What insurance do I need for Uber Eats?
You’ll need a Motor Insurance Certificate for food delivery or hire and reward insurance to be an Uber Eats delivery driver.
These requirements confirm you have the minimum third-party liability cover in place, ensuring you’re compliant to drive (and deliver food) within the UK.
Without this specialised insurance cover, you’re at risk of road-related liabilities and compensation claims, should you be involved in an accident while on duty.
Additionally, before you hit the road with your first food delivery, you must have the proper food delivery insurance policy in place for the type of vehicle you operate, whether you’re delivering food by car, van, scooter, motorbike or bicycle.
Luckily, this article covers all of the above.
What insurance do Uber Eats drivers need in the UK?
As mentioned, Uber Eats drivers need either food delivery or hire and reward insurance (not excluding food delivery) to obtain their Certificate of Motor Insurance in the UK. It’s a legal requirement.
You also need standard social, domestic and pleasure (SD&P) vehicle insurance if you use your personal car for fast food deliveries. This ensures you have sufficient cover for personal driving when off-duty. Please note, that standard car insurance policies won’t cover you when out on delivery!
Let’s take a closer look at food delivery vs hire and reward insurance:
- Food delivery insurance is a type of hire and reward insurance specifically designed for food delivery drivers.
- Hire and reward, or class 3 business insurance, is a type of commercial courier insurance that covers a wide range of drivers, including food couriers and taxis.
Both are a form of commercial motor insurance whereby you deliver food/goods in exchange for payment (i.e. hire and reward purposes).
To avoid confusion, Uber Eats insurance is also called:
- Fast food delivery insurance
- Takeout/takeaway delivery insurance
- Deliveroo/Just Eat/Stuart food delivery insurance
- Food delivery insurance
- Food delivery driver insurance
- Food courier insurance
- Hire and reward
Once you’ve covered this, you can consider which type of food courier insurance policy best suits your transportation services.
Looking for cheap Food Delivery Insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat types of food delivery insurance are available for Uber Eats drivers?
There are several types of delivery insurance policies for fast food couriers in the UK:
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) policy
Best for: Casual or part-time workers (not exceeding 20 hours per week)
PAYG insurance policies offer flexibility, as you only pay when out on delivery, hence the name. You’re typically charged an hourly rate and can top-up your cover via your insurance provider’s app.
30-day policy
Best for: Seasonal delivery drivers
30-day policies offer short-term insurance cover which can be adjusted around your working schedule. As the name suggests, you’re charged monthly instalments.
Annual policy
Best for: Full-time drivers
Annual policies offer long-term cover. SD&P insurance is usually standard with these insurance plans, depending on your insurer.
You can pay annual policies upfront (i.e. one annual payment) or stretch the payment over monthly instalments.
Gig economy policy
Best for: Multiple platform delivery drivers
A gig economy policy is for you if you transport food, goods or passengers on multiple delivery platforms. For instance, if you’re an Uber taxi driver by day and an Uber Eats driver by night. Chat with your insurance provider about the finer details.
Who is eligible for Uber Eats insurance?
Any food delivery driver can get Uber Eats insurance, provided the following criteria are met:
- You are at least 23 years old
- You hold a valid UK/EU driving licence
- You drive a car with up to eight passenger seats or a van with up to two passenger seats
- You ride a scooter, moped or motorcycle (with the relevant licence)
- Your vehicle isn’t more than 20 years old
- You reside and work within the UK
But what does Uber Eats insurance cover? Let’s find out…
What’s covered with Uber Eats food delivery insurance?
A comprehensive food delivery insurance policy typically covers public liability.
Are there any exclusions?
You won’t be covered for:
- Driving with an expired/suspended licence
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Damages caused by negligence
- Personal driving – unless SD&P is included in your policy
- Personal belongings
- Unnamed/uninsured drivers
What vehicles are covered with fast food delivery insurance?
- Cars
- Vans*
- Scooters
- Mopeds
- Bicycles
- Motorbikes
*Note: You’ll need a specialised food delivery van policy if you use a van for food deliveries.
What Levels Of Uber Eats Insurance Are Available In The UK?
As with any automobile insurance policy, food delivery insurance has three levels to choose from:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Third-party only (TPO) | – The lowest level of motorcar cover. – A minimum legal requirement. – Includes public liability insurance which protects against third-party claims. – Does not cover personal vehicle repair or injury costs if you’re in an accident. |
| Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) | – Medium-level motorcar cover. – Includes TPO. – Pays out if your vehicle is damaged by fire or stolen. – Does not cover personal vehicle repair or injury costs if you’re in an accident. |
| Fully comprehensive cover | – The highest level of motorcar cover. – Includes TPO and TPFT. – Covers costs to repair/replace your vehicle in the event of a collision. – Includes SD&P insurance. – May include replacement vehicle and breakdown cover, among others. |
Can I add optional extras to my policy?
Yes, there are several additional extras you can add to your food delivery insurance policy:
- Employers liability insurance – a legal requirement if you employ delivery drivers.
- Windscreen cover – available for TPO and TPFT policies.
- EU cover – if you frequently transport food across the UK border.
- Breakdown cover – provides roadside assistance.
- Telematics cover – protects “black box” monitoring devices.
- Courtesy car cover – provides a replacement vehicle to ensure business continuity.
- Legal expenses – covers legal fees if you’re taken to court.
- Personal belongings cover – insures personal possessions against loss, damage or theft.
- Personal accident cover – pays the driver’s medical costs should accidents occur.
- Replacement lock and key cover – pays to replace lost/broken/damaged locks and keys.
Now that you have a better understanding of what insurance you need for Uber Eats deliveries, let’s see how much it costs.
How much does Uber Eats delivery insurance cost?
Uber Eats drivers can expect to pay:
| Type of Insurance | Cost Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Pay-as-you-go | £0.80 per hour |
| Monthly policy | £110 – £150 per month |
| Annual policy | £650 – £1,200 per year |
However, pricing is determined by several factors, such as your age, the vehicle you drive and the level of cover you choose. Let’s take a closer look.
What influences food delivery premiums?
- Driver age – drivers under 23 tend to pay higher premiums.
- Driving record – convictions and licence points drive up insurance prices.
- Work schedule – peak hour deliveries (or late-night dropoffs) tend to have higher rates.
- Location – busy cities generally have higher premiums than rural areas.
- Type of vehicle – older models are more prone to breakdowns, hence the increased cost.
- Mileage – more driving equates to more spent on insurance.
- Level of cover – price points vary between TPO, TPFT and comprehensive plans.
- Off-duty parking – the area where your vehicle is parked and how secure it is when not in use.
- Claims history – past claims bump up your premiums.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers with the comparison tool from SimplyQuote.
- Regularly service your delivery vehicle to prevent premature breakdowns.
- Opt for annual payments as opposed to monthly instalments.
- Choose the correct insurance policy that aligns with your delivery needs.
- Secure your vehicle/s when not in use to deter criminal activity.
- Keep a clean driving record by obeying road regulations.
- Lower your mileage – if possible.
Can I lower my Uber Eats insurance premiums?
Yes, you can lower your food courier insurance premiums with these proactive steps:
Final thoughts
Navigating the complexities of food delivery insurance can seem daunting but having the right policy for your Uber Eats deliveries is vital to ensure both legal compliance and peace of mind.
We’ve explored several options, from flexible pay-as-you-go cover to annual policies, to ensure you can make a more informed decision.
Consider using SimplyQuote’s 100% free, online comparison tool to compare food delivery quotes from leading UK insurers. You’re guaranteed to find the best deal that aligns with your delivery schedule and budget.
Drive safely and stay insured!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, hire and reward activities (e.g. food deliveries, taxi services) are not covered by regular vehicle insurance.
No, it is illegal to drive any mode of transport on UK roads without valid insurance, whether you’re delivering food, going to the shop or commuting to work.