What are the Lyft vehicle requirements?

If you plan to drive for a rideshare service like Lyft, you and your vehicle both need to meet company and state requirements. Lyft vehicle requirements vary by state, but the company holds a set standard all vehicles must meet.

To drive for Lyft, your vehicle must have at least four doors and between 5-8 seatbelts. Where you live will determine how old your vehicle can be and what cars are not eligible for Lyft. Keep reading to learn more about Lyft vehicle age requirements and what kind of rideshare insurance you need to drive for Lyft.

Ready to find affordable rideshare insurance near you? Enter your ZIP code above to get free auto insurance quotes and buy auto insurance coverage that meets the Lyft vehicle requirements in your state.

What are the Lyft vehicle requirements?

Your vehicle, no matter where you live and drive, must have the following to drive for Lyft:

• At least four doors
• 5-8 seatbelts
• Pass a Lyft vehicle inspection

Lyft vehicle inspections ensure that all windows, doors, lights, and signals work properly. Inspectors will also ensure that seatbelts are functional and the front seats can move back and forth with ease. In addition, mirrors must be free of cracks, and tires need sufficient tread in order to meet the Lyft car requirements in 2022.

Drivers must meet the following requirements to drive for Lyft:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a valid driver’s license and Social Security Number
• Pass a criminal background check
• Have no major driving infractions in the last seven years
• Have driven for at least one year
• Provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration

Lyft drivers are also required to have a smartphone to access the Lyft app. The app is used to pick up riders and receive payment and tips. The app is also how you will track when riders are in your car, which impacts when insurance coverage applies (and when it doesn’t). 

It’s important to note that Lyft, Inc. does not require a state inspection. However, auto insurance laws in some states require inspections for Lyft drivers, and rideshare laws can require drivers to carry certain types of licenses.

What year of car does Lyft accept?

Like state inspections, Lyft, Inc. does not require drivers to have vehicles under a certain year. But where you live may impact how old your car can be. For example, in Western Nebraska, Lyft vehicles must be 2005 or newer, but the rest of the state allows for vehicles 2003 or newer.

What is the oldest year car for Lyft? On average, your car can’t be older than 2003 to drive for Lyft.

State laws can decide the Lyft vehicle age requirements, but so can the city. This means that Lyft vehicle age requirements can vary across ZIP codes, so it’s important to research your state’s laws before you apply to drive.

What cars are not eligible for Lyft?

Lyft will not accept limousines or taxicabs on its platform. Previously, subcompact vehicles were not allowed on the platform, but Lyft changed its requirements in August 2021 to accommodate them.

Do I have to own a vehicle to drive for Lyft?

No, you can lease or own a vehicle to drive for Lyft. Lyft offers a rental program through General Motors — the Express Drive Program. Drivers can earn reduced rates on their leases when they use the vehicle for Lyft.

What are the Lyft vehicle requirements for Lyft Lux?

Lyft offers an elite rider experience with its Lux, Black, and Black XL vehicles.

Lux promises a vehicle with a leather or leather-like interior. Black and Black XL both promise vehicles with black exteriors and leather or leather-like interiors, but XL will seat a minimum of five riders over the standard three.

While most four-door sedans and SUVs are eligible for Lyft, only select vehicle types can drive for Lyft Lux, including:

• Acura
• Jaguar
• BMW
• Lincoln
• Cadillac
• Lexus
• Infinity
• Audi
• Alfa Romeo
• Mercedes-Benz
• Porsche
• Range Rover
• Tesla

All Lyft Lux vehicles must be 2014 or newer, and Lyft Black and Black XL vehicles must be 2016 or newer. To drive for Lyft Lux or Black/Black XL, you must own or rent one of the above vehicles and maintain a 4.85 rating or higher on the Lyft app.

How do Lyft car requirements impact auto insurance rates?

In general, Lyft requires the same minimum liability insurance the state requires. Liability insurance covers damages sustained by the other party involved in the accident.

However, your personal policy will not apply while you use the Lyft app for work. You will need to carry a business or rideshare add-on to ensure you’re protected at all times while driving for Lyft. These additional policies can raise your auto insurance rates.

For example, State Farm charges drivers 15%-20% of their personal premiums to cover rideshare insurance costs. So, shop around with multiple insurers to find the company with the most competitive price.

Your vehicle’s age can also have an impact on your auto insurance rates. For example, if you have an older vehicle you’re using for rideshare, you may be comfortable with only the minimum liability insurance. 

But if you have a newer car or are using your primary vehicle, you may opt for the additional collision and comprehensive auto insurance. Also known as full coverage, these two policies will protect you in the event of an auto accident, weather-related damage, and vandalism. You’ll pay more for this coverage, but you’ll save yourself from out-of-pocket costs later if you get into an accident while working. 

Does Lyft offer auto insurance?

Yes. Lyft provides drivers with liability coverage while they wait for rides and full coverage when riders are in the vehicle. 

Lyft liability auto insurance includes:

• $50,000/person and $100,000/accident for bodily injury
• $25,000/accident for property damage

Lyft full coverage auto insurance includes:

• Up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the vehicle (after the $2,500 deductible)

Lyft auto insurance will only apply while you have a rider in your vehicle, and you may want to add additional rideshare coverage from your own insurance company to cover you at all times.

If you want to be a Lyft driver, research your state’s auto insurance laws and Lyft vehicle requirements to see how they can impact your rates. To find the most affordable auto insurance companies, enter your ZIP code below to get free auto insurance quotes from local insurers today.