Driving and delivering food for DoorDash is an excellent way to earn some extra money on the weekends. Also, what’s great about driving for DoorDash is that you don’t need much to get started.
But before you start DoorDashing, you probably have some questions. For example, does DoorDash require car insurance? I asked the same question, so I looked into it further. Here’s everything I discovered!
Does DoorDash Require Insurance In [currentyear]?
DoorDash requires that all of its delivery drivers have up-to-date auto insurance before they can start accepting orders as of [currentyear]. Also, DoorDash has a commercial car insurance policy that covers up to $1,000,000 in injuries and property damages to third parties. DoorDash requires auto insurance because it’s the law in most states.
If you want to learn more about driving for DoorDash and the various requirements, like what type of car you need and what DoorDash considers an “active delivery,” keep on reading! I’ve researched everything you need to know!
Do You Need Insurance To Drive For DoorDash?
Yes, you must have car insurance before you start driving for DoorDash. When you work for DoorDash, you’re doing business as an independent contractor.
Therefore, you must maintain your own insurance because Doordash doesn’t provide it.
Further, you must have the type and amount of auto insurance that’s required by law in your state, which can vary on a state-to-state basis.
Also, if you don’t have your own car insurance and get into an accident while on a DoorDash delivery, DoorDash’s coverage will most likely not apply.
Why Does DoorDash Require Drivers To Have Insurance?
DoorDash requires its independent contractors to have auto insurance because it’s the law in most states.
That said, all but two states in the United States (New Hampshire and Virginia) require you to have insurance while you’re driving.
Essentially, DoorDash is following the law by requiring auto insurance before allowing a person to deliver for the company.
Does DoorDash Have Company Auto Insurance?
Yes, DoorDash has a commercial car insurance policy in place to cover its drivers.
Further, DoorDash’s insurance policy covers up to $1,000,000 in bodily injuries and property damage to third parties if there’s an accident.
However, the DoorDasher must be on an “active delivery” in order for the insurance policy to cover the damages.
What Is An Active Delivery?
As previously mentioned, you must be considered to be on an active delivery for DoorDash’s car insurance policy to cover the cost of damages to third parties.
With that, DoorDash considers a driver to be on an active delivery when they accept the delivery request until the time the customer receives or cancels their order.
Unfortunately, if you get in an accident while not on an active delivery, you will be required to use your own auto insurance to cover the cost of damages.
What Happens If You Get Injured While Driving For DoorDash?
If a DoorDasher gets injured while making a DoorDash delivery, the company has occupational accident coverage they might qualify for.
With that, DoorDash’s occupational accident insurance includes a number of critical benefits to cover DoorDasher accidents, including:
- Medical expenses
- Disability payments
- Survivors benefits
Of course, specific qualifications have to be met before DoorDash covers injury expenses.
How Do You File An Insurance Claim With DoorDash?
Fortunately, DoorDash makes filing an insurance claim incredibly simple.
That said, to file an insurance claim with DoorDash, you must send an email to insurance@doordash.com to start the process.
What Are The Requirements To Drive For DoorDash?
If you would like to drive for DoorDash, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an iPhone or Android smartphone
- Have a car (or bike, scooter, etc., in certain cities)
- Complete the sign-up process
As you can see, one reason DoorDash attracts so many delivery drivers is that the requirements are not very extensive.
Does DoorDash Conduct Background Checks?
Yes, DoorDash conducts background checks on all its potential drivers before they can accept and deliver orders.
That said, DoorDash uses a third party called Checkr to run secure background checks on all delivery driver applicants.
Further, Checkr runs a background check to ensure the safety of customers, merchants, and the community as a whole.
What Information Do DoorDash Background Checks Review?
DoorDash background checks review a criminal history and motor vehicle report on all potential DoorDashers.
With that, if you don’t pass a background check, DoorDash will send you an email shortly after the application to inform you.
Are There Vehicle Requirements To Drive For DoorDash?
No, there are no vehicle requirements to drive for DoorDash. Therefore, you can use any type of car to deliver orders.
Moreover, you must have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a clean driving record to start delivering for DoorDash.
Also, in some cities, you can use a bike, electric scooter, or even walk to deliver DoorDash orders.
Does Postmates Require Insurance?
Yes, Postmates requires auto insurance for all its drivers. Again, Postmates requires auto insurance for legal reasons, just like DoorDash.
Does Grubhub Require Insurance?
Yes, Grubhub also requires auto insurance for all its potential delivery drivers.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on DoorDash headquarters, DoorDash driver not moving, and does DoorDash pay for gas.
Conclusion
Before you can start driving for DoorDash, you must have auto insurance. With that, DoorDash requires auto insurance because you have to have auto insurance to drive in most states.
Further, DoorDash has commercial auto insurance to cover damages to third parties while drivers are on an active delivery.
