Since the start of the pandemic, there is increased demand for delivery drivers. Whether it’s for a restaurant, grocery store, medical supply or pharmacy, drivers need to be aware of what their personal car insurance policy covers. A leading site for advice on car insurance gives these frontline workers the 411 on what to be aware of throughout the coronavirus and beyond.
CarInsurance.com says delivery drivers need to be aware of these important factors:
- Drivers using their own cars are likely not covered under their personal auto insurance policy; a special business use endorsement is needed in many cases, whether it’s for food or other packages
- Rates are higher for business use because it’s deemed to be higher risk, but if drivers do not have a business use endorsement the accident claims will likely be denied
- Liability falls on the restaurant or business if a driver is operating a company-owned vehicle, but all violations accrue on the driver’s own license
- Some policies do cover delivery travel if the job is part time and the policy is coded to include business use
- A business can purchase auto insurance to protect itself from liability if a driver is involved in an accident while driving a personal vehicle, but it does not cover the cost of damages to the vehicle or driver’s medical bills
There is some relief for delivery workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some insurance companies and states are providing assistance. For example, Wisconsin is retroactively requiring insurance companies to cover delivery services on a driver’s personal car insurance policy and a restaurant’s liability policy at no extra cost to the policyholder. Other states are also easing restrictions on coverage for food delivery and some major carriers are extending coverage for delivery use on personal vehicles at no additional cost for certain time periods.
Nonetheless, delivery drivers need more liability insurance protection than the state-minimum requirements provide. CarInsurance.com Editorial Director Michelle Megna recommends levels of 100/300/100– $100,000 for bodily injuries per person, up to $300,000 per accident and property damage coverage of $100,000.
