As a delivery driver, you’re likely to come across a variety of terms when you’re looking for insurance. When there’s so much jargon and so many technical terms in your policy documents, it can be tricky to understand what cover you need and what cover you’re getting.
It’s one of the most common types of motor insurance in the UK, and it’s no surprise why. It covers you for most of the journeys you’ll make on 4 (or 2) wheels.
Social, domestic and pleasure (SD&P) is an insurance policy that allows you to make personal trips in your vehicle. It covers you for day-to-day things like driving to the shops, visiting family or commuting between home and work.
It usually doesn’t allow you to drive professionally or use your car to deliver food or parcels. For that you’ll need a commercial Hire & Reward (H&R) policy.
There are a few different types of SD&P policy. Let’s take a look at them.
Social, Domestic & Pleasure (SDP Insurance )
Social, Domestic & Pleasure is your ‘standard’ insurance. It covers you for personal, everyday driving such as going to the shops, doing the school run, driving to work, visiting a friend’s house or taking a day trip.
It’s a legal requirement to have SD&P in place if you’re driving a motor vehicle in the UK. Even if you only use your vehicle for your work, you still have to have an active SD&P policy.
Social, domestic and pleasure with commuting (SDPC)
A combined social and commuting policy allows you to use your car for personal journeys and for trips to work, college or university.
Hire & Reward (H&R)
If you’re working as a delivery driver, carrying food or parcels in exchange for money, then you’ll need to have Hire & Reward insurance in place. This additional cover runs alongside your underlying SD&P policy and covers you during the time that you’re working.
Your SD&P insurance does not cover you for food delivery or courier work, which is why you need additional insurance cover in place. Zego offers H&R policies by the hour, month or year, so you can get delivery cover that lasts for as long as you need it.
Public Liability (PL)
Public liability insurance protects individuals and businesses in case a claim is made against them for third party injury or property damage. The policy will cover compensation and legal expenses up to a specified maximum limit of indemnity.
Public liability cover may be included within your policy, but it’s always worth checking exactly what amount you’re covered up to.
What type of insurance do you need?
Insurance requirements can vary depending on the type of work you’re carrying out, the company you’re working with and many other factors. That means it’s always a good idea to ask companies about what insurance you need before you purchase a policy.
If you’re looking to use a car, scooter or van for food delivery or courier work, you may be able to get the insurance you need from Zego.
Scooter riders and car drivers can get an estimated quote by filling in the form below
Business use
Social, domestic and pleasure with business use covers you for personal driving and certain business activities. For example, you can use your car to visit other offices or sites used by your employer, or to attend meetings with clients.
It’s worth noting that business use usually doesn’t cover you for making deliveries or carrying passengers.
Does business use include social, domestic and pleasure?
In most cases, yes. With a business use policy you can use your car for personal journeys and certain business activities.
But always check with your insurer to make sure you’re covered whenever you’re on the road.
What is the difference between social, domestic and pleasure and commuting?
The main difference is that Social, domestic and pleasure only covers you for personal driving and Social, domestic and pleasure with commuting allows you to make personal trips and regular journeys to your place of work or study.
Does social, domestic and pleasure include driving to work?
Social, domestic and pleasure insurance only protects you while driving to work if it includes commuting cover. Without it, you’ll only be able to use your car for social and personal trips.
If you take the train to work, some insurers will allow you to drive your car to the station and park it there for the day.
Does it cost more to have business use on car insurance?
Business use car insurance tends to cost more because of the higher risks involved. Business drivers usually cover more miles than the average motorist, and at busier times of day. So there’s more chance of being involved in a road traffic incident.
These policies also tend to include a higher liability limit than personal motor policies.
Can a named driver use the car for commuting?
Most social, domestic and pleasure with commuting (SDPC) policies allow a named driver to use the car for commuting.
It’s worth checking with your insurer to make sure that you and any named drivers are fully covered before you start driving to work.
Can I buy SD&P insurance from Zego?
Most of our car delivery and van courier and online taxi insurance policies include social, domestic and pleasure insurance as standard. That means you can drive for work and for personal use under the same policy.
