Delivery van accidents involve multiple potential insurance sources—the company's commercial policy, the driver's personal policy, and sometimes additional coverage layers. Understanding available insurance helps accident victims identify all sources of recovery.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Delivery companies that own or lease vehicles typically carry commercial auto liability insurance. These policies cover accidents involving company vehicles driven by employees within the scope of employment.
Commercial policies often have higher limits than personal auto insurance—typically $1 million or more for major delivery companies. This substantial coverage provides a meaningful source of recovery for serious injuries.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage
Hired and non-owned auto coverage protects companies when employees or contractors use personal vehicles for business purposes. This coverage applies when delivery companies don't provide vehicles but have drivers use their own cars.
Gig economy companies typically carry some form of this coverage, though terms and conditions vary significantly.
Personal Auto Insurance
Individual drivers carry personal auto insurance on their own vehicles. However, personal policies typically exclude commercial delivery activities. A driver using their personal vehicle for DoorDash deliveries may find their personal policy won't cover accidents during deliveries.
Drivers should purchase commercial or rideshare endorsements if using personal vehicles for delivery work—but many don't, creating coverage gaps.
Gig Platform Insurance
Major delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart) provide contingent liability coverage for drivers during active deliveries. Key features typically include coverage during "active engagement" (accepted order through delivery), secondary coverage (applies after personal insurance is exhausted), and varying coverage periods and limits.
Coverage may not apply when drivers are logged into the app but haven't accepted an order, or when traveling to pick up (versus delivering) orders.
Umbrella and Excess Coverage
Large delivery companies often carry umbrella or excess liability policies providing additional coverage above primary policy limits. These policies can provide millions in additional coverage for catastrophic accidents.
Identifying excess coverage is essential for serious injury claims where damages exceed primary policy limits.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the delivery driver lacks adequate insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. UM/UIM coverage protects you when at-fault drivers can't pay damages.
Check your own policy for UM/UIM coverage and limits. This coverage can be crucial when delivery drivers have gaps in coverage.
Coverage Disputes
Delivery accident claims often involve coverage disputes. Was the driver on an active delivery? Does personal or commercial coverage apply? Is platform coverage primary or excess? Which policy period applies?
Insurance companies may dispute coverage to avoid paying claims. Skilled legal representation helps navigate these disputes and enforce coverage obligations.
Multiple Coverage Sources
Serious delivery accident claims may implicate multiple policies. Identifying all applicable coverage requires investigation of the driver's personal insurance status, the delivery company's commercial policies, any platform-provided coverage, excess and umbrella policies, and your own UM/UIM coverage.
Pursuing all available coverage maximizes potential recovery.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays medical expenses regardless of fault. Your own auto policy may include this coverage, providing immediate help with medical bills while liability claims proceed.
Working with an Attorney
Insurance coverage in delivery accidents is complex. An experienced attorney can identify all potentially applicable policies, navigate coverage disputes, coordinate claims against multiple insurers, and maximize your total recovery from available coverage sources.
Don't assume coverage is straightforward or accept insurer denials without investigation.