ALBANY, NY – A bill introduced in the New York State Assembly would require major food delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub to provide insurance coverage for delivery workers injured or killed in traffic accidents while making deliveries.
The measure, known as Assembly Bill 70-A, is sponsored by Assemblymember Robert Carroll, along with co-sponsors Jessica González-Rojas, Dana Levenberg, and Maritza Davila. It amends the state’s General Business Law to mandate that third-party delivery companies maintain a group insurance policy covering bodily injury or death resulting from qualifying accidents involving their couriers.
Under the proposal, coverage would apply to “qualifying accidents” — defined as vehicular crashes occurring while a delivery worker is logged into a food delivery app and actively transporting an order. The policy would cover up to $50,000 per person for basic economic losses, including medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
The insurance requirement would extend to delivery drivers operating two- or three-wheeled vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters, which often lack standard motor vehicle insurance coverage. Pedestrians and cyclists injured in such accidents would also be eligible for benefits.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Delivery companies must maintain a group policy covering bodily injury or death from qualifying accidents.
- Benefits capped at $50,000 per person for basic economic losses.
- Coverage applies regardless of immigration or employment status.
- Insurers may deny claims only in cases involving intentional injury or intoxication.
- Companies are barred from retaliating against drivers who file claims under the policy.
The measure also makes clear that insurance costs cannot be passed on to customers and must be offered without a deductible. It requires that all policies be issued by insurers authorized to operate in New York or through licensed excess line brokers.
If passed, the law would take effect 180 days after being signed, expanding protections for thousands of gig workers who currently operate without the same safety net as traditional employees.
