In the age of technology, we can have practically anything delivered right to our doorstep with a few simple clicks. Over the past year, food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates have drastically increased in popularity. The more demand there is for food delivery, the more delivery drivers there are on the road. More time spent on the road increases the risk of being in a car accident. So, what happens if you’re working as a delivery driver and you get into an accident? Will your insurance cover the damages to your vehicle?
Don’t assume your auto insurance provides coverage. Some auto insurance policies will specify the exclusion of coverage during the time in which the vehicle is being used to transport people or property (in this case, food) and the driver is being paid. This includes any time that the driver is being paid to be in the vehicle, even if there is no food present.
Ask your delivery app company. Depending on which delivery app company you are working with, they may provide auto insurance coverage. However, a lot of the time this coverage is only applicable when there is actually food in the vehicle. Therefore, you will not be covered while driving to the restaurant. In addition, many delivery app companies’ insurance will only “pay in excess” which means that they will only respond to the claim after your own underlying insurance policy has responded to the claim.
Contact your insurance agent. If you are unsure if your auto insurance policy covers delivery exposure, ask your insurance agent. Let them know you’re using your vehicle for delivery purposes. If you do not have delivery exposure coverage, ask if delivery coverage can be added or inquire about a commercial auto insurance policy.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is crucial, especially if you spend an extensive amount of time on the road. Car accidents happen frequently and can leave you with significant personal injuries. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact Rob Levine Law today. Our team of experienced attorneys will get you the compensation you deserve.
