Things you should know about takeaway delivery drivers and insurance

As a takeaway owner in the Ireland, providing insurance for your delivery drivers is an important consideration. Whether you use your own employees or contract with independent drivers, it's important to ensure that they are properly insured while they are on the road.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at the insurance requirements for takeaway delivery drivers in the Ireland, and what you need to know as a takeaway owner.

Types of Insurance Takeaway Operators Should Know About

Employer’s Liability Insurance

If you employ delivery drivers directly, you are legally required to hold employer’s liability insurance under Irish law. This type of insurance protects your business in the event that an employee suffers an injury or illness as a result of their work.

For example, if a driver is involved in a road accident while making a delivery and sustains an injury, your employer’s liability cover would provide compensation and cover medical costs, safeguarding both your staff and your business.

Public Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance isn’t always legally required in Ireland, but it’s highly recommended and often a contractual necessity with landlords or third parties. This covers you if a customer or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, due to your business operations.

Say a delivery driver accidentally scratches a customer’s car while delivering food, public liability cover can help manage legal claims or repair costs.

Motor Insurance

If you’re using your own vehicles for deliveries, you’ll need motor insurance that specifically covers commercial use. Standard personal policies usually exclude delivery work and may void your coverage in the event of an incident.

For multiple vehicles, consider fleet insurance options to ensure all drivers are covered without naming them individually. Be sure your policy includes comprehensive coverage for accidents, damage, and third-party liability.

Courier Insurance

Courier insurance provides cover for goods in transit, and is particularly useful when your restaurant or drivers are responsible for the food until it’s delivered. It may also include additional liability protection in case of an accident during the delivery process.

While more common for logistics and courier businesses, takeaway operators who handle their own deliveries may find this useful, particularly where high-value or time-sensitive orders are involved.

Hire and Reward Insurance

In Ireland, Hire and Reward Insurance is legally required for anyone transporting goods (like food) in exchange for payment. This includes independent contractors who use their own vehicles for delivery.

If you use third-party drivers or platforms, it’s vital to confirm that they hold valid hire and reward policies. Operating without this type of insurance could lead to serious legal and financial repercussions in the event of an accident.

Understand Your Specific Business Requirements

Your insurance needs depend on your takeaway's business model:

• If you employ your own drivers and use company vehicles, you'll likely need employer’s liability, motor insurance, and public liability at a minimum.

• If you work with independent drivers, ensure they have valid hire and reward insurance and that your business holds public liability to cover any issues on your premises or involving customers.

For full protection, you may also want to explore professional indemnity or business interruption insurance depending on your setup.

Cover Your Takeaway by Knowing Your Stuff

Insurance might seem like a formality, but it’s a vital part of protecting your staff, customers, and your business itself. Takeaways in Ireland face unique risks, and with the rise of online ordering and delivery platforms, those risks are growing more complex. Proper driver tracking and necessary protocols are now a must.

Working with a qualified Irish insurance broker or advisor ensures that your policies are compliant and fully tailored to your operations. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that should anything happen, your business is covered.