Most drivers in Ontario have insurance policies on their vehicles that assume the car is used only for personal use, i.e., travelling to and from work, running errands, visiting friends/family, etc. However, if you’re using your car for food delivery through apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or SkipTheDishes, you’ll need more than a standard auto policy to stay protected. Personal car insurance alone won’t cover accidents or claims that occur while you’re making deliveries. In the long run, it means you may be paying out of pocket for damage or liability.
In Ontario, standard personal auto insurance typically does not cover food-delivery driving for apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash. Drivers typically need either:
- a food delivery endorsement added to a personal policy, or
- a commercial auto insurance policy.
Without proper coverage, claims made during deliveries may be denied.
With the growing number of gig drivers in Ontario, insurers have developed flexible coverage options that bridge the gap between personal and commercial use—helping you stay legal, protected, and on the road. So, let’s learn more about insuring your vehicle for food delivery.
Top Questions About Food Delivery Insurance for Ontario Drivers
Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover Uber Eats In Ontario?
Generally speaking, no. In most cases, personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial use. This includes food delivery work. You will most likely need commercial insurance.
Do DoorDash Drivers Need Commercial Insurance?
In most cases, yes, you will need commercial insurance. In some cases, insurers will offer delivery-use endorsements instead of having you commit to a full commercial policy.
Can My Insurer Cancel My Policy For Food Delivery Work?
Yes! If you fail to disclose delivery use, they may deny your claims in the event of an incident. To add to this, they may also cancel your coverage if they find out you are performing food delivery without commercial insurance.
Is Food Delivery Insurance Expensive?
The price of food delivery insurance can differ based on a variety of factors. This includes:
- Provider
- Driving history
- Location
- Vehicle type
- How often do you work
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Request a free commercial insurance quote today and keep your business secure.
Do You Need Special Insurance For Food Delivery In Ontario?
Delivering food is a great way to make money. Many Canadians continue to drive for delivery companies like Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, even almost five years after the peak of popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
What Coverage Do Food Delivery Apps Like Uber Eats and DoorDash Provide?
While ride-share businesses like Uber and Lyft have insurance policies to cover their drivers, the same may not be true for people who deliver fast food or takeout. Using your own vehicle is necessary because, in most cases, the delivery company does not provide one. Auto insurance companies won’t honour personal policies if, as a driver, you are involved in a collision while delivering food. Why? When you work for a food delivery company, you are using your vehicle for a commercial purpose. Your auto policy is not designed to provide coverage for business purposes. Some major delivery platforms, like Uber Eats, provide limited commercial coverage while you’re actively on a delivery, but it may not cover every situation.
Is Personal Car Insurance Enough For Delivery Drivers?
You may need to get a commercial auto insurance policy, but understand that it may cost you more. Some insurance providers will offer a food delivery insurance endorsement to tack on to your personal auto policy. In either scenario, the cost depends on how often you work, how much you drive, when, and where. It’s also worthwhile to keep in mind that any car insurance policy offered by a food delivery company may be limited in scope, and it may not provide you with the full protection you need if you get into a collision. As with any auto policy, the details are in the fine print. Different insurers have different approaches to delivery drivers. Be sure to contact your isure broker to find out what options are available.
Uber’s commercial policy with Economical Insurance (Definity) provides $2 million liability coverage during active delivery, pick-up, and drop-off. Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage may also apply if your personal auto policy includes it, with a deductible.
What Insurance Gaps Should Delivery Drivers Watch Out For?
Several food delivery platforms do not provide full coverage for their drivers, especially outside active delivery times. Drivers may be exposed during “deadheading” (driving without a delivery), waiting between orders, or returning to base. In addition, many personal auto insurance policies exclude “commercial use” or require that you disclose delivery work or ride-share usage. Not doing so can lead to denied claims. And finally, the cost of full commercial or endorsement policies can be much higher, and not all insurers offer them for occasional delivery work.
Aviva offers commercial ride share insurance for Lyft drivers in Ontario. Coverage is offered from the time you log into Lyft, as available, through passenger pick-up and drop-off.
Common Insurance Gaps
Think you can skip getting food delivery or commercial auto insurance? Think again. If you’re using your car for deliveries without the right coverage, your insurer could treat you as uninsured if you file a claim. And starting July 1, 2026, new changes to Ontario’s auto insurance system will further increase this risk. The province is reducing standard accident benefits, cutting back on some of the medical, rehab, and income-replacement coverage drivers used to rely on. So if you’re in a collision while delivering food, OHIP might cover the emergency room visit — but any follow-up care or time off work could come out of your own pocket. Make sure your policy includes enough liability and optional accident benefits coverage to protect yourself. And don’t forget: your insurer can cancel your policy if you’re using your car for delivery and haven’t told them.
Factors That Affect Your Food Delivery Insurance Rates?
While the increase in premiums will depend on several factors, such as:
- Your driving record (accidents, traffic violations, distracted driving)
- Number of vehicles and drivers on your policy
- Your insurance company
- How often do you use your vehicle for commercial purposes
You should expect at least some increase in your premiums if you insure your vehicle for commercial purposes. Operating your vehicle for commercial purposes adds a level of risk, and your insurance company will adjust your premiums to reflect that.
Protect Your Vehicle With the Right Food Delivery Insurance
Not sure what kind of coverage you need? That’s where a broker can help. An experienced insurance broker can review your personal auto policy, explain what’s covered (and what isn’t) when you’re driving for work, and find options that fit your budget. Whether it’s adding a delivery endorsement or switching to a commercial policy, a broker can make sure you’re fully protected — before you hit the road.
At isure, our brokers make insurance simple. We’ll help you understand your options, compare quotes from top Ontario insurers, and make sure your policy keeps up with how you actually use your vehicle. Whether it’s for personal trips or food delivery, connect with an isure broker today to review your coverage and stay protected.
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