Running a food truck business is exciting, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. In addition to making sure that your food truck business can survive and thrive through setbacks, you need to consider the safety and satisfaction of your employees and customers. One of the ways you can do this is to protect your food truck business with food truck insurance from Tabak Insurance. Whether you’re comparing food truck insurance for a brand-new mobile kitchen or reviewing an existing commercial food truck insurance policy, Tabak Insurance Agency builds coverage around the specific risks that come with running a food business on wheels.
Who Needs to Have Food Truck Insurance?
As you might have guessed, anyone who plans to run a commercial food truck business needs to have food truck insurance. Even if you think you run your business well enough to prevent accidents from happening, you can’t predict everything. An uninsured business, especially one that’s just starting out, can be seriously hurt or even forced to shut down by the financial strain of legal action—not to mention the effects of messy lawsuits on public opinion.
The Purpose of Food Truck Liability Insurance
Food truck policies are meant to protect food truck owners in cases of accidents, injuries, illnesses, or other customer harm that the business would be legally liable for (see the next section for coverage details). With a food truck, liability is more about accidents that can be attributed to your business than it is about whose land the customer was on at the time. So long as an accident can be argued to have been caused by your business or business property in some way, you will be deemed liable.
Food Truck Insurance Coverage
Your coverage will vary depending on your agency and the details of your insurance policy, but the following are examples of things that can be covered by food truck insurance:
Truck damage: Car accidents, vandalism, etc.
- Automotive liability
Equipment damage or failure: Freezers, deep fryers, grills, etc.
Employee accidents (workers’ compensation)
- Unemployment
Customer accidents: Slips and falls (condiment spills, equipment trip hazards), Injuries from contact with equipment
Foodborne illness: Undercooked or tainted food, coli, Listeria and other common outbreaks
The specific limits of each type of coverage will be dictated by your policy. You may also be able to increase these limits by adding umbrella insurance. If the standard coverage doesn’t seem like enough for your business, ask a Tabak Insurance agent about your options for additional coverage.
As with coverage, your premium amount will depend strongly upon your agency and policy. Generally, however, you can expect food truck insurance to start at a minimum of about $300 a year ($25 a month).¹ Of course, the amount will increase as you add more coverage or increase limits. In the grand scheme of your business expenses, food truck insurance is quite affordable and can save you money in the long run.
Ready to Protect Your Food Truck?
Tabak Insurance Agency has been providing reliable insurance to the food and beverage industry for more than 25 years. Don’t let an accident, equipment breakdown, or liability claim put your mobile food business at risk. Contact Tabak Insurance Agency today to build a food truck insurance package tailored to your operation, call 800-806-0689 to speak with one of our hospitality insurance specialists, or get a fast, no-obligation quote online today.
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Food Truck Insurance FAQs
What does food truck insurance cover?
Food truck insurance typically combines commercial auto insurance, general liability, and equipment coverage. Together, these protect against vehicle accidents, customer injury or illness claims, and damage to cooking equipment like grills, fryers, and freezers. Many food truck owners also add product liability for foodborne illness or allergen-related claims.
How much does food truck insurance cost?
Food truck insurance cost depends on your truck’s value, equipment, menu, and location. Combining coverages into a Business Owner’s Policy can help lower overall cost. Tabak Insurance Agency provides personalized quotes based on your setup.
Do food trucks need commercial auto insurance?
Yes. Because a food truck operates as both a vehicle and a business, standard general liability insurance will not cover accidents on the road. Commercial auto insurance covers truck damage and liability if your vehicle causes injury or property damage, and it is typically required before you can legally operate.
What is the difference between general liability and product liability for food trucks?
General liability covers everyday risks like customer injury or property damage on-site. Product liability specifically covers claims related to the food you serve, such as foodborne illness or undisclosed allergens. Many food truck insurance policies include product liability as part of a general liability package.
What insurance do I need before opening a food truck?
Before opening, most food truck owners need commercial auto insurance, general liability insurance, and coverage for kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, and freezers. Combining these into a Business Owner’s Policy is often more cost-effective than purchasing them separately. Tabak Insurance Agency can help you assemble the right package before launch.
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