Kreidler urges auto insurers to extend coverage to delivery drivers’ personal vehicles

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler on March 27 urged all insurers doing business in Washington to immediately extend automobile insurance coverage for personal delivery drivers to aid people temporarily assigned this duty during the coronavirus pandemic and state of emergency.

Kreidler said his office would expedite review and approval of the endorsement filings so that affected delivery drivers can have coverage quickly. He is notifying insurers of this recommendation today.

“Many businesses are going above and beyond to help people get prescriptions, groceries and food during this difficult and unprecedented time,” Kreidler said. “I urge insurance companies to immediately do all they can to help delivery drivers in their time of need. This will also help Washingtonians follow the governor’s directive to stay home and stay safe.”

Gov. Jay Inslee on March 23 ordered all Washington residents to stay home as much as possible to contain the spread of the coronavirus. In response to the public health emergency, many grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants are offering delivery to people’s homes to meet the increased demand for supplies, prescriptions and food.

Normally, a personal auto insurance policy doesn’t cover the commercial use of a personal vehicle when acting as delivery driver.

Several insurers have already stepped up to help. They include:

• PEMCO.
• Liberty Mutual.
• Allstate.

At least one company, State Farm, has long provided personal coverage for drivers who deliver food or goods.

"We’re working together to keep everyone safe on the roads during this uncertain time, while ensuring that our economy isn’t totally halted by COVID-19,” said Stan McNaughton, chief executive officer for PEMCO.

Kreidler said he appreciates the industry’s effort to help Washingtonians during an extraordinary time.

“This is a time for all hands on deck,” Kreidler said. “I appreciate the companies that have already stepped up and I expect others will quickly jump on board with this greatly needed assistance to those working hard to deliver food, medicine and more.”

The endorsement would apply only to delivery drivers for retail and service operations during the pandemic and Washington state stay-home order. It doesn’t apply to people who drive for other commercial reasons, including rideshare or any commercial delivery businesses. The endorsement would remain in effect as long as the emergency order is in place.

If you are conducting delivery for a business during the state of emergency and aren’t sure if your auto policy covers you for that use, contact your insurer.

Learn about coronavirus and insurance.

See Washington's resources on COVID-19 (coronavirus.wa.gov).