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FAQs

Does DoorDash ask for insurance

January 29, 2025

Author:

Anastasiia Chub

Starting using the DoorDash app is not super complicated for most of the delivery drivers. But it doesn't mean that being a Dasher is easy. Insurance is always important, but does DoorDash ask for insurance at all?

Let's discuss whether the DoorDash platform requires insurance for drivers when applying for employment, which insurance it provides itself, and how drivers can maximize their safety on the roads.

DoorDash as a delivery platform

The DoorDash platform is a leading service for delivering food from restaurants to customers. The main contingent of workers are delivery riders, who are called Dashers.

This platform provides them with unique work opportunities, the main criterion of which is the flexibility of their work schedule.

At the same time, as with any other work related to driving, DoorDash drivers have certain risks, and therefore their insurance during work is undoubtedly necessary.

Each Dasher needs to study in detail all the components of the insurance document in order not to subsequently pay out of pocket for expenses in the event of a traffic accident.

General requirements for DoorDash drivers

To work at DoorDash, potential employees applying for the position of delivery rider drivers have a number of necessary requirements.

Meeting these conditions is associated with ensuring the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of their implementation.

The specified working conditions include:

  • Age: From 18 years.
  • Vehicle type: To deliver orders to future drivers, they must have: a car, a scooter, or a bicycle (depending on the region).
  • Background check: The DoorDash Personnel Service verifies the identity of a potential employee applying for a driver's position – his relationship with the law, possible criminal past, and driving experience are checked to make sure that the driver is reliable and has a safe driving history.
  • Insurance: To work on the DoorDash platform, a valid personal car insurance of the driver is required.

Does DoorDash require personal insurance?

The short answer is yes. Potential DoorDash drivers should be aware that Dashers must have personal car insurance issued before starting work on the platform.

In some situations, the platform covers the costs itself, but this in no way cancels the personal car insurance of each driver, who are personally responsible for having their own insured funds to cover the costs in necessary cases, the amount of which is provided by a particular state or region.

  • Personal car insurance: The DoorDash platform does not provide drivers with personal car insurance; they must purchase an insurance policy on their own.
  • Minimum coverage under state law: The minimum insurance amount requirements vary from state to state, but generally include liability insurance to cover damage in the event of a traffic accident.

The main conclusion is that when applying for employment at DoorDash and verifying the identity of drivers, the platform does not request information about whether or not they have car insurance when registering, but drivers are required to have it in accordance with the law.

DoorDash insurance policy for e-bike delivery drivers

While working at DoorDash, conditions are possible for drivers when the platform itself provides insurance coverage. However, it should be noted that this coverage is limited and is valid only in certain cases. DoorDash independently insures when one or another driver performs a large amount of work on the delivery of orders and only during certain hours of the delivery process.

What does DoorDash insurance cover?

  • Liability insurance: In the event of a traffic accident, when the culprit of the accident is a DoorDash driver who is delivering at that time, the platform covers the damage caused to other participants.
  • Collision insurance: If your car has suffered technical damage during the delivery process, the platform's insurance will cover the damage, provided that you were in the "Delivery" mode.
  • Damage compensation: Covers expenses from incidents unrelated to the accident, such as theft, theft, or vandalism.

When is DoorDash insurance valid?

An insured event for you from DoorDash will be recognized when your application is in "Delivery" mode, that is, when you actually pick up or deliver the order. If you are just waiting for an order or on your way to the delivery location, DoorDash insurance coverage may not be valid.

Does DoorDash provide insurance outside of business hours?

Before starting work, each driver of the platform must carefully study the conditions of insurance coverage for damage caused as a result of road accidents by DoorDash insurance. This should be done to make it clear that DoorDash insurance does not cover drivers at any time of their work shift, namely:

  • Waiting time: DoorDash insurance does not apply when drivers are out of delivery mode, for example, while waiting for an order.
  • Personal coverage: While waiting for an order or outside of business hours, drivers must rely on their personal car insurance.
    Drivers need to know all the possible risks and rely only on personal responsibility for driving without insurance coverage by the platform while waiting for orders, when in the event of an accident, only your personal car insurance will cover your damage.

Comparison of insurance for rideshare and delivery

Insurance requirements for taxi drivers (Uber, Lyft) differ from insurance requirements for delivery drivers. This is due to the fact that taxi service vehicles are at greater risk because they carry passengers. The delivery of goods poses less risk. However, the insurance system for both types of drivers has similar features.

Taxi insurance

Uber and Lyft provide basic damage coverage for travel, sometimes requiring additional personal insurance.

Shipping insurance

DoorDash will cover damages only during active shipping periods; personal insurance is mandatory the rest of the time.

In addition, many personal car insurance policies do not cover accidents that occur during delivery or work in a taxi, unless this was specifically agreed upon at the conclusion of the insurance contract. Therefore, additional insurance may be necessary.

Why additional insurance may be required

Although DoorDash provides basic coverage, there are situations where personal insurance may not be sufficient. Therefore, many drivers choose additional insurance.

Insurance for delivery or taxi

If you work at DoorDash and other services at the same time, adding special insurance will provide you with damage coverage in both cases.

Personal insurance gaps

Some insurance policies do not cover damage caused by road accidents that occurred during delivery, so commercial insurance may be required.

Situations where additional coverage may be needed:

  • Driving without DoorDash insurance coverage while waiting for orders.
  • Simultaneous work of drivers in DoorDash and Uber.
  • Personal incidents during the transportation of goods.

Related: Does acceptance rate matter for Doordash?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DoorDash platform provides its drivers with certain damage insurance coverage for the active delivery period. In addition, drivers are required to have their own personal car insurance for legal and safe operation.

DoorDash insurance is valid only for the time of delivery and does not cover you during periods of waiting for orders or personal use of the car.

Therefore, it is important to review the terms of your policy and consider additional damage coverage if you are concerned about gaps in protection.


Tip: Make sure that your personal insurance covers you while working at DoorDash, and add additional options for full protection if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Does DoorDash provide full insurance for drivers? No, DoorDash provides limited coverage only during active deliveries. You need mandatory personal car insurance.
  • How much insurance do I need to work at DoorDash? You need to have mandatory personal auto insurance, with the minimum insured amount of possible damage provided in your state.
  • Will my personal insurance cover accidents while working at DoorDash? It depends on the terms of your insurance policy. Some policies do not cover shipping-related accidents.
  • Do I need to tell the insurer that I work for DoorDash? Yes, it is recommended to inform the insurer that you are using the vehicle for delivery. This may affect the cost of your policy and the terms of its conclusion.

By understanding the main points of insurance, you will be able to work confidently as a DoorDash driver, knowing that your protection needs are taken into account.

Related: Does DoorDash cover gas?

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