If you’ve ever stared at a blinking GPS dot while waiting for a burrito, you’ve probably wondered what’s actually happening on the other side of that screen. Since Uber swallowed Postmates back in 2020, the "Fleet" experience has changed a lot. People often ask me if the platform is still safe, or if it’s just become a digital wild west for drivers and customers alike. Honestly, the answer is kind of complicated.
When we evaluate the food delivery company Postmates on delivery safety, we aren't just looking at one thing. It's a mix of background checks, app-based tech, and the messy reality of the gig economy in 2026.
The background check reality check
Let’s get the big stuff out of the way first. Postmates doesn't just let anyone with a bike and a dream start delivering. They use a third-party service called Checkr—which, if you’ve ever done gig work, you know is basically the industry standard.
But here’s what’s interesting. In 2026, these checks are "continuous." That means if a driver gets a DUI on a Saturday night when they aren't even working, the system is designed to flag it. They’re looking for the heavy hitters: violent crimes, sexual offenses, and major motor vehicle violations.
What they look for:
- Criminal History: Standard 7-year lookback for felonies and misdemeanors.
- Driving Record: They hate seeing reckless driving or hit-and-runs.
- Identity: You’ve got to submit a selfie that matches your ID.
Wait. Does this make it 100% safe? No. It’s a filter, not a force field. Some drivers have complained that the "identity verification" selfies can be glitchy, sometimes locking people out of their accounts for no reason. But for you, the customer, it means the person at your door has at least passed a baseline level of scrutiny.
Evaluating the food delivery company Postmates on delivery safety tech
Postmates is basically a skin for Uber Eats now. That’s not a secret. This means they’ve inherited Uber’s massive safety tech stack.
Think about the "Emergency Button." It’s right there in the app. If a driver feels sketched out during a drop-off in a dark alley, they can hit it to connect with 911 or a safety agent. In 2026, the tech has gotten even weirder—and smarter. The app now tracks "harsh braking" and "phone handling." If a driver is white-knuckling it through traffic while texting, the app knows.
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This creates a weird tension. On one hand, it keeps drivers focused. On the other, it’s a lot of surveillance. Most drivers I talk to say it feels like a "digital boss" constantly watching over their shoulder. But from a safety perspective? It's hard to argue with.
The "Order and Pay" danger zone
If you’ve been using Postmates for a while, you know about the "Black Card." This is where a driver has to go into a restaurant, place the order themselves, and pay with a company card.
This is where safety gets a little dicey for the drivers.
Why? Because it takes time. Drivers are often pressured to move fast to make any real money. When you’re stuck waiting 20 minutes for a pizza that wasn't pre-ordered, you start rushing. Rushing leads to mistakes. Mistakes on the road lead to accidents.
Honestly, the "order when you arrive" model is the weakest link when we evaluate the food delivery company Postmates on delivery safety. It creates an environment where the driver is frustrated and hurried.
Insurance: The gap nobody talks about
Here is the part that actually scares people once they realize it. If a Postmates driver gets into a wreck while the app is on but they haven't accepted an order yet, who pays?
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Most personal car insurance policies have a "delivery exclusion." This means if your insurance company finds out you were "active" on an app, they might deny your claim.
Uber/Postmates provides some liability insurance, but it’s mostly active during the delivery. In 2026, companies like State Farm and Progressive have started offering "rideshare endorsements" to fill this gap, but not every driver buys them. It’s a massive financial safety risk that a lot of "Fleet" members just ignore until it's too late.
Real-world tips for staying safe
If you’re a customer, you can actually help make things safer. It sounds small, but it matters.
- Light it up. If you're ordering at 10 PM, turn on your porch light. A driver fumbling in the dark is a target for trips, falls, or worse.
- Be specific. If your apartment complex has a gate code or a weird "Building J is actually behind Building C" situation, put it in the notes.
- Contactless is king. Using the "Leave at door" option is basically the gold standard now. It eliminates 90% of the potential for awkward or unsafe interactions.
For the drivers? My best advice is to get a dashcam. Seriously. In the world of gig work, if something goes wrong, it’s often your word against theirs. A dashcam is the only way to prove you weren't the one who ran that red light while the app was pinging you.
The final word on Postmates safety
Is Postmates safe? Mostly.
The tech is better than it’s ever been, and the background checks are legit. But the "human element" is always the wildcard. You have a system that incentivizes speed in a world full of distracted drivers. When we evaluate the food delivery company Postmates on delivery safety, we see a company that has the right tools but still struggles with the inherent risks of the road.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Drivers: Check your personal auto policy today. If you don't have a "commercial" or "rideshare" add-on, you are likely driving uninsured the moment you log into the app.
- Customers: Always double-check that the driver’s face matches the profile photo in the app. If it doesn't, report it immediately—it's a major red flag for account sharing, which bypasses safety checks.
- Everyone: Keep your app updated. The latest safety features, like "Check Your Ride" or "Share My Trip," only work if you're running the current version.