Instacart boosts mobile safety for shoppers

A new in-app safety feature will enable Instacart shoppers to contact emergency services.

The on-demand delivery giant is providing the Safe by ADT mobile safety solution from security technology provider ADT to its 500,000 shoppers through an in-app safety feature beginning in May 2020. The Safe by ADT platform will support Instacart’s new safety and emergency response feature, allowing shoppers to quickly and discreetly contact emergency services anytime they may feel unsafe. 

Safe by ADT is a data-driven, customizable mobile safety solution that integrates into third-party apps, providing users with access to ADT’s 24/7 professional monitoring centers to help provide emergency assistance. Instacart shoppers will be able to connect with an ADT monitoring professional who may receive customer location, identity and other data, such as trip or task details.

The new safety feature within the Instacart shopper app can quickly connect shoppers to emergency services and send along incident details, including GPS location. Once activated, the safety feature can help emergency services to locate the shopper, even if they moved after the initial alert.

“The safety and well-being of all Instacart shoppers is our top priority,” said George O’Brien, VP of shopper product at Instacart. “With the support of ADT, we’re making it possible for shoppers to access 24/7 emergency services directly from their Instacart shopper app, helping make sure shoppers can get assistance when they need it most.”

Other recent efforts Instacart has made to enhance shopper healthy and safety via its app include a daily, in-app wellness check designed to help survey shoppers for any COVID-19 related symptoms. In addition, new in-app messaging makes it easier for active shoppers to request a free health and safety kit directly from the Instacart shopper app.

Instacart has partnered with more than 350 national, regional and local retailers to deliver from more than 25,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities in the U.S. and Canada.