Do I need commercial auto insurance for DoorDash?

“To deliver with DoorDash, you need valid personal auto insurance that meets your state's minimum requirements. That's the baseline — but it may not be enough to protect yourself and your vehicle.”

“To dash, you need valid personal auto insurance meeting your state's minimum requirements. DoorDash doesn't require additional insurance — but many personal auto policies don't cover vehicle damage during deliveries.”

“Your insurance must meet local requirements. DoorDash maintained insurance only covers you when actively dashing.”

“If delivering by car, motorcycle, or scooter, you must maintain your own auto insurance that meets your state or province's minimum requirements. Insurance maintained by DoorDash covers up to $1,000,000 while on an active delivery, but this does NOT replace your personal insurance.”

“Unlike car delivery, you do NOT need a driver's license or vehicle insurance for bike delivery.”

“DoorDash provides third-party auto liability insurance for Dashers involved in accidents while in the “Delivery Service” Period. Per our Independent Contractor Agreement, Dashers must also maintain primary auto insurance with minimum limits as applicable by local insurance laws.”

“The Delivery Service Period begins when a Dasher accepts a delivery request on the DoorDash platform until the order is marked as delivered, unassigned, or canceled. If Dashers are online but have not accepted a delivery request, their auto insurance is primary.”

“Dashers are considered liable for damages or injuries to another party while in the “Delivery Service” Period.”

“Damages sustained to a Dasher's vehicle are their responsibility and should be addressed by their auto insurance carrier.”

“Delivery Service Period - During this period, DoorDash provides the following coverage: $250,000 combined limit”

“The Delivery Available Period begins when a Dasher has logged on to the DoorDash platform, is available to receive requests to provide delivery services from DoorDash, is operating a personal vehicle, and is not operating in the Delivery Service Period.”

“Once you know your personal coverage is in order, here's how insurance maintained by DoorDash works alongside it. Coverage can vary depending on location as well as where you are in a delivery.”

“A claim has been submitted to the Dasher's auto policy first, and you have received a coverage denial letter.”

“During an active delivery, DoorDash provides: (1) third-party liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage to others if you're at fault, up to $1,000,000 in most states; and (2) occupational accident coverage for U.S. Dashers”

“Benefits may include medical expense coverage up to $1,000,000 and disability payments equal to 50% of your average weekly earnings, up to $500 per week, minus other income.”

“It's automatic for U.S. Dashers — no sign-up, no premiums, no deductible, and no co-pay.”

“No. Occupational accident coverage applies only while you're making a delivery with DoorDash.”

“If you were injured while making a delivery with DoorDash, you can file a claim with Blue Star Claims three ways”

“Depending on your state and the type of claim, you may work with DoorDash's insurance partners: State Farm Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Crum & Forster, and Helmsman Management Services. Occupational accident claims are handled by Blue Star Claims.”

“All coverage descriptions are for informational purposes only, do not alter or amend any insurance contracts, and are subject to the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy issued.”

“It depends on when the accident happens. During an active delivery (offer accepted through drop-off), DoorDash's third-party liability insurance may cover up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury and property damage to other parties in most states.”

“Coverage maintained by DoorDash does not pay for repairs to your car. That's covered by your personal policy — but only if your policy covers delivery activity.”

“If you already carry a business-use or delivery-eligible personal policy, DoorDash's liability coverage may apply as excess coverage — meaning it applies after your own insurance, subject to policy terms and local laws.”

“Notify your personal insurance company as your policy requires”

“Many personal auto policies are designed for personal driving only, and not for delivery driver insurance needs. If your insurer considers delivery work “business use” — and many do — they may deny your collision or comprehensive claim.”

“This is the most common insurance gap gig workers face, and it's usually discovered only after an accident has already happened.”

“When you use your vehicle for delivery work, your insurer may classify that as “business use,” which can affect whether claims for vehicle damage or liability are covered.”

“Check with your insurer to understand what your policy does and doesn't cover — and whether a personal auto policy that includes delivery work makes sense for you”

“A rideshare endorsement may not provide complete vehicle coverage while dashing. For example, it may cover vehicle damage before an order is accepted, but not during active delivery.”

“To protect your vehicle while dashing, consider switching to a personal auto policy that includes delivery work such as State Farm’s delivery-friendly policy or a commercial auto policy, which is written for business use and covers active delivery.”

“Some insurance companies may not cover you while dashing. With State Farm®, delivery driver coverage is included in the standard policy — no add-ons.”

“Contractor shall at all times during the term of this Agreement maintain current insurance in amounts and of types required by law to provide the Contracted Services and cover Contractor during performance of the Contracted Services, at their own expense.”

“Contractor agrees to deliver to DoorDash, upon request, current certificates of insurance as proof of coverage. Contractor agrees to provide updated certificates each time Contractor purchases, renews, or alters Contractor’s insurance coverage. Contractor agrees to give DoorDash at least thirty (30) days prior written notice before cancellation of any insurance policy required by this Agreement.”

“Contractor acknowledges and understands that, unless otherwise required by law, Contractor will not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits through DoorDash and is instead responsible for maintaining their own workers’ compensation insurance or occupational accident insurance.”

“Contractor agrees to notify DoorDash and/or their carrier of any purported occurrence, dispute, incident or accident (“Event”) while logged into the Dasher App and/or any Event that took place immediately before or after logging in or out of the Dasher App within 48 hours of the Event, where practicable.”

“a policy issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, containing motor vehicle liability coverage may not limit the insurer's liability under that coverage below the following”

“If you use your vehicle for any purpose other than driving to work and pleasure use, you may need a commercial auto policy, or you may need to see if your personal auto policy can be endorsed to cover your specific business use.”

“Examples of situations where you may need a commercial or business policy, or where you will need to have your current policy changed to provide you with the necessary coverage include, but are not limited to:”

“We recommend you discuss any business use of your vehicle with your insurance agent to ensure you are adequately covered.”

“A consultant visiting a client or cleaner traveling between accounts is not the same fact pattern as transporting food, packages, prescriptions, or goods for compensation. Paid delivery should be disclosed by name to the personal carrier and any commercial carrier.”

“Send the platform or contract, vehicle ownership, work periods, radius, cargo value, current auto policy, and any COI requirement.”

“If the contract involves a cargo van, box truck, fleet vehicle, personal car, route agreement, or delivery platform, send Redoubt the insurance section before guessing what coverage is needed.”