Esurance Now Offering Rideshare Coverage in California

Esurance has launched a new insurance option for Californians who drive for rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, that offers protection whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or driving a passenger.

Typically, a rideshare company’s insurance covers drivers while they’re picking up a passenger or driving them to their destination. What it doesn’t fully cover is the time period when the rideshare app is turned on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. Esurance’s rideshare product, called ShareSmart, bridges the coverage gap for the period of time when drivers are waiting for a ride request and accepting a ride.

If a rideshare driver has comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto insurance policy, they can add ShareSmart to ensure they’re covered in case an accident occurs while they’re waiting to accept a ride.

The endorsement is available to all California rideshare drivers who qualify for an existing Esurance policy and is tied to the specific vehicle used for rideshare driving. Existing Esurance customers can add the endorsement to their policies at their next renewal. Esurance is evaluating rolling out rideshare coverage to additional states in 2018.

Esurance, a member company of Allstate, provides auto, homeowners, motorcycle, and renters insurance direct to consumers online and over the phone.