Is DoorDash Safe?

Is DoorDash safe? It’s a fair question to ask if you’re thinking about becoming a Dasher or if you’re a customer looking to order food with DoorDash.

That being said, we do have to think about safety. If you’re working for DoorDash to earn extra income, what is DoorDash doing to ensure you are safe? And what can you do to keep yourself safe? While we can all probably use some extra income, your safety still has to come first.

If you’re a customer ordering food, you might wonder the same thing – is DoorDash safe for you? Will your food arrive from the restaurant in the same condition as when it left? Are the drivers delivering your food trustworthy and have they been background checked?

In this post, we’ll answer the question of whether DoorDash is safe, looking at safety from the perspective of the customer and the perspective of drivers delivering food with DoorDash.

In short, yes, DoorDash is generally safe for both customers and delivery drivers. At a minimum, it’s at least as safe as any of the other major food delivery services in the United States (namely Uber Eats and Grubhub).

For customers, DoorDash takes steps to ensure customers are safe and food is delivered securely. Restaurants also take steps to ensure that food is safely delivered to customers. While there have been some recorded incidents of drivers tampering with a customer’s food, these are rare incidents that are unlikely to happen to most customers. Indeed, whether you’re ordering food through DoorDash or ordering food directly from a restaurant, the risk of food tampering is essentially the same (in other words, it’s not unique to DoorDash).

For drivers, DoorDash has taken steps to make delivering for DoorDash safe. Importantly, they’ve also recently added safety features within the Dasher app that Dashers can use to call for assistance or get help.

Let’s look in more detail at what DoorDash has done to make their app and the delivery experience safe for both customers and Dashers.

Is DoorDash Safe For Customers?

As mentioned previously, DoorDash takes steps to make ordering safe for customers – and especially so since the pandemic changed how we order food. Here are all of the things that DoorDash has done to make their app safer for customers.

1. Drivers Go Through Background Checks.

Every delivery driver for DoorDash has to complete and pass a background check before they can start delivering for DoorDash. DoorDash uses a company called Checkr, which checks both motor vehicle history and criminal history. Potential delivery drivers with major vehicle infractions or a problematic criminal history background will not be accepted.

2. Most Restaurants Seal The Food In The Bag.

The majority of restaurants seal orders in the bag before giving them to the driver, making it more difficult for Dashers to tamper with your food. Bags are typically sealed with a sticker or stapled shut. And while a driver can theoretically still tamper with your food, it’s more difficult when the bag is sealed and you can see if your food has been opened.

3. Customers Can Request Contactless Delivery.

Customers can request contactless delivery, which is when the driver leaves your order at your door and sends you a notification. You can then pick up your order without having to interact with anyone. This is not only a safer way to collect your delivery, but it’s also more convenient. Whenever I order food with DoorDash, I almost always request contactless delivery.

4. Customer Phone Numbers Are Hidden

Dashers can call customers, but their phone numbers are hidden. Instead, when a Dasher calls you, it gets sent through the DoorDash system and the delivery driver only sees a DoorDash number. This works both ways – customers can’t see the Dasher’s phone number and Dashers can’t see the customer’s phone number. If you’re worried about getting spam calls or getting harassed by drivers, the fact that your number is hidden can help prevent that.

5. Drivers Are Supposed To Use Insulated Delivery Bags

DoorDash drivers are supposed to use insulated delivery bags when delivering orders, which helps to keep food warm. DoorDash provides every Dasher with a free delivery bag in the DoorDash activation kit, which is nice since it means every Dasher should have a delivery bag.

Is DoorDash Safe For Drivers?

Over the past few years, DoorDash has taken more steps to ensure driver safety.

One of the most important features that DoorDash has added is SafeDash, which is an option in the Dasher app that allows drivers to quickly call 911 or request a call from an ADT agent. Here’s what SafeDash looks like in the Dasher app.

You can find the SafeDash options in the Dasher app by clicking the shield symbol at the top of the Dasher app (it looks like a blue shield with a plus sign in it). SafeDash gives you two options. The first is to request a call back from an ADT agent. When you tap that button, a trained ADT agent will give you a call to make sure that you are safe.

The second option gives you the ability to quickly call 911 for assistance. If you activate that option, ADT will call 911 on your behalf and provide them with your location. There’s a lot of comfort in having these two options available to you.

Here’s a video from DoorDash that explains how SafeDash works.

Beyond SafeDash, DoorDash has also implemented some other safety features to help improve safety for Dashers. DoorDash recently added a new feature called “SafeChat.” According to DoorDash, messages in the Dasher app are screened for offensive language and Dashers can report customers that text inappropriate messages.

DoorDash has also added real-time safety alerts in its app. If there is a dangerous situation nearby, DoorDash will send you a notification letting you know about the situation.

Finally, DoorDash has added a feature on the customer side reminding customers to turn on their porch lights when ordering food at night. This can help improve safety for Dashers, but more importantly, it makes it easier for Dashers to find the customer’s address. For more information about these DoorDash safety features, check out this blog post from DoorDash.

As with anything, you still need to exercise your own judgment when delivering orders. If something makes you feel unsafe, get in touch with DoorDash and let them know. Your safety is always the most important thing to consider.

A question that I do see occasionally is whether DoorDash is safe for female drivers. This is a legitimate question to ask – and unfortunately, as a young male, I don’t often think of the safety implications of working on DoorDash, especially when I’m working at night.

Again, I think it comes down to your comfort level. Ideally, you want to stay in busy, safe neighborhoods. If you can, try to work during the day. Make sure people know where you are and what you’re doing. Never go into someone’s house. And use the DoorDash safety features if you feel threatened or uncomfortable. If you follow all these steps, you can keep yourself as safe as possible.

Final Thoughts

In sum, DoorDash is safe. Drivers are background checked and restaurants take steps to make sure drivers don’t tamper with orders.

I also like that they’ve taken concrete steps to make DoorDash safer for drivers too. I especially like how they’ve added SafeDash to the Dasher app, giving Dashers a way to get help if they’re in an uncomfortable situation.

As with anything having to do with personal safety, be aware of your surroundings when you’re Dashing. And don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or puts you in a less-than-ideal situation. For most people, there will never be any issues with DoorDash safety.

More Recommended Ebike/Scooters

Check out these other ebikes/scooters I've had the chance to do a review for:

GEN3 Outcross Bike – The GEN3 Outcross is a solid, affordable fat tire ebike that does a good job of doing what I need it to do. It works great for city riding, giving me a smooth ride in all conditions. It’s works really well as a winter ebike since the fat tires give it good traction over snow and ice. Check out my GEN3 Outcross Review.
Himiway Escape Bike – The Himiway Escape is an interesting bike for anyone looking for a moped-style ebike. If you’re a gig economy worker, the Himiway Escape is particularly interesting and it’s possible to think of it as an investment, especially if you can opt to do deliveries with the Himiway versus using a car. It’s not cheap, but you can definitely make your money back when you compare the mileage you’ll put on your car versus using an ebike. Check out my Himiway Escape Bike Review.
Espin Sport Bike – The Espin Sport is a good ebike for someone who is looking for an ebike that feels and rides more like a regular bike. There are many ebikes that are really only bikes in name. In reality, they’re basically electric mopeds. The Espin Sport, by contrast, is a bike you could probably ride without the battery and you’d feel like you’re just riding a regular bike. Check out my Espin Sport Review.
Varla Eagle One Scooter – The Varla Eagle One is an excellent scooter that can make sense for a lot of people. It can work as a primary mode of transportation. You can use it to work on gig economy apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. And it can also be a recreational vehicle if you’d prefer to use it for that. Check out my Varla Eagle One Review.
Fucare H3 Scooter – The Fucare H3 is a fun scooter and I’ve enjoyed testing it out. For a daily commuter or quick trips or errands, the Fucare H3 is probably the scooter I’ll use. It’s portable and easy to maneuver, so it’s just easier to take on the road when I need it. Check out my Fucare H3 Scooter Review.

More Recommended Investing App Bonuses

For additional investing app bonuses, be sure to check out the ones below:

M1 Finance ($10) – This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $10 for opening an account. Check out my M1 Finance Referral Bonus – Step-By-Step Guide.
SoFi Invest ($25) – SoFi Invest is an easy brokerage account bonus that you can earn with just a few minutes of work. Use my SoFi Invest referral link, fund your SoFi Invest brokerage account with $100 and you’ll get $25 of free stock. I also have a step-by-step guide for the SoFi Invest referral bonus.
Moomoo (5 free stocks) – Moomoo is a free investing app currently offering 5 free stocks (usually worth around $75-$100) if you open an account using a referral link and deposit $2,000. Read my Moomoo referral bonus guide for more information.
Webull (5 free stocks) – Webull also gives you 5 free stock valued between $3-$3,000 each if you open an account using my referral link. Here’s a guide I wrote about how to earn your free stocks using Webull.
Robinhood (1 free stock) – Robinhood gives you a free stock valued between $2.50-$225 if you open an account using my referral link.
Public (1 free stock) - Public gives you a free stock valued between $3-$70 if you open an account using my referral link.

More Recommended Bank Account Bonuses

If you’re looking for more easy bank bonuses, check out the below options. These bonuses are all easy to earn and have no fees or minimum balance requirements to worry about.

Chime ($100) - Chime is a free bank account that offers a referral bonus if you use a referral link and complete a direct deposit of $200 or more. In practice, any ACH transfer into this account triggers the bonus. This bonus is easy to earn and posts instantly, so you’ll know if you met the requirements as soon as you move money into the account. I wrote a step-by-step guide on how to earn your Chime referral bonus that I recommend you check out.
Digital Federal Credit Union ($100) – Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) is a free, nationwide credit union that I recommend to readers for two reasons. First, DCU has a $100 referral bonus if you open a free DCU checking account with a referral link. Second, DCU has a saving account that gives you 6.17% interest on your first $1,000. Check out my in-depth post on how to set this account up.
Upgrade ($100) – Upgrade is a free checking account that’s currently offering a $100 referral bonus if you open an account and complete three debit card transactions. These bonus terms are easy to meet, so it’s well worth doing this bonus as soon as you can. Importantly, this bonus says that it’s now scheduled to end on January 31, 2023. As long as you get your account opened before January 31st, you should be eligible. Here’s a post I wrote with more details: Upgrade $100 Referral Bonus – Step By Step Directions.
SoFi Money ($275) – SoFi Money is a free checking account from SoFi. They’re currently offering a $25 referral bonus if you open a SoFi account with a referral link and deposit $10. You can also make an additional $250 as well if you complete a direct deposit. This is a good bank that is also 100% free, so you won’t have to worry about managing this account. Here’s a post I wrote with instructions on how to earn your SoFi Money bonus: SoFi Money Referral Bonus: Step By Step Guide.
Current ($50) – Current is a free fintech bank that’s offering new users a $50 referral bonus after signing up for an account using a referral link.Current is an easy bonus to earn and also gives you access to three savings accounts that pay you 4% interest on up to $2,000. That means you can put away up to $6,000 earning 4% interest. That’s very good and makes Current an account I recommend to everyone. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to earn your Current Bank bonus.
Fairwinds Credit Union ($100) – Fairwinds Credit Union is offering a referral bonus for users that sign up using a referral link. Fairwinds has no fees or minimum balance, so this is a particularly easy bonus to earn. Since this is a smaller credit union, my gut instinct tells me this offer won’t be around long, so if you’re in a position to meet the bonus requirements, grab this bonus before it’s gone. Here is my step-by-step guide on how to earn your Fairwinds Credit Union bonus.
OnJuno ($60) – OnJuno is a fintech/neobank that is currently offering a $10 referral bonus if you open an account using a referral link and make a deposit of $50 or more. You will also get 1000 JCOIN. The 1000 of JCOIN is cryptocurrency. At the time I'm writing this, it'll be worth about $50. Check out my OnJuno referral bonus guide here.
Varo ($30) – Varo is a free fintech banking app similar to Chime or Current. It’s currently offering a $30 bonus to new users that open a new Varo account with a referral link. The bonus for this bank is very easy to meet, all you need to do is spend $20 within 30 days of opening your Varo account. Check out my step-by-step guide to learn how to earn this bonus.
Novo Bank ($40) - Novo bank is a free business checking account that’s currently offering a $40 bonus if you open a Novo business checking account using a referral link. In addition to being a good bank bonus, Novo is also a good business checking account. It has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and operates a good app and website. Indeed, it’s the business checking account I currently use for this blog. Check out my post on how to easily open a Novo account.
Albert ($150) – If you can manage to do a real direct deposit, Albert is an easy account you can use to earn a referral bonus. Here’s a review about Albert I wrote. And here’s a step-by-step guide on how to earn your Albert referral bonus.
Netspend ($20 + 5% Interest Savings Account) – Netspend is a company that provides 5% interest savings accounts. If you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get a $20 signup bonus once you make your first deposit into your Netspend account of $40 or more. That means you get a 5% interest savings account and a free $20 to start! Make sure to check out my in-depth guide on how to set up these accounts.

Kevin is an attorney and the blogger behind Financial Panther, a blog about personal finance, travel hacking, and side hustling using the gig economy. He paid off $87,000 worth of student loans in just 2.5 years by choosing not to live like a big shot lawyer.

Kevin is passionate about earning money using the gig economy and you can see all the ways he makes extra income every month in his side hustle reports.

Kevin is also big on using the latest fintech apps to improve his finances. Some of Kevin's favorite fintech apps include:

SoFi Money. A really good checking account with absolutely no fees. You'll get a $25 referral bonus if you open a SoFi Money account with a referral link, and an additional $250 if you complete a direct deposit.
DCU. Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) is a free, nationwide credit union that I recommend to readers for two reasons. First, DCU has a $100 referral bonus if you open a free DCU checking account with a referral link. Second, DCU has a savings account that gives you 6.17% interest on your first $1,000.
Novo Bank. Novo bank is a free business checking account that’s currently offering a $40 bonus if you open a Novo business checking account using a referral link. It’s the business checking account I currently use for this blog.
M1 Finance. This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $10 for opening an account.
Personal Capital. One of best free apps you can use to monitor your portfolio and track your net worth. This is one of the apps I use to track my financial accounts.