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Becoming an Uber driver has been a popular way of making money in recent years, either full-time or part-time. It offers flexibility, independence, and a sociable work environment. However, when it comes to insurance, things can get complicated quickly. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Uber driver insurance and the policies required to work as an Uber driver partner.
Uber burst onto the British taxi scene in 2012 and since then has sometimes even replaced the word taxi as a noun in its own right. It is a ride-hailing app which connects you to your driver directly without having to hail one down or having to call a booking service. Using your phone’s GPS, it finds your location and connects you to a nearby driver. It even allows you to choose what sort of car you want. All done by card and through the app, it is the modern taxi and taking over every major city in the world.
There are many reasons people become Uber drivers, such as:
It allows you to be your own boss, working as much or as little as you like. Essentially you start work as soon as you log into the app.
These flexible hours allow you to do it full time or even part time as a supplemental income.
An excellent job for sociable people, and it will enable you to be your own boss.
Because passengers are rated as well, it allows you to avoid passengers who might cause you trouble.
Although it is relatively straightforward, there are many requirements needed before you can apply to be an Uber driver. These vary from country to country, but we will examine the rules in the UK:
You must be over 21 years old, have a right to work in the UK, and have a valid UK driver’s licence
After that, you need to pass a full medical evaluation from your GP, an enhanced DBS check and a local map test
Once you satisfy these criteria, Uber has its own set of requirements:
You need to obtain a private hire licence, which can cost around £300 depending on what area you live in
There are a list of pre-approved cars on the Uber website, or you can rent one of theirs for around £200 a week
Make an appointment for an interview with Uber, which could take months to process.
Even though they don’t like to use the term ‘taxi service’, insurance providers will see Uber drivers in that way and require them to have that type of insurance. Uber doesn’t offer its own specific insurance but has connections with different insurance companies such as Acorn and Fare Cover. These are advantageous because you will not need to upload any of your own car insurance documents to your Uber account. But you should still shop around and compare car insurance from different companies before taking out a policy with one of them.
To be an Uber driver, you will need private hire vehicle insurance with cover for hire and reward. This is insurance specific for private hire cars and therefore cannot be used for cabs that are hailed in the street. You should also make sure your Third Party Liability insurance (insurance for if you hit someone or something) is comprehensive.
Private hire insurance | Public hire insurance |
Private hire insurance is required for Uber drivers. It covers you when transporting passengers who have pre-booked their ride via Uber’s app. This insurance is also known as hire and reward insurance, and it’s specifically needed for Uber drivers in private hire roles. | Public hire insurance is designed for taxi drivers who are allowed to pick up passengers off the street. It covers street-hailing and pre-booked rides. |
Uber driver insurance is specifically designed to protect you while driving for Uber, offering coverage that’s different from regular car insurance policies. Key coverage aspects include:
Third-Party Liability Insurance: Protects you in the event of an accident where you are at fault, covering injury or damage to third parties or their property.
Accidental Damage: Covers damage to your own vehicle resulting from an accident, protecting you financially.
Theft and Fire: If your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire, this cover will help you recover the costs.
Passenger Liability: Provides coverage in the event of injury to a passenger while you’re driving for Uber.
Replacement Vehicle: Some policies include a replacement vehicle while your own car is being repaired after an accident.
Public Liability Insurance: Covers damage caused by your vehicle during the course of your Uber trips, such as accidents involving pedestrians or property damage.
As with any insurance policy, the key to getting a good rate is to do as much research as possible. Here are a few tips that you can bear in mind:
Compare Uber insurance quotes from different insurance providers to find the best deal.
Opt for a higher excess, which will lower your premiums. But ensure you can afford to pay the excess if you need to make a claim.
Installing a black box in your car can help you get cheaper driver insurance, as insurers will monitor your driving habits and offer discounts for safe driving.
Paying annually rather than monthly can help you avoid extra interest costs and reduce your overall payment.
Adding security measures like a vehicle immobiliser or a dashcam can reduce the risk of theft and accidents, which in turn lowers your insurance cost.
*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
