If you have a valid driver’s license and a car, you can become an Instacart shopper as a lucrative side hustle.
More than half a million people have become shoppers because of the flexible hours and the great pay.
Unfortunately, having a DUI could play a role in whether you get hired. And you’re probably worried about the Instacart DUI policy.
It might be a bit confusing at first, but let’s break it down so you can determine your chances of being hired.
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Will Instacart Hire You With a DUI?
You can still become an Instacart shopper if you have a DUI on your driving record.
Instacart wants people who can become full-service shoppers. This means you need to be legally allowed to drive.
Having a previous DUI doesn’t prevent you from driving in some states. But it displays a poor driving record which points to reckless driving. This can lead to disqualification.
Instacart has rejected many DUIs while hiring several others without a hitch.
Your best bet is to go through with the process of signing up after fulfilling all the main requirements.
Instacart DUI Policy Explained
Full-service shoppers must have an active driver’s license and car insurance coverage. Applicants with DUIs are not instantly disqualified.
Instacart is more likely to hire you if your last DUI was over five years ago. That’s assuming you’ve kept a clean driving record since.
The Instacart DUI policy is a bit like Uber’s DUI policy, albeit much more lenient.
If more than one DUI pops up in your public record searches, your chances are very slim.
Does Instacart Run Background Checks?
Yes. An Instacart background check is a standard protocol for every potential hire.
Instacart outsources its background checks to third-party companies.
The first is Checkr, a San Francisco startup; the second is Sterling, an industry leader.
Instacart Background Check Overview
All prospective shoppers must share their social security number with Instacart.
This allows them to run criminal background checks and vet you as a candidate.
If they find a criminal conviction, you might be unable to join the team. Criminal history is essential, but it depends on how long ago the crimes were.
For example, Instacart still hired these people on Reddit, despite their felony convictions and criminal records.
Violent crimes and sexual crimes are most likely to be a problem, no matter the time frame.
If a DUI or other convictions appear in a background screening, it won’t look so good.
Some people with DUIs on their records get hired, while others get rejected.
In one YouTube video, Black Bigalow talks about how a DUI is a huge deal. He says you’ll have to wait seven years before most driver-based apps accept your application.
Take a look at this Indeed thread, and you’ll realize you can’t know with absolute certainty how it will go.
Will a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?
Yes. A traditional background check will include information from public driving databases. This means a DUI is likely to show up.
How Often Does Instacart Run Background Checks?
Instacart runs background checks for all potential shoppers and delivery drivers. They’ll notify you once they start the process.
Instacart does background checks once every year. This may feel a bit intrusive, but as long as there is nothing new on your record, you’re good to go.
What Disqualifies You From Working for Instacart?
Like most jobs, Instacart has a checklist for every potential personal shopper.
Some things are a dealbreaker, like not having a driver’s license. Others can be somewhat debatable.
Here are some of the things that can disqualify you from working for Instacart:
1. DUI Within a Year
If it’s only been a year since your last DUI, Instacart will likely disqualify you.
2. No Valid License
If you don’t have a valid license, even if it’s expired and you forgot to renew it, Instacart will disqualify you. They take this very seriously.
You’ll also have to provide a valid social security number, and you must also be 18 or older.
3. No Car Insurance
Instacart shoppers are independent contractors. This means Instacart doesn’t handle any accident-associated damages.
You must own an insured, reliable vehicle before you apply.
Rideshare insurance and accident coverage are dealbreakers. You can get instantly disqualified from working for Instacart if you skip them. The insurance must also be under your name.
4. Recent Crime Conviction
Instacart doesn’t specifically mention what crimes can lead to disqualification.
But you can expect things like:
- Several moving violations in a vehicle or reckless driving charges
- Recent felony convictions
- Being a registered sex offender or having sexual assault charges
What Happens if You Get a DUI While Delivering for Instacart?
If you get a DUI while delivering for Instacart, they will find out. Checkr or Sterling will usually notify the company immediately.
In rare cases, they might not immediately pick up on the charge. But it’ll still show up on your annual background check.
What happens next depends on Instacart. For some people, a DUI while on the job can mean getting deactivated. If this happens, they’ll notify you by email, or you might be unable to log into your account.
Some people in this Reddit thread reported that nothing happened after getting a DUI.
In fact, one person claimed that they’d been active on Instacart, Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash when they got a DUI. Only DoorDash suspended their account. Strangely, all four apps get a Checkr background check report.
Regardless of what others say, you should always drive safely and avoid getting a DUI. Should it happen, you can try appealing for rehire.
Wrapping Up
Instacart is a terrific opportunity to earn extra cash on your own time.
Having a DUI might lower your chances of getting hired. But Instacart won’t immediately disqualify you for it.
The company wants reliable, steady drivers who have a clean record, at least over the past few years. Don’t be discouraged from trying your luck; they might overlook your DUI.
If you still have questions about the Instacart DUI policy, let us know in the comments!
