Messmer Column: Standards for delivery services

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) discusses standards for delivery services. 

Working for food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats has become a popular way for Hoosiers to earn extra money. 

To tackle some concerns regarding these services, the Indiana General Assembly passed a bill during the 2015 legislative session which set the requirements for companies that provide prearranged rides in Indiana like Uber and Lyft. 

However, the 2015 legislation did not include language regarding companies that deliver goods like food. 

House Enrolled Act 1125, which the General Assembly passed during the 2023 legislative session, increases minimum insurance coverage requirements for damaged property caused by someone driving for food delivery services from $25,000 to $50,000 per incident starting on July 1, 2024. 

The law also defines drivers as independent contractors, not employees of the service. 

Companies will now be required to inform their drivers about the insurance coverage requirements and that the terms of their car insurance might not provide coverage during the delivery period. 

The purpose of House Enrolled Act 1125 is to ensure consistency in insurance standards between drivers for delivery services and ride-share companies. 

It also helps make sure drivers are safe as they make deliveries, and the public is protected from liability.

This legislation will go into effect on July 1, 2024. 

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.