Insurance Basics for Dashers
Your car is how you earn, so understanding your coverage matters. With this resource, you’ll learn everything Dashers need to know about delivery driver insurance and what to do in case of an accident.
Insurance Requirements to Deliver with 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.
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.
To help protect your vehicle while dashing, consider:
OPTION 2
Adding a delivery or business-use endorsement to your existing policy.
What insurance maintained by DoorDash covers
If you're at fault in an accident, DoorDash's liability insurance may cover up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury and/or property damage to third parties in most states.*
If you're injured during an active delivery, you may be eligible for automatic occupational accident coverage — no enrollment, no premiums, no deductible. Benefits may include medical expenses up to $1,000,000 and disability payments of 50% of your average weekly earnings (up to $500/week).*
(U.S. Dashers only)
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.
* Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and local laws. May vary by state.
For state-specific details, see the full breakdown in the DoorDash Help Center
Protecting your vehicle and your earnings
Your vehicle is your business. One accident without the right insurance coverage can mean unexpected repair costs and days off the road — both hitting your earnings at the same time.A $10 delivery shouldn’t turn into a $3,000 repair bill.
Having the right car insurance for delivery drivers may help you:
Avoid unexpected out-of-pocket repair costs
Get back on the road faster after an incident
Dash with more confidence, knowing you're covered
Look for ways to save
Some insurers, like State Farm, may offer safe-driver discounts and usage-based pricing. Explore policies that may help keep more of your money in your pocket.
What to do in an accident
while dashing
If you're involved in an accident while dashing, here's a general overview of steps you may want to take. This is for informational purposes only. Always use your own judgment based on what's happening at the scene.
Prioritize safety
If it's safe to do so, move to a safe location and check for injuries.
You can call 911 directly or use the safety tools available in the Dasher app for emergency assistance.
Document the scene and notify your insurer
1. Take photos of the vehicles involved, license plates, and the surrounding area
2. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party
3. Notify your personal insurance company as your policy requires
Report the incident in the Dasher app
Use the in-app safety tools to report the incident. This can also help with order reassignment if needed.
Learn more about submitting an incident report with DoorDash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding your coverage
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. To protect your vehicle while dashing, consider adding a policy that includes delivery or business-use coverage under your standard personal auto plan, or a delivery or business-use endorsement to your existing policy.
DoorDash doesn't require special insurance beyond valid personal auto coverage. However, many standard policies are designed for personal driving and may not cover vehicle damage when you're making deliveries. Check with your insurer to understand what your policy does and doesn't cover — and whether a specific delivery driver insurance makes sense for you.
Standard personal auto policies are designed for everyday driving — commuting, errands, trips. 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. If you're unsure how your policy treats delivery activity, contact your insurer directly.
Collision coverage may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage may help pay for non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather. Important: having these coverages on your personal policy doesn't automatically mean they apply during deliveries. Confirm with your insurer.
UM/UIM coverage may help pay for your medical bills and vehicle damage if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Most personal auto policies include it — but confirm with your insurer whether it applies during delivery activity, as some policies treat this differently.
What DoorDash covers
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, which may help pay for medical expenses, disability payments, and survivor's benefits if you're injured. No enrollment or premiums are required. All coverages are subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and local laws.
During active deliveries, DoorDash's third-party liability insurance may cover bodily injury or property damage you cause to others in an accident. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. 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.
Occupational accident coverage may provide financial protection if you're injured during a DoorDash delivery. It's automatic for U.S. Dashers — no sign-up, no premiums, no deductible. 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.
California Dashers: Benefits may differ. See your schedule of benefits for details.
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. DoorDash's coverage does not cover damage to your own vehicle — that's your personal policy's responsibility, provided it covers delivery activity.
If something goes wrong
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.