DoorDash, a leading player in the on-demand food delivery market, offers a flexible way for individuals to earn income. Whether it's a side hustle for extra cash or a full-time endeavor, DoorDash provides a unique platform for people to work on their own schedule, delivering meals from local restaurants to customers' doorsteps. With the convenience it offers to customers and drivers, DoorDash has become a go-to service for many seeking quick meal solutions or an adaptable work option.
A key aspect that DoorDash drivers, known as Dashers, must consider is car insurance. Driving for DoorDash requires adequate insurance coverage, as the nature of delivery work entails certain risks and responsibilities on the road. Understanding the insurance requirements and options is crucial for Dashers to ensure they are protected while making deliveries. Read on to learn the best Doordash insurance providers and what coverage is available to you.
Quick Look: Best Doordash Insurance
- Best for Flexible Coverage Options: Progressive
- Best for Customer Service: State Farm
- Best for Customized Policies: Liberty Mutual
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: Travelers
- Best for Hybrid Coverage: Geico
5 Best Car Insurance Companies for DoorDash Drivers
Finding the right car insurance is important for DoorDash drivers to ensure they are fully protected while on the job. Here's a breakdown of the best car insurance companies for DoorDash drivers, each offering unique benefits and coverage options.
1. Best for Flexible Coverage Options: Progressive
Progressive is known for its wide range of coverage options, allowing DoorDash riders to customize their insurance policies according to their specific needs.
Pros
- Customizable coverage options
- Often offers competitive pricing
- Good customer service and claims handling
Cons
- Premiums can be higher for some drivers
- Discounts and coverage options can vary by location
- Some customers report higher rates after claims
2. Best for Customer Service: State Farm
State Farm is renowned for its customer service and reliable coverage, making it a great choice for DoorDash riders who value support and dependability.
Pros
- Excellent customer service and support
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Discounts available for safe driving and multiple policies
Cons
- Can be more expensive than some competitors
- Not all coverage options are available in every state
- Some customers report delays in claim processing
3. Best for Customized Policies: Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers insurance policies that can be tailored to the unique needs of delivery drivers, including DoorDash riders.
Pros
- Highly customizable policies
- Offers a variety of discounts
- Strong financial stability and reputation
Cons
- Rates can be higher for some drivers
- Customer satisfaction ratings vary by region
- Some policyholders report issues with claim settlements
4. Best for Comprehensive Coverage: Travelers
Travelers Insurance provides a range of robust coverage options for delivery drivers, ensuring that DoorDash riders are protected in various scenarios.
Pros
- Extensive coverage options, including liability, comprehensive and collision
- Offers discounts for multiple policies and safe driving
- Strong financial standing and history
Cons
- Premiums can be higher than some other insurers
- Not all coverage options are available in every state
- Some customers report mixed experiences with customer service
5. Best for Hybrid Coverage: Geico
Geico offers a hybrid insurance policy specifically designed for delivery drivers. This policy replaces your personal car insurance and provides coverage whether you're making deliveries or driving for personal reasons.
Pros
- 24/7 coverage for both personal and delivery driving
- Low deductibles starting at $250
- Offers full coverage at an affordable rate
Cons
- May not be the cheapest option for some drivers
- Coverage details can vary by state
- The policy may have limitations on vehicle type or usage
Understanding How DoorDash Provides Insurance to Its Drivers
DoorDash provides its drivers with basic liability insurance coverage during active deliveries. This coverage includes up to $1 million in liability protection per incident. However, it's important to understand how this insurance works and its limitations.
Coverage Details
DoorDash's insurance policy covers bodily injury, damage to third-party property and damage to other parties in an accident.
It applies only during the active delivery phase, which extends from the time a Dasher accepts a delivery request until the order is delivered, unassigned or canceled.
The insurance covers liabilities for accidents that occur when food is in the car for an active delivery.
Limitations
The policy provides basic liability insurance, meaning it covers damage or injury to other vehicles or parties involved in an accident but does not cover the Dasher's own vehicle or personal injuries.
Coverage is contingent on the Dasher’s personal auto policy first denying the claim, and the Dasher being considered liable for damages or injuries.
DoorDash Drivers Are Required to Have Personal Insurance
DoorDash mandates that its drivers maintain personal auto insurance that aligns with their state's minimum requirements. This personal insurance is necessary as it provides the primary coverage for drivers when they are not on an active delivery for DoorDash.
Types of Insurance Policies You Need as a DoorDash Driver
Understanding the types of insurance policies needed as a DoorDash driver is key for adequate protection and compliance.
DoorDash Insurance Policies
DoorDash offers a basic liability insurance policy for Dashers, which covers up to $1 million per incident. This insurance is active only during the Delivery Service period, which begins when a Dasher accepts a delivery request and ends when the order is delivered or canceled. It covers bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties in an accident. However, it does not cover damages to the Dasher’s vehicle or personal injuries to the Dasher.
Business-Use Coverage
Business-use coverage is an additional insurance option for those who use their personal vehicles for business purposes, such as delivering for DoorDash. This coverage can be added to a personal auto insurance policy and typically includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Business-use coverage is especially important since many personal auto policies exclude coverage for business activities like delivery driving.
Rideshare coverage
Rideshare coverage is another form of insurance specifically designed for drivers who work with rideshare and delivery companies. This type of policy is an add-on to personal auto insurance and bridges the gap between personal use and business use of a vehicle. Rideshare insurance typically includes coverage during periods when a driver is available for hire but has not yet accepted a delivery request, as well as when they are en route to pick up or deliver an order.
How DoorDash Drivers Can Report an Accident and File a Claim
To report an accident and file a claim as a DoorDash driver, follow these steps:
1. Through the DoorDash App
- Immediately report the accident through the DoorDash app.
- Provide detailed information about the incident, including time, location, and any other parties involved.
2. Filing a Claim with DoorDash
- If the accident occurs during an active delivery, contact DoorDash's insurance number at (480) 579-2405 to file a claim.
- Be prepared to provide details of the incident and relevant documentation, such as a police report or photos of the damage.
3. Through Personal Insurance
- If the accident occurs outside of an active delivery, file a claim with your personal auto insurance provider.
- Follow your insurer's process for reporting accidents and submitting claims.
It's important for DoorDash drivers to understand their insurance coverage and the procedures for reporting accidents and filing claims. Maintaining adequate insurance and knowing how to navigate the claims process can help ensure financial protection and compliance with DoorDash's requirements.
Delivering With Peace of Mind
While DoorDash provides some insurance coverage for its drivers during active deliveries, it's important to recognize that this is not a replacement for the mandatory personal auto insurance that all Dashers are required to maintain. DoorDash's policy offers a layer of protection specifically when drivers are engaged in a delivery, but it has limitations and is contingent upon certain conditions being met.
Dashers must understand that their primary protection comes from their personal auto insurance policy, which is essential for covering them when they are not on a DoorDash delivery. Considering additional coverage options like business-use or rideshare insurance can provide more comprehensive protection, bridging gaps that might exist between personal and DoorDash insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DoorDash offer additional insurance coverage options?
DoorDash provides basic liability insurance up to $1 million per incident during active deliveries, but it does not offer additional insurance options beyond this coverage.
Are there any circumstances where DoorDash's insurance may not apply?
DoorDash’s insurance does not apply when a Dasher is not on an active delivery, and it may also not cover if the Dasher’s personal insurance policy has not first denied a claim.
Does DoorDash provide coverage for accidents that occur while a driver is not on an active delivery?
No, DoorDash’s insurance coverage is only active during the Delivery Service Period; accidents occurring outside this period are not covered by DoorDash’s insurance.
Methodology
Benzinga crafted a specific methodology to rank commercial insurance. We prioritized carriers based on coverage options, specialized industries, customer service experience and how quickly and easily you're able to get insured including online tool usage. We also included commercial insurance quote aggregators in lists to make it easy and efficient to compare policy quotes and options. To see a comprehensive breakdown of our methodology, please visit see our Commerical Insurance Methodology page.