If you offer delivery as part of your restaurant experience, there are several precautions you can take to help protect your staff and your bottom line.
Tips for Employers
1. Collect motor vehicle records (MVRs) for all potential drivers (and on an annual basis thereafter). If an employee has any serious violations such as a DUI, reckless driving, etc., it is recommended they not be hired to make deliveries.
2. Ensure all drivers have a valid driver’s license. It is recommended delivery drivers have 3 years of driving experience.
3. If the employee will be using their own vehicle, review the driver’s current auto insurance policy’s declarations page and verify they have no exclusions for delivery. Ensuring that their personal auto insurance will provide primary coverage in the event of an at fault accident can help mitigate losses. It is still recommended you have an HNOA policy in the event the claimant sues your business in response to the accident.
4. Provide training on safe driving and how to avoid distracted driving.
5. Enact a policy that expresses drivers should never rush or practice unsafe driving. While getting customers their food in a timely manner is important, an accident will not only delay/cancel their order, but it is also dangerous for your driver, others on the road, and is far more costly than a late delivery.
6. Consider implementing a Telematics Program. Concklin Insurance Agency is proud to be partnered with Drivosity.
Tips for Delivery Drivers on the Road
7. Avoid using cellphones while driving. Always set your GPS before beginning to drive. If the driver needs to contact the restaurant or the customer, they should pull over and park before calling/texting.
8. Wear a seatbelt and comply will all traffic laws.
9. Leave 3+ seconds of space between your car and the car in front of you.
10. Come to complete stops at stop signs and red lights, and do not try to “beat the yellow.”
Tips for Delivery Drivers at customer’s location
11. Survey the location. If the area seems suspicious, such as an empty lot or a building that appears to be vacant, or if there are suspicious people/vehicles watching you, do not exit your vehicle. If in doubt, call the customer and ask them to turn on their lights, or to meet you outside.
12. Do not run to make the delivery. Take caution when walking in unfamiliar areas and be alert for tripping hazards, or loose bricks/stones/steps that could cause you to slip and fall.
13. If delivering at night, be sure to carry a flashlight in the event there is insufficient light to make the delivery and return to your vehicle safely.
14. Wear shoes with a nonslip sole. Make sure your shoes are appropriate for the current weather conditions and a variety of terrains.
Next Steps
If you do not already have Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) Insurance and your employees use their own vehicles to make deliveries, consider adding it to your business insurance package today. While your employee’s personal insurance will provide primary insurance (See Tip # 3) there is a chance that expenses will exceed the employee’s policy limit of liability. In this situation, its possible your company will be held liable for the outstanding balance. An HNOA policy protects your company if it is found legally liable for bodily injury and property damage caused by a vehicle you hire (including rented or borrowed vehicles) or caused by non-owned vehicles (vehicles owned by others, including vehicles owned by your employees).
Contact us today to ensure that your automobile coverage meets your needs.
