Running a pizzeria in New York isn’t just about perfecting your dough or making sure the pepperoni curls just right in the oven. It’s also about managing risks that can sneak up on you faster than a hungry teenager at lunchtime. One of the biggest risks I see all the time? Delivery drivers.

The Delivery Reality

If your pizzeria offers delivery (and let’s face it, most do), chances are you rely on one of two setups:

1. Employees using their own cars to make deliveries, or

2. Third-party delivery services like UberEats, Grubhub, or DoorDash.

Here’s the kicker: in either case, you may still be on the hook if something goes wrong.

The Employee’s Car Trap

Let’s say Joey, your weekend delivery guy, uses his old Honda Civic to bring pizzas across town. If Joey causes an accident, guess what?

- Joey’s personal auto insurance may exclude business use.

- The injured party’s attorney is going to look for deep pockets — and that means your pizzeria.

I’ve personally seen one New York shop end up with a $150,000 legal bill after a delivery accident because they didn’t have the right coverage. No slice of pizza is worth that kind of money.

But I Use Third-Party Apps! Am I Safe?

Not so fast. Many shop owners assume that using Grubhub or UberEats means they’re off the hook. Unfortunately:

- Third-party contracts often contain indemnification clauses that can pull you back into the lawsuit.

- If a driver causes harm while carrying your food, your name can still end up in the claim.

- Courts in New York have shown a willingness to involve the restaurant, even when the driver is a contractor.

Bottom line: If your name is on the pizza box, you could be on the lawsuit.

The HNOA Safety Net

Here’s what Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability (HNOA) does for you:

- Covers your business if an employee or contractor causes an accident while driving a vehicle you don’t own.

- Helps pay for medical costs, legal fees, and damages.

- Gives you peace of mind knowing one accident won’t sink your shop.

And here’s the good news: most pizzerias can add HNOA coverage for just a few hundred dollars a year — less than the cost of one big catering order.

Penny’s Pizzeria Insurance Pro Tip

If delivery makes up more than 25% of your sales, talk to me about additional auto or umbrella coverage. In New York, claim costs can escalate quickly, and one bad accident can knock a family business out of the oven for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need this if I only deliver on weekends?

Yes — even one accident could result in a lawsuit against your business. Frequency doesn’t reduce liability.

What if my drivers sign a waiver saying they’re responsible?

Waivers won’t protect you in court. Attorneys will still go after the business.

Does my General Liability cover delivery accidents?

No. GL covers injuries at your shop, not accidents out on the road. HNOA fills that gap.

Final Slice

Running a pizzeria in New York is already a juggling act: fire codes, health inspections, rising food costs… the list goes on. Don’t let delivery liability be the thing that burns your business.

Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability isn’t just a coverage — it’s your delivery insurance lifeline.

Schedule a pizza insurance review with me today. I’ll bring the coverage advice — you bring the garlic knots. 

Here is my Calendly Link: calendly.com/penny-hendrie