I was sitting in a parking lot, waiting for a ping, when a freak hailstorm rolled in. Golf-ball-sized hail turned my hood into the surface of the moon. $4,500 in damage. I filed a claim with my personal insurance. Denied (App was on). I filed with Uber. Denied (Not on a trip). I was stuck in the “Period 1 Comprehensive Gap.”
Key Takeaways
- Liability vs. Comprehensive: Most Rideshare Endorsements focus on Liability (crashing into others). They often neglect Comprehensive (weather/theft) in Period 1.
- The “Available for Hire” Trigger: Even though you were parked, the fact that the app was on triggers the business exclusion in your personal policy.
- App Coverage is Zero: Uber/Lyft/DoorDash provide no comprehensive coverage in Period 1.
- You Need Specific Language: Your endorsement must specifically say it extends “Physical Damage” coverage, not just “Liability” coverage.
The “Why”: The Definition of Risk
Insurers argue that because you were “available for hire,” the car was a commercial tool at that moment. Therefore, the personal policy (and its Comprehensive clause) is suspended.
Since the Gig App only covers liability (and only limited amounts) in Period 1, there is literally no policy protecting the physical car from hail, falling trees, or flood during this time unless you have the right add-on.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of policy text distinguishing between “Liability Coverage” and “Physical Damage Coverage” in endorsements]
The Investigation: Reading the Endorsements
I pulled the specimen policies for 2026 rideshare endorsements to see who covers hail.
1. Progressive (Rideshare Endorsement)
- Verdict: Covers it. Progressive’s endorsement generally extends all coverages (including Comp/Collision) into Period 1.
- Cost: Higher premium, but safe.
2. State Farm (Rideshare Driver Coverage)
- Verdict: Covers it. Explicitly keeps your Comp/Collision active during Period 1.
3. Geico (Commercial / Hybrid)
- Verdict: Covers it. Because it’s a commercial policy, the distinction between Period 1 and 2 doesn’t exist.
4. Generic/Budget Carriers (The Risk)
- Verdict: Often Excluded. Many smaller carriers offer a “gap” endorsement that only covers the liability difference. Read the fine print carefully.
Comparison Table: Weather Damage in Period 1
| Carrier Type | Liability Covered? | Hail/Flood Covered? |
| Gig App (Uber/Lyft) | Limited (Period 1) | NO |
| Personal (No Add-on) | No | NO |
| State Farm/Progressive (With Add-on) | Yes | YES (Minus Deductible) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Turn the App Off: If a storm is starting and you aren’t getting rides, go Offline immediately. If the hail hits 1 minute after you go offline, you are back on your personal policy (Period 0), and you are covered.
- Verify Your Endorsement: Call your agent today. Ask: “Does my rideshare endorsement extend Comprehensive and Collision to Period 1, or just Liability?”
- Shelter: This sounds obvious, but in 2026, weather alerts are precise. If you don’t have the coverage, find a gas station canopy.
FAQ
Does Uber cover hail if I have a passenger?
Yes. In Period 3 (Passenger in car), Uber provides Comprehensive coverage (usually with a $2,500 deductible).
Can I claim this on my taxes?
If you pay for the repairs out of pocket, you can deduct the repair cost as a business expense (Schedule C), but you can’t deduct it and claim the standard mileage rate for the same cost. Consult a CPA.