Food Delivery Insurance for Cars and Motorcycles

If you deliver food by car, moped or motorcycle, insurance is one of your biggest costs and one of your most important responsibilities. Getting it wrong can have serious legal and financial consequences.

This article explains the main ideas so that you can have an informed conversation with an insurer or broker. JZ Consultant Group provides general information only. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to give insurance advice, and we do not recommend, sell or arrange policies.

Why your normal policy is probably not enough

Most personal motor policies cover social, domestic and pleasure use, and sometimes commuting. Some also include business use. None of these usually covers carrying food or goods for payment.

Delivering food for payment is generally treated as hire and reward use. You will usually need a policy, or an add-on, that clearly includes food delivery. If you are not sure what hire and reward means, read our guide to understanding hire and reward insurance.

Using a motor vehicle on a public road without suitable insurance is an offence in the UK. If you deliver on a policy that does not include this use, your insurer may refuse to pay a claim. You could also face penalties and be personally liable for damage or injury.

Cars: what to think about

If you deliver by car, consider the following when you ask for quotes:

• Level of cover: policies are often third party only; third party, fire and theft; or comprehensive. Platforms may ask for a minimum level. Check the platform's official guidance.
• Type of delivery: confirm the policy covers food delivery. If you also deliver parcels, check that too.
• Named drivers: only the people named on the policy should drive the car. Do not let anyone else use it for deliveries.
• Vehicle ownership: if you rent or lease a car, check that the agreement allows delivery work.

Mopeds and motorcycles: what to think about

Mopeds and motorcycles are popular for food delivery in towns and cities. Some extra points:

• Licence entitlement: make sure your licence covers the bike you ride. A CBT may be needed in some cases.
• Security: theft of delivery bikes is a known risk. Insurers may ask about locks, trackers and where the bike is kept.
• Modifications: tell your insurer about any changes, such as top boxes or performance parts.
• Protective clothing: this is not usually an insurance requirement, but it is important for your safety.

Different ways to buy cover

Couriers commonly come across a few different options:

1. Annual food delivery policies that cover both personal use and delivery work for the whole year.
2. Top-up cover that sits on top of your existing personal policy and applies while you are working.
3. Pay-as-you-go or hourly cover, charged for the time you are working or logged in.

Each option has pros and cons. Prices and terms depend on your age, address, driving history, vehicle and how much you work. We cannot say which is right for you. Compare quotes from FCA-authorised firms and read the policy documents carefully.

Questions to ask before you buy

When you speak to an insurer or broker, it can help to ask:

• Does this policy cover food delivery for the platforms I use?
• Does it cover me when I am waiting for orders, or only during a delivery?
• What is the excess if I make a claim?
• Is there a limit on mileage or hours?
• What happens if I also deliver parcels?
• Can I get the cover confirmed in writing?

Always answer the insurer's questions honestly. Giving false information can invalidate your cover.

Check the firm is genuine

Fake or "ghost" insurance is a real problem in the delivery sector. Some people sell cheap policies on social media that turn out to be invalid. You could then be driving without insurance without knowing it.

Before you pay, check the insurer or broker on the FCA Register (opens in a new tab). Pay through official channels, and be wary of prices that seem far too low.

Upload the right document

Platforms commonly ask you to upload your certificate of motor insurance. Make sure it shows your name, the correct vehicle, valid dates, and wording that includes delivery use. If the certificate is unclear, ask the insurer for a letter or updated certificate. Our documents checklist has more tips.

How JZ Consultant Group can help

We can explain insurance terms and help you understand what platforms typically ask to see, so you are prepared when you speak to an authorised provider. We will not recommend a specific insurer or policy.

Read about our delivery insurance guidance, or send us a request.

This article is general information only and is not insurance advice. JZ Consultant Group is not an FCA-authorised broker and is not affiliated with any platform. Get quotes from FCA-authorised firms and always check the platform's official guidance.