I just wanted to make extra cash on the weekend. I signed up for UberEats, picked up a burrito, and locked my bike outside the apartment complex. When I came back down, the bike was gone. I told the police and my insurance company the truth: “I was delivering food.” That honest sentence cost me my entire payout.
Key Takeaways
- The “Business Pursuit” Exclusion: Personal insurance policies (Home, Renters, and even standard Standalone Bike policies) exclude any loss that occurs while using the item for business.
- The “App On” Rule: The moment you turn on a delivery app, your personal coverage turns off.
- Gig-Economy Gaps: Uber/DoorDash provide limited liability coverage while you are active, but they rarely cover the theft of your own bike.
- Commercial Policies Exist: You need a commercial inland marine policy or a specific “courier” endorsement to be covered.
The “Why” (Commercial Risk)
Couriers leave their bikes unattended 30 times a day in high-traffic areas. This is a massive risk compared to a recreational rider who locks up once at a coffee shop.
“We do not cover property used for ‘business’ at any time.”
The Investigation: Getting Covered for Delivery
I tried to find insurance for a delivery rider.
1. Velosurance / Sundays
- Answer: NO. Their standard policies explicitly exclude courier/delivery work. If they find out you were working (and they will check with the police report or ask you), they deny the claim.
2. Laka (European model, expanding)
- Answer: Some newer “peer-to-peer” or tech-first insurers are offering “Commuter/Courier” packs, but you have to select it specifically and pay a higher premium.
3. Commercial General Liability (Small Business)
- Answer: You can buy a “Business Owners Policy” (BOP) for your delivery gig, but it’s expensive ($500+/year) and might be overkill for a side hustle.
Comparison Table
| Usage | Personal Policy | Standalone Bike Policy | Commercial Courier Policy |
| Commuting to Office | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UberEats Delivery | NO | NO | YES |
| Messenger Work | NO | NO | YES |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the Apps: Read the Uber/DoorDash insurance terms. See if they offer any “goods protection.” (Spoiler: They usually don’t).
- Separate Business and Pleasure: If you depend on your bike for income, you need a commercial policy. Or, use a cheap “beater” bike for deliveries that you can afford to lose, and keep the expensive e-bike for personal use.
- The “Pizza Bag” giveaway: If you file a claim, do not lie. But understand that if the police report mentions “delivery bag found at scene,” the adjuster will see it.
FAQ
What if I deliver just once a month?
Doesn’t matter. If the theft happens during that one time, it’s excluded.
Is commuting to my full-time job “business use”?
No. Commuting is personal use. Business use is using the bike during the job (like a courier).
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a “Business Pursuits Exclusion” clause]