Delivery Driver Insurance

There are more delivery drivers on the road than ever before, and like all other motorists, you’ll need to have motor insurance to drive on Irish roads.

But because delivery or courier work means more time spent on the road and time pressure, these motorists need delivery driver insurance. 

This is different to regular car insurance, and special cover for delivery drivers is often called “Hire and Reward”, which covers motorists and riders while delivering goods. 

Delivery drivers in Ireland need extra insurance as standard, personal policies will usually only cover everyday domestic and leisure trips – and won’t cover you while you’re at work. 

The level of cover you’ll need depends on the type of deliveries you make as part of your job, but Hire and Reward cover is the most common form of insurance for couriers and delivery drivers.

If you don’t have extra insurance, you won’t be covered if you’re involved in an accident while at work, and claims may be rejected. 

It’s also a legal requirement to be insured while on the road, and without delivery insurance you’ll essentially be uninsured, and could receive a fine or penalty points.

Delivery driver insurance offers more coverage than a regular car insurance policy. Hire and reward insurance covers:

This insurance takes extra mileage and time pressure for couriers into account, which can mean a higher risk of accidents.

Delivery insurance doesn’t cover you in every situation. Deliveries made outside of delivery hours or undeclared delivery work won’t be covered. Certain high-risk goods may also be excluded from your policy and may have to be added. 

Unless specifically included, fire and theft may not be covered. Depending on the type of insurance cover, damage to your vehicle could also be excluded.

You need courier insurance if you deliver goods or passengers for payment, so that you’re protected when picking up or dropping off goods, or waiting for an order. 

Courier insurance or delivery cover is necessary if you are:

If you’re wondering if you have to pay for delivery insurance yourself, it entirely depends on the company you work for.

If you’re directly employed by a courier company, they often include employer policies such as fleet insurance which covers their drivers.

But if you’re in the gig economy, working for a fast food delivery business, employer insurance might not be enough.

For some food order and delivery businesses, you will need proof that you have Hire and Reward or fast food coverage even before you are employed – and you must pay for this yourself. 

However, this may be treated as a business expense and can be tax-deductible for those who are self-employed or in the gig economy.

The cost of delivery insurance in Ireland varies depending on the type of deliveries you carry out and the company you work for. Some employers cover you entirely, meaning you pay nothing. 

But if you have to pay for insurance yourself, the cost of your premium will depend on:

Pay as you go insurance is an easy way for part time delivery drivers to ensure they’re covered without paying the same as full time workers. 

This is especially common for those who work for fast food delivery apps and only need short-term insurance. Pay as you go insurance providers in Ireland include Zego, which is popular among fast food couriers.

Pay as you go cover is flexible – allowing you to take out insurance for a few hours or for a full year, depending on your needs. You can manage pay as you go insurance online, or over the phone.

The type of delivery vehicle you use will affect the type of cover you need. Delivery van insurance is common for those who work for couriers that transport larger goods, packages and parcels. 

For smaller items and food, motorcycle courier insurance, especially if you have a scooter, will likely be less costly.

Delivery vehicles that can be insured include:

Hire and Reward insurance is the most common form of delivery driver cover and is required for all delivery drivers.

Couriers delivering without specific cover or driving with only personal insurance are not properly insured without the right Hire and Reward or delivery cover. 

Without extra insurance, you could be fined thousands of euro, have your vehicle seized by gardaí or receive penalty points.

If you’re a hail and ride driver, you’ll need to have Hire and Reward insurance specific to passenger transport under the Road Traffic Act.