Online ordering and third-party delivery have transformed the restaurant industry. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub have made it easier than ever for restaurants to reach more customers, increase sales, and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
But they’ve also introduced new questions about liability and insurance.
Many restaurant owners assume that because a third-party company handles the delivery, they have little or no exposure. In reality, the answer isn’t always that simple.
If your restaurant offers delivery—whether through your own employees or a third-party platform—it’s worth reviewing how your insurance program responds to today’s operating environment.
## Restaurant Operations Have Changed
A decade ago, many restaurants relied almost entirely on dine-in customers.
Today, many businesses generate a significant portion of their revenue through:
* Third-party delivery services
* Online ordering
* Curbside pickup
* Catering
* Mobile ordering apps
* Contactless delivery
As your business evolves, your insurance strategy should evolve as well.
Our comprehensive Restaurant Insurance Resource Center explains how changing operations can affect your overall risk profile.
## Who Is Responsible if a Delivery Driver Is Involved in an Accident?
One of the most common questions restaurant owners ask is:
**”If a third-party delivery driver causes an accident, am I responsible?”**
The answer depends on many factors, including:
* Who employs the driver
* The contractual agreements in place
* The circumstances of the accident
* Applicable laws
* The insurance policies involved
Every situation is unique.
Rather than making assumptions, restaurant owners should discuss these exposures with their insurance advisor to better understand how their business may be affected.
## Delivery Creates More Than Auto Liability
Adding delivery services changes more than transportation.
It can introduce additional operational considerations, including:
* Food handling during transport
* Customer complaints
* Delivery delays
* Incorrect orders
* Temperature control
* Product quality concerns
* Contractual obligations with delivery platforms
* Cybersecurity and online ordering systems
Each of these areas may influence your overall risk management strategy.
## Don’t Forget Cybersecurity
Many delivery orders are processed through online platforms and digital payment systems.
Restaurants increasingly rely on:
* Point-of-sale systems
* Customer databases
* Gift card programs
* Mobile payment processing
* Loyalty programs
* Cloud-based ordering software
As technology becomes more integrated into restaurant operations, cyber liability has become an increasingly important topic for restaurant owners to consider.
## Questions Worth Asking During Your Insurance Review
If your restaurant offers delivery or online ordering, consider asking your insurance advisor:
* Have our operations changed since our policy was written?
* Are there contractual insurance requirements with delivery platforms?
* Do we use our own employees for deliveries?
* Are our business-owned vehicles properly insured?
* Does our cyber coverage reflect the technology we use today?
* Have we expanded into catering or other off-site services?
These conversations can help identify potential gaps before they become costly surprises.
## Insurance Should Keep Pace With Your Business
Many restaurants have changed dramatically over the past few years.
Menus have expanded.
Technology has evolved.
Customer expectations have shifted.
Delivery has become a core part of many business models.
Yet many insurance policies haven’t been reviewed since before those changes occurred.
That’s why regular insurance reviews are so valuable.
At McClatchy Insurance, we believe meaningful insurance conversations begin with understanding how your restaurant operates today—not simply renewing last year’s policy.
If your restaurant has added delivery, online ordering, catering, or other new services, now is an excellent time to review whether your insurance program still reflects your current operations.
To learn more about protecting your restaurant from today’s evolving risks, visit our complete Restaurant Insurance Guide or contact McClatchy Insurance to schedule a personalized coverage review.
