I'm a DoorDash Driver Who Got into an Accident, What Do I Do Now?

As a DoorDash driver, you’re working hard to earn a living. Whether deliveries are your full-time job or a way to bring in extra income while you hold down a second job or go to school, you rely on your vehicle to support yourself and your family. When a crash happens during a delivery, it can threaten your ability to make a living.

Suddenly, you're facing a damaged car, possible injuries, and a lot of uncertainty. You may be asking yourself: What should I do now? Will DoorDash cover this? Whose insurance applies? How long will I be out of work?

Accidents involving app-based delivery work often fall into a complicated space between personal and commercial insurance. It can be difficult to know who is responsible or what kind of coverage applies, which can cost you precious time and money. 

At The Smith Law Center, we have decades of experience helping injured drivers understand their rights and recover what they are owed. Our family-run law firm has represented clients across the country for more than 75 years, securing over $1 billion for injury victims.

If you need help with DoorDash insurance claims, reach out to our team for a 100% free consultation today online or by calling (757) 244-7000.

“Smith Law Center was the best move for representation for me. I have dealt with other law firms in the past, some better than others, but neither topped what Smith Law Center was able to do for me in a timely manner. My attorney, Samantha / paralegal Chelsea did an awesome job keeping me informed. I truly appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. I will make a recommendation to anyone for this duo representation.”

- Ronnie H. | Client

DoorDash Driver Car Accident Claim: When Are You Actually Covered?

You might assume that since you were working when the accident happened, DoorDash will step in and cover the damages. Unfortunately, that is a common and often costly misunderstanding.

DoorDash does provide limited third-party liability insurance, but only during specific parts of your workday. Even then, it does not cover everything, and it usually only applies after your own personal auto insurance has been used or denied.

Here’s what you need to know:

The “Delivery Available” Period

This phase starts when you log into the DoorDash app and are available to receive delivery requests, but you haven’t accepted an order yet.

Coverage during this time is very limited and only available in certain states.

If you are in Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, or North Dakota, DoorDash now provides the following liability coverage during the “Delivery Available” period:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $100,000 total for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 to $50,000 for property damage (varies by state)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in select states
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in North Dakota

However, this coverage only applies if you are found liable for the accident. And just like all DoorDash insurance, it is contingent, meaning you must file a claim with your personal auto insurance first.

In all other states, DoorDash does not provide any coverage while you're waiting for an order. If your personal insurance doesn’t cover you for delivery driving (and many standard policies don’t), you could be left with no coverage during this time.

The “Delivery Service” Period

This phase begins as soon as you accept a delivery request and continues until the order is delivered, canceled, or unassigned.

This is the only time that DoorDash’s full commercial policy becomes active. During this period, DoorDash provides:

• Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage if you are responsible for someone else’s injuries or property damage.
• Coverage is contingent, meaning your own insurance must respond first.

This coverage does not pay for damage to your own vehicle, your own medical bills, or any lost income if you cannot work after the crash.

So even if you were in the middle of a delivery, you are still responsible for your own car repairs and medical expenses unless you carry your own collision or medical payments coverage.

If you’re a DoorDash driver injured in a crash, insurance companies may try to play the blame game, delay your claim, or deny coverage altogether. They might say it’s your personal policy’s responsibility, while your insurer says it’s DoorDash’s problem. Some will even downplay your injuries or offer a quick settlement that’s far less than you deserve.

Before you speak to any insurance adjuster, talk to a lawyer who knows how these claims work. At The Smith Law Center, we understand the tricks insurers use. Call us today at (757) 244-7000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What’s Not Covered If I’m a DoorDash Driver That Got Into an Accident?

No matter which phase you were in, there are limits to what DoorDash’s policy can help with. Here’s what it does not cover:

• Damage to your vehicle (you must use your own insurance or pay out of pocket).
• Your injuries or medical bills (unless another driver was at fault).
• Incidents that happen when the app is off.

That means even if you were actively delivering and another driver caused the crash, DoorDash’s insurance likely won’t help you recover some of your own losses. In that case, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, and that’s where having the right legal team matters.

Your Personal Auto Insurance Policy: The Big Problem

You are required to have a personal auto insurance policy to drive for DoorDash. You might have a great policy with comprehensive coverage, but it's probably not enough.

Why? Because most personal policies have a "commercial use exclusion." This means that if you are using your vehicle to earn money, your insurance company can deny your claim. They will argue that the accident happened while you were engaged in a business activity, which is not covered by your personal policy.

This is why we often see a frustrating loop:

• Your personal insurance company denies your claim because you were working for DoorDash.
• You try to file a DoorDash insurance claim, but their policy is "excessive" and only kicks in after a denial from your personal carrier.
• The insurance companies battle it out, and you are stuck in the middle.

Research from Martindale-Nolo shows that people with a lawyer in personal injury cases receive much better results. In fact, 91% of those with legal representation got a payout averaging $77,600. Without a lawyer, only 51% received compensation, and the average was just $17,600.

What Compensation Is Available If I Was Involved in a DoorDash Accident While Delivering?

If another driver caused the crash, you may be eligible for coverage through the Occupational Accident Policy (OAP). 

DoorDash offers a free Occupational Accident Policy (OAP) to Dashers who are in an active delivery. This policy covers your injuries and medical bills, providing up to $1 million in medical coverage and up to $500 per week for lost income. This is a separate policy from the auto liability insurance and is a crucial lifeline for an injured driver.

But what if your medical bills exceed what the OAP covers? What if you need long-term care? What about the damage to your vehicle? 

When you’re in a DoorDash accident while delivering, you may be entitled to more than just what these limited policies provide. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation against the at-fault driver for:

• All of your medical expenses, including future care and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages, both past and future.
• Pain and suffering.
• The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

But don’t expect the other driver’s insurance company to pay easily. You may still have to prove that you were working, not at fault, and properly insured. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, that adds another headache. Like rideshare crashes, DoorDash accidents often involve a confusing web of insurance policies that can be difficult to sort out. 

That’s why many injured Dashers choose to work with experienced personal injury attorneys like those at The Smith Law Center. We help drivers build strong cases, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation they deserve.

“We bring the right response at the right time because we’re committed to your success.”

- Stewart Gill | Attorney at The Smith Law Center