If you drive for Uber or Lyft in Minnesota, you must meet specific insurance requirements that depend on your driving status within the app. Minnesota allows rideshare driving under a personal auto policy, but only if coverage rules are properly followed.
Failing to meet Minnesota’s rideshare insurance requirements can result in denied claims, policy cancellation, or personal financial liability after an accident.
Minnesota Rideshare Insurance Law Overview
Minnesota permits transportation network company (TNC) drivers to operate using personal auto insurance, provided the policy explicitly allows rideshare activity or includes a rideshare endorsement. Uber and Lyft are also required to provide insurance coverage during certain driving periods.
Coverage requirements change based on whether you are offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
For a high-level explanation of how these periods work, see our Minnesota rideshare insurance pillar.
Insurance Requirements When the App Is Off
When the Uber or Lyft app is turned off, only your personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage during this period.
Your personal policy must meet Minnesota’s minimum auto insurance requirements, but rideshare-specific coverage is not required while the app is off.
Insurance Requirements While Waiting for a Ride Request
Once you turn the app on and are waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This coverage typically applies only after your personal auto insurer denies the claim.
During this period, Uber and Lyft do not provide collision or comprehensive coverage for your vehicle. Without a rideshare endorsement, this is where most coverage gaps occur for Minnesota drivers.
Insurance Requirements While Transporting a Passenger
After accepting a ride request and while transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide higher levels of insurance coverage. This includes substantial liability coverage as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage may also apply, but only if you already carry these coverages on your personal auto policy. Deductibles apply.
For platform-specific details, review Uber insurance coverage in Minnesota and Lyft insurance coverage in Minnesota.
Do You Need Commercial Insurance in Minnesota?
Most Uber and Lyft drivers in Minnesota do not need full commercial auto insurance. A personal auto policy with a rideshare endorsement is typically sufficient to meet legal requirements and eliminate coverage gaps.
Commercial insurance is generally only required for drivers operating independently outside of Uber or Lyft platforms.
Summary: Minnesota Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Minnesota’s rideshare insurance requirements depend on your driving status and whether your personal policy allows rideshare activity. While Uber and Lyft provide important coverage, it is not active at all times.
Maintaining the right personal auto policy — typically with a rideshare endorsement — is the most reliable way to stay compliant and protected while driving in Minnesota.