How to buy Food Delivery Insurance?

Written by Zego

Published on

Food Delivery insurance provides cover for car and van drivers, and motorbike and scooter riders who deliver take-away food in return for payment.

The Food Delivery industry mushroomed during the pandemic, when going out to eat was banned. Thousands of new drivers came into the business and even now, as bars and restaurants have reopened, there is still strong demand. More drivers come into the industry every day. One of the first questions they ask is ‘how do I buy food delivery insurance?’. Here’s all you need to know:

Why do you need Food Delivery insurance?

Food Delivery insurance is a legal requirement for all UK food delivery drivers. Standard motor insurance, (social, domestic, and pleasure – SD&P), does not cover this type of business activity. (Learn more here). Drivers can purchase food delivery cover in addition to their existing SD&P insurance, or they may buy an All-In-One policy that provides combined SD&P and food delivery protection.

Parcel delivery is also covered with most Food Delivery policies, but the insurance does not cover the transport of passengers for payment – an activity known as private hire.

How does Food Delivery insurance work?

Food Delivery insurance comes in two basic flavours:

  • Third Party – or Third Party, Fire & Theft

Third Party insurance protects other people in an accident where the delivery driver is at fault. The insurance will pay to repair or replace their vehicles and property and cover legal liabilities for any injuries they incur. However, this type of cover does not protect the delivery driver’s vehicle or property. Should their vehicle be written-off, or need very expensive repairs, it could be catastrophic to the driver’s livelihood. Delivery drivers can add Fire & Theft protection to this cover. This will pay them in the event their vehicle is stolen, or damaged by accidental fire.

  • Fully Comprehensive

This is total cover. It protects third parties and the delivery driver in the event of an accident where the delivery driver is at fault. As well as compensating other persons, it also pays to repair or replace the delivery driver’s vehicle. Fire and theft, as well as cover for a shattered windscreen, or theft of audio, communication and sat-nav equipment is usually included with this kind of policy.

No matter if you need third party or fully comprehensive cover, Zego’s Food Delivery insurance can be purchased quickly and with the added convenience that it can be instantly linked to the driver’s account with any of our integrated delivery partners - including insurance for Uber, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat.

Why do you need to Food Delivery Insurance?

Unlike taxi drivers, food delivery drivers do not need a special driving licence to work in the food delivery industry. Standard full UK/EU licences qualify. (Motorbike and scooter riders may deliver food even if they do not have a full UK/EU licence, providing they have their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) permit and drive with ‘L plates’ on their vehicle).

Basic insurance requirements:

  • Full UK/EU driving licence or CBT for Scooters (max engine size 125cc)
  • No more than 2 claims in the last 3 years (regardless of fault)
  • Aged 21 – 75 (21-65 for Scooters)
  • You are the vehicle owner or registered keeper
  • You live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales
  • Your vehicle is legally roadworthy

What kind of Food Delivery insurance policies are available?

Food Delivery insurance can be purchased by the hour, by the month or by the year.

  • Pay-As-You-Go hourly insurance

Ultra-flexible cover that drivers and riders buy only when they are working. Paid for using a top-up app. Suitable for drivers who work intermittently.

  • 30 days monthly insurance

Flexible short-term cover to match driver work schedules. Suitable for drivers who work seasonally, or who also work in other types of industry.

  • Annual policies

Long-term cost=effective cover for drivers who work in the food and parcel delivery industry full-time.

What does Food Delivery insurance cost?

The cost of Food Delivery insurance can vary enormously. Depending on the driver’s vehicle and personal circumstances, the price difference from one insurer to the next can add up to hundreds of pounds per year. Getting the best quote is essential.

How fast can I get Food Delivery insurance?

Very fast with Zego. From quote to policy in less than half an hour. Discover competitively-priced Food Delivery insurance and buy flexible hourly, 30 days, or annual policies.

Download the Zego Delivery app and get a quote – it only takes a minute.