Amazon has recently introduced Prime Now to the Charlotte, NC region. This has opened up a need for more drivers and an important insurance implication that should be carefully considered. We will focus on Amazon delivery insurance in this article. We will discuss what you need to know when securing this business auto insurance policy.
Amazon employs independent contractors to help assist the US Postal Service and other large package delivery services like Fed Ex and UPS. Independent contractor drivers are commonly referred to as Amazon flex drivers. Amazon also uses delivery providers.
Amazon has certain requirements to become a driver that vary depending on if you are considered a subcontractor or a direct employee of a delivery provider. Some of the main requirements are shown below for each.
Delivery Provider
- A cargo van with at least 300 cubic feet of cargo space
- Complete a safety and driver training course
- Wear a uniform
- Have minimum insurance requirements
Flex Driver
- Have a smart phone and be able to download the app
- Be able to complete a background check
- Have the minimum required vehicle such as a mid-sized 4 door sedan, SUV, mini-van, or pickup truck with an enclosed bed
- Have the required license to drive and minimum insurance requirements
For a list of frequently asked questions on becoming a driver you can click here.
With all those requirements in place, there currently appears to be a coverage gap on being properly insured though. Delivery providers typically have minimum requirements for having commercial insurance. Flex drivers, not so much. Proof of a personal insurance policy may be sufficient for Amazon, but it is not for you and your insurance company.
One of the main exclusions on your personal auto policy is any kind of business use with your vehicle. A personal auto policy will allow a business use class endorsement for certain business uses, but package delivery is not one of them. To be adequately covered to use your vehicle for any kind of package delivery, you would need to have a commercial auto policy in force. Some commercial auto policies will also cover you for personal use if that is requested on the policy. That way you are covered for business and personal use under one insurance policy.
Just as transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft have recently arrived and created a new era of insurance concerns, Amazon’s changes to package delivery has also opened up these same concerns. Just because you are fine in the eyes of Amazon, doesn’t mean you are fine if you have a claim.
For example, if you back up your vehicle after delivering a package and run over someone or something, your insurance company will want to make sure that you are covered under a commercial policy before paying out on such a claim. This would effect not only damages to your vehicle, but also the liability for the damage you did. Don’t expect Amazon, Uber Eats, or any other company you are delivering for to pay for your loss.
With the recent purchase by Amazon of Whole Foods, this will also create even more opportunities for more drivers, which in turn brings more insurance questions. We mention Amazon when referring to these package delivery opportunities because of their relative market share for home delivery. They are absolutely not alone though. Virtually every large retailer has plans implemented, if they haven’t already begun to deliver items. Whether it is restaurant food, groceries, general merchandise, or any other items, a personal auto policy will not cover you for delivery of any kind.
It is very important to make sure you are adequately covered before starting to work for any company doing delivery of any kind. Many people hear commercial insurance and get scared thinking your premiums won’t be affordable. That isn’t really the case at all. Many commercial policies can be quite similar in premium to your personal auto policies. Don’t wait until you have a claim denied before looking into this. Call us at 704-494-9495 if you have any questions and one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents will be happy to discuss options with you.
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