Yeah, it’s a mess. I’ve driven for years and the insurance gap is real—had a friend get burned by this exact “Period 1” thing. If you’re not careful, you’re basically self-insured for your own car. Honestly, rideshare endorsements are worth every penny if you’re doing this regularly. Don’t trust that the app will have your back if something goes sideways.
It’s wild how complicated this all gets—insurance companies really don’t make it easy. I’ve looked into the rideshare endorsements myself, and while I haven’t pulled the trigger yet, I can definitely see the appeal. The idea of being “self-insured” for a chunk of time just because you’re waiting for a ping is honestly kind of scary. I get why people want to trust the app, but I’ve read enough stories to be pretty skeptical that they’ll step up when it counts.
I do wonder sometimes if the extra cost is worth it for folks who only drive occasionally, though. For someone doing it full-time or even a few days a week, it seems like a no-brainer. But for the casual drivers, it’s a tough call. Either way, you’re right—knowing exactly what’s covered (and what isn’t) is crucial. It’s just not something you want to find out the hard way.
I totally get what you mean about the “self-insured” gap being scary. That’s honestly the part that made me start digging into all this in the first place. I saw a few horror stories on Reddit where people were stuck paying out of pocket because their regular policy didn’t cover them while the app was on but they weren’t on a trip yet. The idea of getting into an accident during that weird “Period 1” (just waiting for a ride request) and having to fight both your insurer and the rideshare company? No thanks.
The idea of being “self-insured” for a chunk of time just because you’re waiting for a ping is honestly kind of scary.
I’ve been shopping around recently, and it’s wild how much the rideshare endorsements can vary depending on your state and provider. Some companies barely charge more, others tack on a pretty hefty fee—especially if you’re not driving much. Like, is it really worth paying an extra $30-40/month if you only do a handful of trips each week? I’m not sure there’s one right answer.
One thing I found out (and maybe this is obvious to some, but it surprised me) is that some personal auto policies will actually drop you completely if they find out you’ve been driving for Uber/Lyft without telling them—even if you never had an accident. Apparently, they consider it material misrepresentation? That freaked me out more than the price tag, honestly.
It does make me wonder—are there any insurers who are actually transparent about what they cover during these in-between times? Or is it always buried in fine print? I’ve tried reading through some sample policies and my eyes just glaze over after a while. It feels like unless you’re willing to sit down with an agent and grill them with questions, you’re always rolling the dice.
For now, I’m leaning toward getting the endorsement just for peace of mind, even though I’m not planning to drive more than once or twice a week. Just can’t shake that feeling that the one time I skip it would be when something goes wrong...
Has anyone actually had luck getting a straight answer from an agent about this? I tried calling my provider and got bounced around between departments. Makes me wonder if it’s even possible to get clear info before signing up, or if you just have to hope for the best...
Makes me wonder if it’s even possible to get clear info before signing up, or if you just have to hope for the best...
You’re definitely not alone in feeling that way. I’ve been through the same maze—called my insurer, got transferred three times, and still ended up with more questions than answers. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to be responsible and know where you stand.
From what I’ve gathered, a lot of providers seem to treat that “between trips” period like a gray area. Some say you’re covered, others say you’re not, and it can depend on the exact second you toggle your app status. It’s not ideal, but I wouldn’t give up on getting a straight answer. Sometimes you get a rep who actually knows the ins and outs—just takes a bit of persistence (and patience).
I get why it feels like you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best, but don’t let them off the hook too easily. Keep pushing for clarity. It’s your right to know what you’re signing up for, even if it takes a few more calls than it should.
