DoorDash Insurance: The Essentials Every Delivery Driver Should Know

If you’ve started delivering for DoorDash, you’ve probably heard insurance mentioned a lot. It’s not just a legal checkbox – the right policy protects your car, your wallet, and your peace of mind when you’re on the road.

DoorDash itself provides a limited liability coverage while you’re actively delivering, but it kicks out the moment you’re waiting for an order or driving to a restaurant. That gap is where many drivers get caught off‑guard. Understanding when DoorDash’s coverage applies and when you need your own policy is the first step to staying safe and avoiding surprise bills.

When DoorDash’s Insurance Starts and Stops

DoorDash offers two main tiers of protection: App‑On and App‑Off. App‑On covers you from the moment you accept a delivery request until the order is marked complete. It includes:

• Liability up to $1 million for bodily injury and property damage.
• Medical payments for you and passengers (if any).
• Limited coverage for damage to your vehicle while a package is in transit.

App‑Off is basically the regular personal auto insurance you already have. If you’re driving to a restaurant, waiting for a match, or cruising between gigs, DoorDash’s policy is not active. That’s why many drivers add a rideshare endorsement or a separate gig‑specific policy.

Choosing the Right Policy for a DoorDash Driver

Here are three practical options to fill the coverage gap:

1. Rideshare endorsement – Most major insurers offer a cheap add‑on to your personal policy. It expands liability to the levels DoorDash requires and adds collision coverage while you’re logged in.
2. Hybrid personal‑commercial policy – If you drive a lot, a hybrid policy can be cheaper than two separate policies. It treats every drive as a commercial trip, giving you higher limits across the board.
3. Standalone gig‑driver policy – Some insurers specialize in gig work. These policies often include “pay‑per‑mile” pricing, so you only pay for the miles you actually deliver.

Ask yourself three questions before you pick:

• How many hours a week do I spend on DoorDash?
• Do I already have a rideshare endorsement?
• What is my budget for insurance each month?

Answering these will point you to the most cost‑effective plan.

Don’t forget to check the deductible and whether the policy covers uninsured motorists. A lot of drivers overlook that, and it can bite them later.

Quick tip: Keep a digital copy of your policy in the DoorDash driver app. If you get pulled over or have an accident, you can pull it up in seconds.

Finally, remember that insurance rates can vary based on where you live, the type of car you drive, and your driving record. It’s worth shopping around and asking for a quote that includes DoorDash as a “delivery” activity.

Bottom line: DoorDash’s built‑in insurance is a good safety net, but it doesn’t cover everything. Pair it with a rideshare endorsement or a gig‑specific policy, compare rates, and you’ll stay protected without breaking the bank.