DoorDash Insurance Requirements: What Dashers Actually Need (2025)

Quick Answer: Does DoorDash Require Insurance?

Yes. DoorDash requires all Dashers to maintain valid auto insurance that meets their state's minimum requirements. However, here's the critical detail most drivers miss: your personal auto insurance likely won't cover you during deliveries, and DoorDash's coverage has significant gaps.

This guide explains exactly what insurance you need as a DoorDash driver, what DoorDash's policy actually covers, and how to avoid being left uninsured during a delivery.

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DoorDash Insurance Requirements at a Glance

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What Insurance Does DoorDash Provide?

DoorDash provides commercial auto liability insurance for Dashers, but only during specific periods. Understanding when this coverage applies—and when it doesn't—is essential.

DoorDash's Insurance Coverage Periods

Period 1: App Off

• DoorDash provides: No coverage
• You need: Personal auto insurance

Period 2: App On, Waiting for Orders

• DoorDash provides: No coverage
• You need: Personal auto insurance (most policies exclude this)

Period 3: Accepted Order, En Route to Restaurant

• DoorDash provides: Contingent liability coverage
• Coverage: Up to $1,000,000 liability (if your personal insurance denies claim)

Period 4: Active Delivery (Restaurant to Customer)

• DoorDash provides: Primary commercial liability
• Coverage: Up to $1,000,000 liability
• Also includes: Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

What DoorDash Insurance Does NOT Cover

• Collision damage to your vehicle - You pay for repairs
• Comprehensive coverage - Theft, vandalism, weather damage not covered
• Medical payments - Your injuries may not be covered
• Period 2 gaps - When app is on but no active order
• Personal use - Any driving not related to active deliveries

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The Coverage Gap Problem

Here's where most DoorDash drivers get caught: there's a dangerous gap between when your personal insurance stops covering you and when DoorDash's coverage begins.

How the Gap Works

1. Personal auto insurance typically excludes commercial use (delivering food for pay)
2. DoorDash coverage only kicks in during active deliveries
3. The gap exists when the app is on but you haven't accepted an order yet

Real-World Example

You're driving with the DoorDash app open, waiting for orders. Another driver hits you at a red light.

• Your personal insurer may deny the claim (commercial activity exclusion)
• DoorDash won't cover it (no active delivery)
• You're potentially responsible for all damages and injuries

This gap can leave you personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars.

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What Insurance Do You Actually Need?

Minimum Requirements

1. State Minimum Auto Insurance

DoorDash requires you to carry at least your state's minimum liability coverage. This varies significantly:

Format: Bodily Injury per person / Bodily Injury per accident / Property Damage (in thousands)

Recommended Additional Coverage

2. Rideshare/Delivery Endorsement

This is the most important addition for DoorDash drivers. A rideshare or delivery endorsement:

• Extends your personal policy to cover delivery driving
• Fills the "Period 2" gap when app is on but no active order
• Typically costs $15-30 extra per month
• Available from most major insurers (Progressive, State Farm, Geico, Allstate)

3. Higher Liability Limits

State minimums are often inadequate. Consider:

• 100/300/100 liability coverage
• $1,000,000 umbrella policy for serious accidents

4. Collision and Comprehensive

Since DoorDash doesn't cover damage to your vehicle:

• Collision covers accidents regardless of fault
• Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather
• Essential if you have a car loan or lease

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State-by-State Considerations

No-Fault States

If you dash in a no-fault state, you'll need Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

• Florida, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (choice)
• Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky (choice), Massachusetts, Minnesota
• North Dakota, Utah

States with Higher Requirements

Some states have requirements above typical minimums:

• Alaska: 50/100/25
• Maine: 50/100/25
• New York: Requires additional no-fault coverage

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How to Get Proper Coverage

Step 1: Check Your Current Policy

Call your insurer and ask specifically:

• "Does my policy cover food delivery driving?"
• "Is there a commercial use exclusion?"
• "Do you offer a rideshare or delivery endorsement?"

Step 2: Add Delivery Endorsement

If your insurer offers it:

• Request a rideshare/delivery endorsement
• Typical cost: $15-30/month additional
• Some insurers call it "Transportation Network Company" coverage

Step 3: Consider Commercial Auto Insurance

If you drive full-time for DoorDash (30+ hours/week), commercial auto insurance may be more appropriate:

• Higher premiums ($100-300/month more)
• Complete coverage during all delivery activities
• No gaps or exclusions for commercial use

Insurers That Offer Delivery Coverage

• Progressive - Offers rideshare coverage in most states
• State Farm - Rideshare endorsement available
• Geico - Hybrid rideshare coverage
• Allstate - Ride for Hire coverage
• USAA - TNC coverage for members
• Farmers - Rideshare coverage available

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What Happens If You Don't Have Proper Insurance?

DoorDash Consequences

• Account deactivation if caught without valid insurance
• Inability to reactivate until proof of insurance provided
• Potential permanent ban for repeated violations

Financial Consequences

• Claim denial from personal insurer during delivery
• Personal liability for all damages and injuries
• Lawsuit risk if you cause an accident without coverage
• Medical bills for your own injuries
• Vehicle repair costs out of pocket

Legal Consequences

• Traffic citations for driving without proper insurance
• License suspension in some states
• SR-22 requirement after being caught uninsured
• Higher future premiums for insurance lapses

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does DoorDash check my insurance?

Yes. DoorDash requires proof of auto insurance during the signup process and may periodically request updated documentation. You must upload valid insurance cards showing coverage that meets your state's minimum requirements.

Can I use my regular car insurance for DoorDash?

Technically, you need valid insurance to sign up. However, most personal auto policies exclude commercial use like food delivery. If you have an accident during a delivery, your personal insurer may deny the claim. Adding a rideshare/delivery endorsement is strongly recommended.

How much does DoorDash driver insurance cost?

DoorDash's coverage is free—it's included when you dash. However, proper personal coverage with a delivery endorsement typically costs $15-50 more per month than a standard policy. Full commercial auto insurance for heavy users costs $100-300 more monthly.

What if I get in an accident while dashing?

If you're on an active delivery (Period 3 or 4), DoorDash's insurance provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. Report the accident to both DoorDash (through the app) and your personal insurer. If you weren't on an active delivery, only your personal insurance applies.

Does DoorDash insurance cover my car repairs?

No. DoorDash only provides liability coverage, which pays for damage you cause to others. Damage to your own vehicle is not covered by DoorDash. You need collision coverage on your personal policy for your vehicle repairs.

Do I need commercial insurance for DoorDash?

Not necessarily. Part-time Dashers (under 20-30 hours/week) typically do well with personal insurance plus a rideshare/delivery endorsement. Full-time Dashers may benefit from commercial auto insurance for complete coverage without gaps.

What happens if DoorDash deactivates me for insurance issues?

You can typically reactivate by providing valid proof of insurance. Upload your current insurance card through the Dasher app. If you've had multiple issues, you may need to contact DoorDash support directly for reinstatement.

Does my insurance company need to know I do DoorDash?

Yes. Failing to disclose that you use your vehicle for delivery work is considered material misrepresentation. If your insurer discovers undisclosed commercial use during a claim, they can deny coverage and potentially cancel your policy.

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Key Takeaways

• DoorDash requires valid auto insurance meeting your state's minimums
• DoorDash provides up to $1 million liability coverage during active deliveries only
• Coverage gaps exist when app is on but no delivery is active
• Personal insurance usually excludes commercial delivery driving
• Best solution: Add rideshare/delivery endorsement to your personal policy ($15-50/month)
• Full-time Dashers should consider commercial auto insurance
• Always disclose delivery work to your insurance company

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about DoorDash insurance requirements based on publicly available sources and DoorDash's published policies. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements and DoorDash policies can change. Coverage details vary by state and individual circumstances.

Always verify current requirements with:

• Your state's Department of Insurance
• Your auto insurance provider
• DoorDash's official Dasher policies

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: November 2025

Sources: DoorDash Dasher Insurance Policy, State DMV requirements, Insurance industry guidelines