Delivery Apps, Rideshare, and Pizza Delivery Insurance - NC
If you earn money behind the wheel in North Carolina, your insurance coverage needs to match how you drive. Whether you're running DoorDash deliveries in Jacksonville, driving for Uber, or taking pizza orders for a local restaurant, a standard personal auto policy usually isn't enough.
The right type of policy depends on how and when you drive for work. Let's break down exactly what coverage you need for your situation.
Rideshare Drivers (Uber, Lyft)
What it is: transporting passengers through an app platform as an independent contractor.
Rideshare companies include partial insurance, but it only applies during certain stages of a trip. There are gaps that can leave you uncovered.
Coverage periods:
- App off: your personal policy applies.
- App on but waiting for a ride: gap in coverage, fixed by a rideshare endorsement.
- Ride accepted or passenger in the car: company policy applies but with high deductibles.
What you need: A personal auto policy with a rideshare endorsement. It connects your personal coverage to the company's policy and protects you while waiting for ride requests.
Tip: always tell your insurer that you drive for a rideshare company. Not all insurers offer endorsements, and failing to disclose it could void your coverage.
Recommended limits: at least 250/500/100K liability or higher if possible.
App-Based Delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub)
What it is: delivering food, groceries, or packages through apps.
Your personal policy excludes business use, and delivery work counts as business use. That means you need added protection.
What you need:
A personal policy with a delivery or courier endorsement (sometimes called gig-economy coverage).
What it covers:
- Driving while logged into the app
- Active deliveries
- Liability, collision, and often comprehensive
Most delivery apps offer only limited liability coverage while an order is active. They usually do not cover damage to your car and often carry high deductibles.
Applies to: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart, Amazon Flex, Postmates, and similar services.
Does not apply to: restaurant employees or scheduled delivery routes. Those fall under commercial auto insurance.
Restaurant and Pizza Delivery Drivers
What it is: delivering food as an employee of a restaurant such as Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, or a local shop.
Why personal insurance fails:
- You're an employee, not a contractor.
- You drive on a set schedule.
- Personal policies specifically exclude this type of work.
What you need: A full commercial auto policy.
If you crash while making a delivery for a restaurant, your personal insurer will deny the claim. You'll be responsible for damages, and the restaurant's policy will not cover your vehicle.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Relationship | Schedule | Control | Required Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) | Independent contractor | Flexible | Accept or decline rides | Personal policy with rideshare endorsement |
| App Delivery (DoorDash, etc.) | Independent contractor | Flexible | Accept or decline orders | Personal policy with delivery endorsement |
| Restaurant / Pizza Delivery | Employee | Scheduled shifts | Employer assigns deliveries | Full commercial policy |
Common Mistakes
- Assuming the company's insurance covers everything
It rarely does. Most offer partial or conditional protection with large deductibles. - Not telling your insurer about your delivery or rideshare work
That can lead to claim denial or even policy cancellation. - Thinking part-time work doesn't need special coverage
Coverage is based on what you were doing at the moment of an accident, not how often you do it. - Believing one endorsement covers all delivery work
Delivery endorsements apply to app-based work only, not restaurant employment. - Choosing the cheapest policy instead of the right one
Proper coverage costs less than paying out of pocket after a denied claim.
How to Decide
Do you transport people or goods for money?
No → a standard personal auto policy is fine.
Yes → continue below.
Driving passengers through Uber or Lyft?
→ Personal policy with rideshare endorsement.
Delivering food or packages through apps like DoorDash or Instacart?
→ Personal policy with delivery endorsement.
If driving full-time, consider a commercial policy.
Employed by a restaurant with scheduled deliveries?
→ Commercial auto policy required.
What This Means If You're in Jacksonville, Onslow County, or Eastern NC
If you're earning money behind the wheel in our area, now's the time to make sure you have the right coverage. Many drivers we talk to assume they're covered when they're not—and finding out after an accident is the worst possible time to learn that lesson.
Here's what you should know:
- If you're driving for Uber or DoorDash: You need to tell your insurance company, period. Even if you only drive a few hours a week, one accident without proper coverage could wipe out your savings.
- If you deliver pizzas for a local restaurant: Your personal policy won't cover you. You need a commercial policy, and we can help you find one that fits your budget.
- If you're not sure what you need: That's exactly what we're here for. A five-minute conversation can save you from a five-figure mistake.
We Shop So You Don't Have To
This is exactly why working with an independent agent matters. We're not tied to one insurance company, which means we can shop your policy across multiple carriers to find the right fit—whether that's adding an endorsement to your current policy or finding a competitive commercial policy.
We track which carriers offer rideshare and delivery endorsements, which ones have the best rates for commercial coverage, and which companies actually follow through when it's time to file a claim. Think of us as your insurance market insider, except instead of stock tips, we're making sure you're protected every time you turn on that app or clock in for your shift.
The Real Story Behind Coverage Gaps
Let's be honest: insurance companies write policies with very specific language about what's covered and what's not. When you use your car to earn money, you've crossed into business use—and that's explicitly excluded from standard personal policies.
The good news? Insurance companies have created endorsements and commercial policies specifically for gig workers and delivery drivers. The bad news? They won't automatically add them to your policy. You have to ask, and you have to be upfront about how you're using your vehicle.
Whatever you do, don't assume you're covered. After years of helping drivers in Jacksonville and across eastern North Carolina, we've seen too many people find out the hard way that their personal policy won't pay when they need it most.
Your Next Move
If you're driving for income in North Carolina, the smartest thing you can do is get clarity on your coverage today. Even if you think you're covered, a quick review could uncover gaps you didn't know existed.
Need to Review Your Coverage?
Call, text, or click below for a quick, no-pressure auto insurance review. We'll look at what you're doing, what you have now, and what you actually need—then show you exactly where you stand.
Get Your Quote TodayBecause insurance should protect your income and your assets, not leave you guessing.
Final Thought
If you drive for income anywhere in North Carolina, make sure your policy matches your work. The right endorsement or commercial policy protects you, your passengers, and your vehicle from costly uncovered claims.
Kolstad Insurance Services helps rideshare, delivery, and small-business drivers across Jacksonville and eastern North Carolina find the right protection. Call our office or request a quote online today to stay fully covered every time you hit the road.
Find the Best Auto Insurance for Gig Workers in Jacksonville, NC
Whether you're in Jacksonville, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, or anywhere in Onslow County, we've got you covered. As your local independent insurance agent, we have access to multiple carriers and can find the right coverage at the best available price.
Ready to make sure you're properly covered? Contact Kolstad Insurance Services today. We'll help you navigate the options and make sure you're getting the protection you need for every dollar you spend on insurance.
