CTP covers people; your car insurance handles vehicles and property. Some platforms (e.g., Uber) add limited driver injury support while you’re online, but it doesn’t repair your car. Liability for damage you cause sits with your car policy — and only responds if you’ve disclosed rideshare/business use and you’re a named insured.
- Passenger injuries: Through CTP; benefits vary by state (NSW includes limited at‑fault driver cover).
- Platform injury support: Supplemental, scope varies; not vehicle/property cover.
- Property damage liability: Your car policy (TPPD/TPFT/Comprehensive) covers others’ property.
- Your car’s damage: Typically comprehensive; TPFT only for fire/theft.
- Disclosure matters: Non‑disclosure can see liability claims refused.
Rideshare vs food delivery: different cover rules
Insurers assess carrying people versus parcels differently. Many will allow rideshare once your policy is set to business use (often only on comprehensive), while food delivery may be excluded or need different cover. Always disclose exactly what you do — rideshare, delivery, or both. CTP still handles injuries, but damage to vehicles/property depends on your policy. Some brands permit rideshare but exclude delivery (for example, Bingle). Platform injury support isn’t car cover and won’t repair your vehicle.
- Disclose both uses: Tell your insurer if you do rideshare and delivery to avoid declined claims.
- Check your PDS: Many allow rideshare only on comprehensive; delivery may be excluded or need separate cover.
- Mixed driving: If you switch between rides and deliveries, confirm both are permitted under one policy.
- Know the limits: Platform injury support helps with certain injuries, not car repairs.
Common inclusions and exclusions to expect
Across brands, rideshare insurance in Australia follows familiar patterns, but the exact inclusions and limits live in your PDS/TMD. Use the list below as a quick sense‑check when comparing quotes, then confirm the specifics with your insurer and your state’s CTP scheme so there are no surprises.
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Damage to others’ property: Covered on third party, TPFT and comprehensive.
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Your car’s accidental damage: Covered on comprehensive.
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Weather (storm, hail, flood): Typically on comprehensive.
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Theft/fire of your car: On TPFT and comprehensive.
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Towing/hire car after theft: Often included on TPFT/comprehensive.
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Uninsured driver benefit: Common across many levels (check limits).
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Passenger injuries: Via CTP, not your car policy.
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Your car’s crash damage on third party/TPFT: Not covered (TPFT excludes accidental damage).
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Undisclosed rideshare/business use: Claims can be declined or the policy voided.
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Platform injury support: Personal injury only; won’t repair your vehicle.
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Food delivery or other uses: May be excluded unless disclosed and accepted.
How much rideshare insurance costs in 2025
For 2025, most drivers can expect rideshare insurance in Australia to price higher than private-only cover because you’re declaring business use. Typical market ranges: comprehensive about $1,600–$3,500 per year, while stripped‑back third party can start near $900. Actual premiums vary widely by driver profile, car, postcode, excess and options — and many insurers only permit ridesharing on comprehensive, so that entry‑level third party price may not be available to you.
| Cover level | Typical 2025 premium | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Third party (TPPD) | From ~$900 p.a. | Often meets platform minimums but won’t repair your car; some insurers won’t allow rideshare on TPPD |
| Comprehensive | ~$1,600–$3,500 p.a. | Commonly required by insurers for rideshare; repairs your car and others’ |
Bottom line: compare like‑for‑like quotes (same excess, declared rideshare/business use) and confirm in the PDS that ridesharing is included before you go online.
What affects your premium and ways to save
Rideshare insurance in Australia is risk‑priced. Declaring business/rideshare use usually lifts the premium versus private‑only, and many brands only permit ridesharing on comprehensive, which costs more but repairs your car. Your price then reflects who drives, what you drive and where it’s kept, plus your claims history.
- What pushes premiums up: Younger/less experienced drivers; recent claims or demerit points; higher‑value or performance cars; high‑risk postcodes and street parking; limited security features.
- Compare like‑for‑like: Match excess, declared rideshare/business use and options across quotes, then confirm ridesharing is allowed in the PDS/TMD.
- Tune your excess: A higher excess can reduce your premium on comprehensive.
- Lower your risk signals: Park off‑street, add security; some providers reduce excess when you use preferred repairers.
- Pick the right level: If your platform allows it, TPFT can be cheaper than comprehensive but excludes accidental damage to your own car.
- Disclose everything: Non‑disclosure can see a claim declined — false savings aren’t savings.
Excesses and special conditions for rideshare drivers
Excess is the amount you pay when you claim, and with rideshare insurance in Australia there can be extra conditions. Some brands add a specific rideshare/taxi excess on top of your base excess, while others (Suncorp) say there’s no additional rideshare excess. Age/unlisted‑driver excesses can stack, and many insurers only permit ridesharing on comprehensive. Always disclose business/rideshare use and make sure you’re a named insured to avoid declined claims.
- Rideshare/taxi excess: May apply on top of your base excess (check the PDS).
- No extra rideshare excess (brand‑specific): Suncorp states none; others may differ.
- Stacked excesses: Age/unlisted driver/windscreen excesses can apply in addition.
- Named insured required: Platforms like Uber require you to be policyholder or named.
- Disclosure is critical: Undeclared business use can void or deny a claim.
- Preferred repairers: Some providers reduce your payable excess if you use them.
- Proof of status: Insurers may ask for app evidence that the trip fell within covered use.
Handy add-ons that keep you earning
Downtime kills income. Beyond the core of what is rideshare insurance — CTP plus a policy that permits business use — the right extras can keep you moving and cut out‑of‑pocket costs after a mishap. Prioritise benefits that shorten repair time, cover temporary wheels, and smooth cash flow.
- Hire car cover: after not‑at‑fault incidents and after theft.
- Replacement car (not at fault): keeps you on the road while yours is repaired.
- Lifetime repair guarantee: on authorised repairs for quality assurance.
- 24/7 towing and roadside assist: rapid help when trips go wrong.
- Preferred repairer perks: faster turnaround, potential excess discounts.
- Personal effects cover: small limits for driver items damaged/stolen.
- Emergency transport/accommodation: after an insured event far from home.
- Key and lock replacement: if keys are lost or stolen.
How to switch your current policy to rideshare use
Switching your existing car policy to rideshare use is straightforward: contact your insurer and update the vehicle’s use to business/rideshare before you go online. Many brands only permit ridesharing on comprehensive cover, and your premium may change. Always get written confirmation that rideshare use is accepted.
- Switch usage + be named: Ask to set usage to business/rideshare and ensure you’re a policyholder or named insured.
- Check PDS/TMD + excesses: Confirm rideshare is allowed and note any rideshare/taxi or stacked excesses.
- Align dates + pro‑rata: Avoid gaps; if changing providers, align start/stop the same day and ask about any pro‑rata return premium.
- Keep proof and documents: Updated schedule showing business/rideshare use, plus current rego and CTP.
How claims work after a rideshare incident
If you have an incident while driving for rideshare, treat it like any car claim — with extra proof that the app was on. CTP handles injury claims; your car policy (set to business/rideshare use) handles vehicle and property damage. Be a policyholder or named insured and disclose ridesharing, or a claim can be refused. Platform injury support can help with certain personal injuries but won’t repair your car.
- Prioritise safety and call 000 if needed; move to a safe spot.
- Document everything: photos, dash cam, other drivers’ details, regos, witnesses.
- Prove rideshare status: app screenshots (online/trip), booking ID, platform incident report.
- If applicable, report to police and note the event/reference number.
- Notify your insurer promptly and lodge the claim; follow their tow/repair pathway and be ready to pay any applicable excesses (a rideshare/taxi excess may apply depending on the brand).
- For injuries, follow your state CTP process; also notify the platform if it provides injury support.
Keep receipts for towing, emergency transport or accommodation and all communications.
How National Cover helps rideshare drivers
If you want rideshare insurance in Australia set up correctly, National Cover does the heavy lifting. We tailor cover to platform rules, ensure business/rideshare use is disclosed and you’re a named insured, then compare APRA‑regulated options to beat like‑for‑like quotes. The outcome: compliant cover that actually pays when the app is on.
- Price‑beat guarantee: on written quotes.
- 365‑day support: claims help and easy email lodgement.
- Faster recovery: lifetime repair warranty and 24/7 towing.
- Keep earning: not‑at‑fault replacement cars; preferred‑repairer excess discounts.
- Seamless switching: mid‑term changes, pro‑rata refund guidance, and like‑for‑like PDS checks.
Key takeaways
Rideshare insurance isn’t a separate product — it’s your car policy set to business/rideshare use on top of compulsory CTP injury cover. Disclose ridesharing, be a named insured, and check the PDS/TMD. Platforms set minimums (Uber/DiDi ≥ third party; Shebah comprehensive), but many insurers only permit ridesharing on comprehensive. Expect 2025 premiums around $1,600–$3,500 for comprehensive, with third party starting near $900. Platform “injury support” won’t repair your car. Keep proof the app was on when claiming.
- Disclose business use: Non‑disclosure risks declined claims.
- Be named on the policy: Uber requires it.
- Choose cover wisely: Comprehensive usually required to repair your car.
- Know your CTP scheme: Injury benefits vary by state.
- Reduce downtime: Consider hire car and preferred‑repairer benefits.
Need compliant cover and better pricing? Compare like‑for‑like and get help setting it up with National Cover.
