Personal driving and ridesharing are not the same use
A standard personal auto policy is priced and written for the uses disclosed to the insurer. Driving passengers or making deliveries through an app changes that use. The important question is not only whether a platform advertises insurance, but when its approved policy applies and what your own policy covers at each stage.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario advises drivers to understand the coverage periods and confirm that the platform has an Ontario-approved insurance policy.
Coverage can change as the app status changes
Different terms may apply while you are:
- Using the vehicle personally with the app off
- Logged in and available but without an accepted trip
- Travelling to pick up a passenger or delivery
- Carrying a passenger or completing the delivery
Deductibles, physical-damage coverage, accident benefits and liability arrangements may differ by period and platform. As of July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory under affected Ontario automobile policies while other accident benefits are optional. Do not assume the platform’s policy duplicates optional benefits selected on a personal policy or applies them to the same people in every app period.
Tell your personal insurer before starting
FSRA recommends informing your broker or insurer about ridesharing or carsharing use. Provide the platform name, vehicle, expected hours and whether the work involves passengers, food, parcels or another service. Not every insurer accepts every arrangement.
Also review who else drives the vehicle, whether it is leased or financed and whether the platform’s vehicle requirements align with the personal policy. A delivery app may have a different approved insurance arrangement from a passenger platform.
Know what to do after an incident
Prioritize safety and follow legal reporting requirements. Record the app status, trip details, time and location; take photographs when safe; exchange information; and promptly notify the appropriate platform and insurer. Do not decide on your own which policy should respond or delay notice while the two coverages are being sorted out.
Review the full auto policy
Ridesharing is only one part of the insurance decision. Liability limits, optional accident benefits, DCPD, collision, comprehensive, deductibles and all household drivers still need attention. Our car insurance overview and Ontario auto overview explain these components and the July 2026 transition.
Contact Westoak before activating a driver account or when changing platforms. We can help identify the questions to ask, but availability, premium and coverage remain subject to the insurer and the approved platform policy.