Most personal auto insurance policies don't cover delivery drivers without coverage add-ons. That's why drivers should reach out to their local insurance agent to know their best options.

There is a distinct difference between a delivery driver who utilizes a rideshare company and one who does not.

Rideshare is the delivery of goods or people using an app. Many insurers have a rideshare insurance option as an add-on to your personal car insurance policy. There is an additional cost for this endorsement due to the additional risks involved in transporting goods and people. The rideshare insurance endorsement should cover you while you're between orders.

A delivery driver who does not go through a rideshare company will also need additional coverage, but you may not be able to get this additional coverage on a personal auto policy. You may need a commercial insurance policy to help cover you when you're on the job.

If you choose not to get additional delivery insurance on top of your personal insurance policy, you take on certain risks. If you get into an accident without additional delivery insurance, you risk your claim being denied. In that case, you would pay for damages out of your own pocket.

We recommend getting additional coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle as you deliver — whether part-time or full-time. You should also exceed your state's minimum liability coverage limits on your personal plan. In fact, most carriers require you to have limits higher than the state minimum if you have the added delivery coverage.

If you have questions regarding delivery or rideshare coverages, please give our office a call at 406-652-4180 and one of our agents will be happy to assist you.

Article By: Cathi Fouhy, Personal Lines Agent and Customer Service Representative at Darnielle Insurance