Accidents involving Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and similar delivery drivers raise insurance and liability questions similar to rideshare passenger services. Understanding how delivery driver coverage works helps accident victims pursue appropriate claims.
How Delivery Driver Insurance Works
Delivery platforms provide insurance coverage similar to rideshare services:
Uber Eats: Provides liability coverage while drivers are on active deliveries, though coverage amounts may differ from Uber's passenger service.
DoorDash: Offers excess liability coverage for delivery drivers during active deliveries.
Instacart: Provides liability coverage for shopper-drivers during delivery tasks.
Coverage typically activates when the driver is en route to pick up an order or delivering to a customer.
Coverage Period Differences
Delivery insurance may have different structures than passenger rideshare:
"On delivery" coverage applies from order acceptance through delivery completion.
Waiting for orders may have limited or no platform coverage, similar to rideshare Period 1.
Personal errands: No platform coverage applies when drivers are not engaged with the app.
Multiple Platform Complications
Many drivers work for multiple delivery and rideshare platforms simultaneously:
Active on multiple apps: Drivers may have several apps running, accepting whichever order or ride comes first.
Coverage disputes: When accidents occur, platforms may dispute which app the driver was active on.
Gap coverage: Drivers switching between platforms may have coverage gaps.
Injured Third Parties
If you're injured by a delivery driver:
Identify the platform: Look for delivery bags, phone mounts, or other indicators of which service the driver works for.
Note the delivery: Whether the driver was carrying food or packages can establish they were on a delivery.
Access platform insurance: File claims against the applicable delivery platform's insurance.
No arbitration requirement: Third parties aren't bound by platform terms of service.
Injured While Receiving Deliveries
Customers injured during deliveries have specific considerations:
Premises incidents: Injuries on your property may involve premises liability.
Vehicle incidents: If struck by the delivery vehicle, standard auto liability coverage applies.
Platform terms: Customer agreements may include arbitration clauses affecting some claims.
Pursuing Delivery Accident Claims
Document the delivery connection: Photos of delivery bags, vehicle markings, or order information.
Report to the platform: Use the app to report accidents and obtain insurance information.
File with appropriate insurers: Both driver personal insurance and platform coverage may apply.
Consult an attorney: Delivery accident claims involve complex coverage questions that benefit from legal guidance.