Labor is moving fast. The partner is too panicked to drive. You say, “Hop in my car, I’ll take you.” Halfway there, you get T-boned at an intersection. Your client has a broken collarbone. You file a claim with your auto insurance (Geico/State Farm), and they deny it immediately because you were “using the vehicle for business purposes.”
Key Takeaways
- The “For Hire” Exclusion: Personal auto policies exclude coverage if you are using your car to transport clients, even if you don’t charge a separate “transport fee.” It is part of your business service.
- Medical Payments Denied: Your auto policy won’t pay for the client’s injuries. Your Doula General Liability policy usually excludes “Auto Accidents.” You are in a coverage gap.
- Personal Assets at Risk: Without insurance, the client sues you personally for their medical bills.
- Rideshare is Safer: In 2026, calling a chaotic Uber is legally safer for you than driving them yourself.
The “Why” (The Trap): Commercial Use of Vehicle
Insurance companies classify risk by usage.
- Personal Use: Groceries, commuting.
- Business Use: Visiting clients, carrying equipment.
- Livery/Transport: Carrying passengers.
Most Doulas drive to births (Business Use). But driving the client (Livery) pushes you into a taxi/ambulance category that standard policies hate.
[IMAGE: Graphic showing the ‘Coverage Gap’ between Personal Auto and General Liability]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I called my own auto insurer (State Farm) and asked a hypothetical.
State Farm / Geico / Progressive
- The Answer: “If you are driving a client as part of your professional service, your personal policy is void for that trip.”
- The Fix: You need a “Commercial Auto Policy” or a “Business Use Endorsement” with specific permission to transport passengers (rarely granted for non-taxi services).
Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability
- The Business Fix: Some business liability policies allow you to add “Non-Owned Auto.” This protects your business if you are sued, but it doesn’t fix the damage to your car.
Comparison Table
Options for transport.
| Option | Coverage Status | Risk |
| Personal Auto Policy | Denied | Extreme. |
| Business Use Endorsement | Covers Your Car | Moderate. Check passenger limits. |
| Commercial Auto Policy | Fully Covered | High Cost ($2k+/yr). |
| Calling an Ambulance/Uber | Covered by them | Lowest Risk for you. |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- The “No Transport” Rule: The best advice is: Never drive a client. Put this in your contract. “Doula does not provide transport.”
- If You Must Drive: Call your auto agent and ask for a “Class 1 Business Use” rating. Tell them you occasionally transport clients. If they say no, switch carriers.
- Check Liability Limits: State minimums (e.g., $25k) are not enough for a pregnant client. Increase your Bodily Injury limits to
250k/250k/500k. - General Liability Add-On: Ask your business insurer about “Hired and Non-Owned Auto” coverage. This protects your business assets if you are sued for a crash.
FAQ
Q: What if it’s a true emergency?
A: Good Samaritan laws might apply, but if you are being paid to be there, it’s muddy. Liability follows the money.
Q: Can I drive the partner while the ambulance takes the mom?
A: Less risky, but still “business use.” If you crash, your insurer might still deny the claim because you were “working.”