We frequently highlight questions sent to our resident insurance expert, Anne Marie Thomas. This week’s question comes from Brigitte, who wonders if any auto insurance companies in Ontario provide coverage for using one’s vehicle to deliver food. Brigitte asks:
“I have not found any car insurance company in Ontario that will let me drive for SkipTheDishes a few times per week. My current personal auto insurance provider does not provide this type of coverage, nor do any of the others I contacted, and I had to stop driving for SkipTheDishes. Is there is any insurance provider in Ontario that will cover food delivery service at an affordable price?”
Many Canadians supplement their incomes by using their vehicles to deliver food for app-based companies like SkipTheDishes, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, or for a local restaurant in their neighbourhoods. Whereas rideshare businesses have insurance policies to cover their drivers, the same may not be true for people who deliver fast food. If a driver is in a collision while delivering food, their auto insurance provider may not provide coverage. Why? Anne Marie explains:
“There are no insurance companies that offer coverage on a personal car insurance policy when you are driving commercially for SkipTheDishes. If you wish to drive for a food delivery company, your best option is to discuss a commercial auto insurance policy with your broker. However, the cost of a commercial auto insurance policy might make it too expensive for you to continue driving as a food courier for that company.
If you find that commercial auto insurance is too expensive, you should consider switching to driving for a food delivery service that provides auto insurance while you are delivering for them. Driving for food delivery or any commercial purpose without proper insurance can have financially devastating implications. Your insurance company will likely cancel your policy, and in the event of an accident, you may find that any claim you make could be denied.”
If you want to get into the fast-food delivery game, talk to your insurer or broker first, and make sure you have the car insurance coverage you need.
