During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses needed to diversify their services in order to stay afloat. Many restaurants that had to shut down dining rooms turned to the help of outdoor dining, catering, and takeout/delivery service. Still, if you're a restaurant owner interested in starting to offer delivery service, some procedures must be adopted to ensure the well-being of your employees, customers, and business. Read on for tips to follow when starting a restaurant delivery service to mitigate any potential risks.
Check the Motor Vehicle Records of Your Drivers
It’s important to ensure your drivers are safely navigating the roads, but you must recognize these employees are also representing your restaurant and could draw negative attention if they don’t practice safe driving. You should be sure the following requirements are met before filling your delivery positions:
- Valid Driver’s License: First and foremost, ensure your driver’s licenses are not expired.
- Little to No Moving Violations: You want delivery drivers who are conscious of their driving and will not risk their safety or the business’s image.
- No Severe Moving Violations: If an employee has been convicted of a serious offense such as a DUI, not only is it a sign of unsafe driving, but it can also increase your restaurant’s insurance rates.
To discover your employee’s motor vehicle records, for a small fee, your independent insurance agent may be able to assist you in obtaining the records.
Obtain Evidence of the Employee’s Personal Auto Insurance
Unless you intend to provide your employees with non-owned vehicle liability insurance or a company vehicle, your delivery drivers should have additional liability coverage through their own policy. If they were to get into an accident, a traditional auto insurance policy might not cover the damages. Ensure they've contacted their insurance company and updated them on their new role with the restaurant. There are business-use endorsements available to delivery drivers that will provide them with added coverage without the need for commercial vehicle insurance, which can be especially helpful in the gig economy.
Consider Your Delivery Driver’s and Customer’s Welfare
Beyond ensuring your business is protected from liability, you must enact measures to keep your drivers and customers safe. Some ways you can protect your employees and customers include:
- Don’t Overwhelm Your Driver with Orders: Don't guarantee delivery times, and make sure you have enough drivers. Overworked delivery drivers are more prone to reckless driving.
- Encourage Customers to Pay Online or Over the Phone: The goal is to limit contact between the driver and the customer. By paying online or over the phone, your driver won’t have to handle money.
- Gather Customer’s Delivery Preferences: Ask the caller if there is a preferred area where they want their food placed. The delivery driver can leave the food in the designated spot, inform the customer via text or call, and prevent coming within close proximity of the customer.
This will require increased use of their phone, so it’s crucial that you also stress the importance of hands-free driving.
Before making this or any other major change to your restaurant's business operations, reach out to your insurance agent to guarantee you're still getting the right coverage.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.