If you drive a vehicle, you are required to carry auto insurance. Depending on several key factors, you may be required to carry OTC (other-than-collision) and collision along with your general liability insurance. However, what about the type of insurance you require for driving your vehicle to deliver pizza for the local pizza restaurant, or any food delivery service for that matter? Using your vehicle as a commercial vehicle changes the type of insurance you require. Delivering fast food, even part-time, changes the use of your vehicle, which changes the required insurance.

 

The Statistics

 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pizza delivery driver is the 5th most dangerous occupation in the United States. Last year alone, thirty-eight deaths for every 100,000 workers was reported, of which 29 were caused by road accidents. This means that 29 out of every 100,000 pizza delivery drivers died in a motor vehicle accident last year, not to mention the thousands of injuries or disabilities that occurred on the road as a result of driving for this occupation.

 

The Reality

 

The reality is when you own a fast food delivery service, you must obtain business vehicle insurance for all of your employees. Being that fast food delivery drivers are at a higher risk of dying in a motor vehicle accident compared to most drivers, coverage for these vehicles is higher than other professions required to cover drivers. Unless the drivers are sub-contractors who own their own business, you, as the business owner must cover them and their vehicles under the laws of your state while they are delivering food for your business.  

 

However, if your fast food delivery drivers are self-employed, they must cover their vehicles under their own business vehicle coverage. This scenario is less than likely in most fast food delivery businesses as most drivers are young and many work on a part-time basis. Therefore, they are more likely employees for your business and must be covered by you when driving for you. While this does not include driving to and from work before and after the shift begins, it does include any driving that occurs while on the clock.

 

To mitigate the costs of this type of business auto insurance for your company, speak with a qualified agent who understands North Carolina’s insurance laws. Contact the agents at Protective Agency Insurance today at 877.739.9367.