- Personal auto insurance usually doesn’t cover delivery work — drivers need special coverage if they deliver for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, or local businesses.
- Commercial auto insurance or rideshare/delivery add-ons may be required, depending on the company and insurer.
- Costs vary: Delivery driver insurance is typically more expensive than standard policies, reflecting higher mileage and risk.
- Employer coverage is often limited — company policies may only apply while actively delivering, leaving gaps during waiting or commuting time.
Food delivery drivers are tasked with getting meals to their destination safely. But since accidents happen, having the right car insurance is important. Delivery driver insurance will protect drivers if they are involved in an accident on the job.
If you’re getting paid to deliver, your personal auto policy likely won’t cover you — specialized insurance is required.
What is delivery driver car insurance?
Delivery driver car insurance refers to auto insurance coverage designed specifically for individuals who use their personal vehicles to deliver goods, such as food, groceries, or packages. Standard personal auto insurance often excludes coverage during work-related deliveries. To stay protected, drivers must either add a business-use endorsement, purchase a commercial auto policy, or rely on coverage provided by their delivery platform — if available.
Who needs delivery driver insurance?
Anyone who uses their own vehicle to deliver items for compensation needs delivery driver insurance. This includes gig workers for apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, and drivers working directly for restaurants or stores.
Subtypes of drivers:
- Package couriers: Often require business-use policies due to the higher frequency and mileage.
- Gig app drivers: Typically need a rideshare or delivery endorsement.
- Restaurant-employed drivers: May need commercial coverage or employer-provided insurance.
Why personal auto insurance isn’t enough
Most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage when the vehicle is used for business purposes—including deliveries. If you’re in an accident while delivering, your insurer can deny the claim entirely.
Coverage gaps:
- Time logged into an app but waiting for an order.
- Driving to pick up a delivery.
- Dropping off the item.
Without proper coverage, you may face out-of-pocket liability for damage or injuries.
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Types of delivery driver insurance
As you begin your search, ask your employer and personal insurance company about their coverages and exclusions. Below is a closer look at some of the coverage options for different types of delivery drivers.
Car insurance for DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub drivers
Insurers know that many delivery drivers work for companies like Uber, Lyft, Grubhub and DoorDash.
Your insurer offers coverage for delivering passengers or food under an endorsement. If your insurer doesn’t call it delivery driver insurance, they may refer to it as rideshare insurance coverage. So, if you deliver food or folks, you must add the rideshare endorsement to your policy.
| Type | Best For | Key Features | Cost Impact | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare/Delivery Endorsement | Gig app drivers | Add-on to personal policy for part-time delivery | +$100–$300/year | Limited to listed use cases |
| Business-Use Policy | Occasional local delivery | Extends coverage for business driving | +15–20% premium | May still have restrictions |
| Commercial Auto Policy | Full-time or high-mileage delivery | Covers all business-related driving | $1,200–$2,400/year | Expensive; more complex |
| Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) | Business owners hiring drivers | Covers liability for vehicles not company-owned | Varies | Does not cover physical damage to the vehicle |
Platform-specific coverage: What’s included?
Major delivery platforms offer varying levels of coverage — often only during active deliveries.
| Platform | While Waiting | On Way to Pickup | During Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | None | Limited liability | Yes |
| Uber Eats | Liability only | Yes | Yes |
| Instacart | None | None | None |
| Amazon Flex | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Always read the fine print: coverage may vary by state and delivery phase.
Pizza delivery driver insurance policies
“If you plan on using a personal or family vehicle to deliver pizza, then make sure to check your insurance policy for exclusions,” says attorney Thomas Ryan, Esq. “I would also check the employment agreement with the pizza company. There should be a specific provision in the employment agreement regarding whose vehicle will be used and/or who will be liable in the event of an accident.”
An uninsured or underinsured employer can spell real trouble for a delivery driver.
In one lawsuit, attorney Thomas Ryan, Esq., of Cleveland, represented a woman rear-ended by a delivery driver reaching for his dropped phone. Her injuries were substantial, and the pizzeria had coverage limits of only $25,000. This amount didn’t cover the cost of her injuries. She eventually settled with the pizzeria.
How much does delivery driver insurance cost?
Delivery driver insurance can cost 15% to 50% more than a standard auto policy. Factors include:
- Driving history and age
- Vehicle type and usage frequency
- State of residence
- Delivery platform (some require more coverage)
Example premium surcharges
- Part-time gig driver: +$120–$300/year
- Full-time commercial use: $1,000–$2,500/year
How to shop for the right coverage
Checklist for delivery drivers:
✅ Disclose delivery usage to your insurer
✅ Compare quotes from multiple insurers
✅ Ask about endorsements vs full commercial policies
✅ Keep mileage and delivery logs
✅ Understand your platform’s insurance limitations
Common mistakes to avoid:
❌ Assuming employer or app coverage is full protection
❌ Failing to update policy after starting deliveries
What are the types of insurance that could apply to delivery drivers?
You cannot use your personal auto insurance policy to cover yourself while making deliveries without an endorsement. But as a delivery driver, you have other options to cover your bases.
Here are some of the delivery driver car insurance options to opt for:
Business-use auto insurance
A business-use auto insurance policy is designed for people who use their car for specific and limited business purposes.
If you are involved in a collision that is your fault, the insurance company will take care of everything. Your provider will be there to ensure that your claim is processed as smoothly and quickly as possible. They will help handle any damages or provide rental cars if they are available on your policy.
Commercial policy
A commercial auto insurance policy may cost slightly more than a personal auto insurance policy. The price will also depend on your situation and your vehicle’s make and model. But with a commercial policy, you can rest easy knowing any incident will be covered.
Personal auto insurance with an endorsement
Before using your personal vehicle for food delivery, make sure you have the appropriate endorsements attached to your policy. If you’re at fault in an accident without the right amount of coverage, you might be on the hook for out of pocket damages.
Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA)
If you drive a vehicle not owned by your employer to make deliveries, an HNOA policy can provide the coverage you need. For example, if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes, your employer’s HNOA policy may provide coverage after an accident.
This type of coverage may also help if your employer rents a vehicle for employees to make food deliveries.
Expert recommendations for finding the best and cheapest insurance for delivery drivers
Jonathan Shaw, agency owner of Jonathan Shaw Agency, says that finding the best coverage starts with doing a little bit of research on your own and taking a close look at your coverage needs.
“All carriers are going to have their rules and regulations around delivery drivers. Some will not take you at all; some will cover you up to a certain extent (typically a certain amount of mileage for deliveries), while others will put you in a commercial policy to fully cover you as a delivery driver, so it’s important to understand your delivery risk.”
How to find teen delivery driver car insurance
Parents should be cautious about allowing a child to use a family vehicle for food delivery insurance. Even with a commercial policy, the car owner can be looked to for compensation once damages exceed the policy limits.
Parents of a teen who delivers food may consider an umbrella insurance policy for increased liability protection.
“As a delivery driver, you are significantly more likely to be in an accident just from the amount of time you are on the road driving,” Shaw says. “State minimum coverage may sound great to save money, but that saved money will catch up to you. State minimums are not enough to cover if you are in a major accident. Get higher limits that will make sure you stay protected. I personally do not recommend anything lower than 100/300/100 with the same limits for the uninsured/underinsured coverage. This likely will be more expensive early on, but insurance carriers like to see people carry higher limits, so long term, you will start to see better rates because you will be tiered as a better customer.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Delivery driver insurance
Do delivery platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash provide any insurance coverage?
Some companies like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer coverage during deliveries. However, this depends on the company. In the case of DoorDash and Uber Eats, liability-only coverage is available during the delivery window. However, you might not have coverage before the ride or after you drop the package.
How do you sign up for delivery driver insurance?
Start by reaching out to your current auto insurance company to determine if they offer the coverage you need. If they do, you’ll likely be able to add the extra coverage as an endorsement to your existing policy. If your current insurer doesn’t offer delivery driver coverage, shop around to find a new policy that suits your needs.
What should I do if I stop delivering food?
If you stop delivering food for more than a month, contact your auto insurance company to remove the rideshare endorsement from your personal auto insurance policy. If you decide to make deliveries again, don’t forget to call and reinstate the necessary endorsement before moving forward.
If a delivery driver has an accident, whose insurance covers it?
The driver’s policy is then tested, which may fail if the driver has gone for the cheapest state-minimum liability policy. Even a modest fender-bender can result in insurance claims that easily exceed limits as low as $15,000 per injured person and $5,000 in property damage.
“Victims are entitled to recovery from anyone who is negligent,” says attorney Bradford H. Bernstein of New York. “In most instances, it is preferable to put the claim in through the employer, but if they are not insured, a claim would be put in against the driver.”
How do I handle a claim if I’m in an accident?
“If in an accident while delivering, contact your insurance company immediately,” says Vonda Copeland, owner of Copeland Insurance Agency in Kansas. “They will handle notifying other parties involved. Keep records like delivery info, mileage logs and dash cam footage – this evidence proves the accident occurred on the job.”
What do I do if my claim is denied?
You can appeal the decision with your insurance company if your claim is denied. Work with the company to determine why your claim was denied and clarify any questions they might have about the incident.
What happens if I get in an accident while I’m driving a company vehicle?
The business is liable for an accident if you’re driving a company-owned vehicle. However, all the violations still accrue to your own driver’s license.
Does my personal policy cover me if I deliver occasionally?
Usually not. Even one unpaid claim can lead to cancellation.
What happens if I don’t tell my insurer I’m delivering?
Your claim may be denied and your policy could be canceled.
What if I use a rental car to deliver?
You need to check if your rental includes business-use coverage.
Can I switch between food and package delivery?
Yes, but let your insurer know; some types of delivery have higher risks.
Can I add delivery coverage to my existing policy?
In some situations, you can add delivery coverage as an add-on to your existing policy. But this isn’t an option with every insurance company. Reach out to your insurance agent or contact them via phone to inquire about a rideshare endorsement.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- CNN. “Pizza has a delivery problem.” Accessed October 2025.
- Grand View Research. “Global Online Food Delivery Market Size & Share Report, 2030.” Accessed October 2025.
- Insurance Information Institute. “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” Accessed October 2025.
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