What are the Lyft vehicle requirements?
Both state laws and Lyft, Inc. mandate Lyft vehicle requirements. All Lyft vehicles must have at least 4 doors and 5-8 seatbelts. Taxis and limousines are not eligible for Lyft. Lyft vehicle age requirements will vary by location, but vehicles from 2008 or later can drive for Lyft in most states.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
UPDATED: Mar 15, 2025
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 15, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
If you are considering driving for Lyft, you may be wondering, “What year car do you need for Lyft?” The vehicle year requirements will vary by state for Lyft drivers, but in most states, vehicles manufactured in 2008 or later can legally drive for Lyft.
The Lyft car age limit guidelines specifies that vehicles must be no more than 15 years old to be eligible for drivers to join the rideshare platform.
Lyft auto insurance coverage starts at $2 monthly with companies such as Allstate. So, finding a cheap auto insurance policy to meet Lyft driver requirements is easy.
To protect the safety of its drivers and passengers, Lyft has certain rules for vehicle age, car insurance requirements, and driver qualifications. To drive for Lyft, people and their vehicles must meet several requirements. Some Lyft car requirements may vary by state, so it’s a good idea to check local auto insurance laws and look for updates in rules or regulations while working for Lyft.
Keep reading to learn more about Lyft car insurance requirements and how to find the best insurance for Lyft drivers at an affordable rate.
- Most states require vehicles used for Lyft to be at least 15 years of age or newer
- If drivers don’t follow Lyft’s car requirements, they face penalties and be banned
- Drivers should upgrade their personal policy to a Lyft rideshare insurance policy
Lyft Vehicle Requirements: What You Need to Know
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).
A top search on this topic is: “What year car for Lyft?” the answer is that Lyft requires vehicles to be a 2008 model year or newer to qualify for their ride-sharing service.
Lyft Vehicle Year Requirements by State
| State | Vehicle Year |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 2004 or later |
| Alaska | 2007 or later |
| Arizona | 2003-2005 or later |
| Arkansas | 2003-2005 or later |
| California | 2003-2005 or later |
| Colorado | 2004 or later |
| Connecticut | 2007 or later |
| Delaware | 2003 or later |
| Florida | 2003-2007 or later |
| Georgia | 2007 or later |
| Hawaii | 2003 or later |
| Idaho | 2004-2005 or later |
| Illinois | 2003-2009 or later |
| Indiana | 2003-2005 or later |
| Iowa | 2003 or later |
| Kansas | 2003-2005 or later |
| Kentucky | 2003 or later |
| Louisiana | 2003-2011 or later |
| Maine | 2004 or later |
| Maryland | 2007 or later |
| Massachusetts | 2003-2004 or later |
| Michigan | 2006 or later |
| Minnesota | 2003-2009 or later |
| Mississippi | 2003-2005 or later |
| Missouri | 2003-2007 or later |
| Montana | 2004 or later |
| Nebraska | 2003-2005 or later |
| Nevada | 2003-2009 or later |
| New Hampshire | 2003 or later |
| New Jersey | 2004 or later |
| New Mexico | 2003-2005 or later |
| New York | 2004 or later |
| North Carolina | 2003-2005 or later |
| North Dakota | 2003 or later |
| Ohio | 2003 or later |
| Oklahoma | 2003-2009 or later |
| Oregon | 2003-2009 or later |
| Pennsylvania | 2004 or later |
| Rhode Island | 2004 or later |
| South Carolina | 2003 or later |
| South Dakota | 2009 or later |
| Tennessee | 2003-2005 or later |
| Texas | 2003-2005 or later |
| Utah | 2005 or later |
| Vermont | 2009 or later |
| Virginia | 2003-2005 or later |
| Washington | 2004-2009 or later |
| West Virginia | 2003-2005 or later |
| Wisconsin | 2003-2005 or later |
| Wyoming | 2005 or later |
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.
The Years of Car That Lyft Accepts
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. In order to drive for Lyft, your vehicle must meet the minimum car year requirement specified by the company. 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 2008 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.
Cars That 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.
Rules on Owning a Vehicle as a Lyft Driver
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.
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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.
Lyft Vehicle Requirements for Lyft XL
Lyft XL is a popular ride option provided by Lyft. Lyft XL vehicles are larger than standard Lyft vehicles and can accommodate groups of up to six passengers. This option is great for passengers traveling in a group or those who require more space for luggage or other items.
The XL Lyft rides typically costs more than standard rides due to the larger vehicle size and increased passenger capacity. When applying to become a XL driver for Lyft, it is important to ensure that your vehicle meets the Lyft XL car requirements.
In order for your vehicle to qualify for the Lyft XL category, it must have at least seven seat belts, including the driver’s and be in good condition with no cosmetic damage.
Additionally, your vehicle must meet the age requirement set by Lyft in order to be eligible for the Lyft XL service. This means that your car must be a model year 2004 or newer to qualify for the Lyft XL category. Make sure to check your vehicle’s specifications and verify that it meets all of Lyft’s requirements. Qualifying for XL is a great way for Lyft drivers to increase their profits.
Lyft Auto Insurance Requirements
Lyft drivers receive some additional insurance coverage while driving for Lyft, but you may want to consider buying commercial or rideshare insurance. Personal insurance policies won’t cover accidents while using a vehicle for Lyft, and a commercial policy may not apply when waiting on customers. Read more about delivery driver auto insurance coverage types.
Rideshare insurance takes care of this gap while you’re active in the Lyft app. Lyft also partners with several insurance companies to provide rideshare coverage, including Allstate, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, and Progressive auto insurance.
Check out the table below to see how much you might pay for Lyft rideshare insurance coverage with the top companies:
Monthly Rideshare Auto Insurance Rates by Provider
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
 | $87 | $228 |
 | $32 | $83 |
 | $76 | $198 |
 | $43 | $114 |
 | $96 | $248 |
 | $42 | $110 |
 | $63 | $164 |
 | $56 | $150 |
 | $38 | $101 |
 | $47 | $123 |
 | $32 | $84 |
Read More:
- Erie Auto Insurance Review
- Mercury Auto Insurance Review
- Safeco Auto Insurance Review
- State Farm Auto Insurance Review
- USAA Auto Insurance Review
Does a job affect auto insurance rates? Yes, occupations affect premiums, and driving for Lyft may impact insurance rates. So, shop around with several companies to find the best insurance for Lyft drivers.
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How 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.
Lyft 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.
How to Meet Lyft Auto Insurance Requirements
You must carry Lyft auto insurance coverage in the form of a rideshare auto insurance policy to drive for the company, and you can get coverage for as low as $2 monthly with Allstate auto insurance.
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Qualifications and insurance requirements for Lyft drivers are fairly straightforward and listed on the company website. However, state laws can impact Lyft requirements in your city. For example, vehicles made before 2005 don’t meet Lyft driver car requirements in some states. So, check the Lyft driver qualifications before applying with the company.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Lyft vehicle requirements?
To drive for Lyft, your vehicle must have at least four doors and between 5-8 seatbelts. It must also pass a Lyft vehicle inspection to ensure that all windows, doors, lights, signals, seatbelts, mirrors, and tires meet the Lyft car requirements.
What year car do you need for Lyft?
In order to drive for Lyft, your car must be a 2004 model year or newer. This requirement ensures that all Lyft drivers are using vehicles that are safe and reliable for passengers.
If your car is older than 2004, you will not be eligible to drive for Lyft.
Choosing an appropriate year for your car is essential when applying to become a Lyft driver. With a minimum requirement of a 2004 model year, Lyft emphasizes the importance of using up-to-date vehicles to maintain the quality and safety standards of their rideshare services.
What year of car does Lyft accept?
Lyft does not have a specific requirement for the year of the car. However, in general, your vehicle must be 2003 or newer to drive for Lyft. Specific Lyft vehicle age requirements may vary by state and even by ZIP code.
What cars are not eligible for Lyft?
Lyft does not accept limousines or taxicabs on its platform. However, Lyft updated its requirements to allow subcompact vehicles in August 2021.
What are the Lyft insurance requirements?
Lyft’s insurance requirements include liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and collision and comprehensive auto insurance (if your vehicle is financed).
The coverage requirements may vary depending on your location, so it’s important to review Lyft’s insurance policies and your state regulations.
Does Lyft offer auto insurance?
Yes, Lyft provides auto insurance coverage to drivers. While waiting for rides, Lyft provides liability coverage.
When riders are in the vehicle, Lyft provides full coverage, including liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive and collision coverage.
What’s very important to note is that Lyft’s insurance coverage applies only when you have a rider in your vehicle, so you still need additional rideshare coverage from your own insurance company to be fully protected at all times.
How much does Lyft insurance cost?
The rates for Lyft auto insurance vary depending on several factors, including your location, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage limits. Find the best insurance for Lyft drivers by comparing quotes from the top companies.
Does Lyft call your insurance?
Lyft won’t contact your insurance company. However, Lyft driver car requirements include verifying insurance coverage.
Are there any discounts available for Lyft drivers’ insurance?
Some providers offer specialized Lyft insurance policies or auto insurance discounts specifically tailored for Lyft drivers. We recommend shopping around and comparing quotes from different companies to find the best insurance for Lyft drivers.
Does Lyft accept rebuilt title cars or salvaged cars?
Yes, Lyft does accept vehicles with rebuilt and salvage titles as long as they meet the company’s vehicle requirements.
However, drivers should be aware that some restrictions may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the rebuilt or salvage title.
It is always a good idea to contact Lyft directly for more information on how to register a salvaged or rebuilt title car with their platform.
Are electric vehicles (EVs) eligible for Lyft?
Yes, Lyft allows electric vehicles to be used for their platform. However, specific requirements and incentives for EVs may vary by city or state.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Kalyn Johnson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.