Mobile catering van insurance

Get protected on the road and at the hatch

Mobile catering van insurance is designed for food trucks, coffee vans, burger vans, ice cream vans and catering trailers operating in the UK. It brings together several protections into one policy so you can trade legally on the road, serve customers safely and keep cash flow steady if something goes wrong. The right cover can protect your vehicle, fitted equipment, stock and the people you interact with - customers, suppliers and staff.

This type of policy solves common problems mobile caterers face. A road accident can take your van off the road. A fridge failure can spoil frozen goods. A customer could trip at your hatch or suffer a reaction to an ingredient. Events can be cancelled at short notice. Without suitable insurance, any of these incidents can disrupt trading and put serious strain on finances.

You should expect straight answers from your insurer about what is and is not covered. Some covers are legal requirements in the UK, such as commercial vehicle insurance for business use and employers’ liability if you have staff. Others are strongly recommended, like public and product liability to address injuries, property damage and food safety claims. In this guide, we explain the key cover types, typical limits, where exclusions often apply, and how to compare policies. The aim is simple - help you make a calm, confident decision that fits your operation and budget.

Insurance can protect your business - but only when you understand the cover and its limits.

What is included and how it works

A specialist mobile catering policy typically combines commercial vehicle insurance with liability and property covers. Commercial vehicle insurance is mandatory for any van used for business. Comprehensive options can include fixtures, fittings and modifications such as serving hatches, sinks and cooking units. If your vehicle is stolen or damaged, the policy can pay to repair or replace it, subject to excesses and depreciation rules.

Public liability protects you if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged in connection with your business - for example, a slip near your hatch or a scald from a hot drink. Product liability addresses claims linked to the food you serve, such as allergic reactions or food poisoning. Event organisers and local authorities often require proof of liability cover, with limits commonly up to £5 million or higher for larger events.

If you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, with a minimum limit of £5 million. This helps with claims arising from work-related injury or illness. Policies can also cover your equipment and stock, including frozen goods, for risks like theft, damage, power failure and equipment breakdown, subject to stated limits and security conditions.

Claims usually follow a clear process: notify your insurer promptly, provide evidence such as photos, receipts and witness details, and follow any guidance on mitigation or repairs. Exclusions may include wear and tear, deliberate acts, poor hygiene practices, unapproved modifications, or inadequate security - especially for trailers. If a risk is not listed as an insured peril, or if policy conditions are not met, a claim may not be paid. Knowing these boundaries helps you set realistic expectations and avoid gaps.

Who benefits most

This cover is most useful for mobile food businesses trading on public roads, at markets, festivals, construction sites, business parks and private events. It suits food trucks, coffee vans, burger and pizza vans, ice cream vans and towed catering trailers. Owners who rely on fitted cooking equipment, refrigeration and perishable stock gain significant protection, as do operators who travel frequently or work at large public events with higher footfall.

If you operate occasionally on private premises with no public access, you may not need the highest liability limits - but most venues still require evidence of insurance. If you do not employ staff, employers’ liability is not required. For seasonal traders, short-term policies may be appropriate. If your van is used for private purposes only, a commercial policy is not necessary - but once you trade for profit, business-use cover is essential.

Picking your cover level

1. Basic - Legal essentials

• Commercial vehicle insurance for business use
• Public liability with lower limits
• Optional equipment cover with modest sums insured
• Best for new micro-operators testing demand

2. Standard - Balanced protection

• Comprehensive commercial vehicle cover including modifications
• Public and product liability up to around £5 million
• Equipment and stock cover with defined limits for frozen goods
• Suitable for regular traders at markets and events

3. Enhanced - Higher limits and extras

• Higher liability limits suited to large venues
• Wider equipment cover and increased frozen stock limits
• Business interruption for insured events like fire or theft
• Recommended for established operators with higher turnover

4. Optional add-ons

• Employers’ liability - legally required if you employ staff
• Event cancellation - helps when a booked event is cancelled
• Breakdown cover - roadside assistance for vehicle issues
• Loss of money - cash taken from the van or during banking
• Trailer cover - includes security conditions such as hitch locks and wheel clamps
• Goods in transit - protection while moving stock and equipment

Choose limits that reflect your busiest trading day - not your quietest.

What does it cost - and why

Prices vary widely by risk profile. Expect a noticeable difference between a small coffee van trading locally and a large food truck touring festivals with higher limits and frozen stock cover. Insurers may offer discounts for experienced drivers, robust security and combined policies. Treat any online price as an estimate until your details, modifications and limits are confirmed.

Can you apply - and what you may need

Most UK-based mobile catering operators can apply if the vehicle is registered for business use and driven by licence holders who meet the insurer’s age and driving history criteria. You will usually be asked for details of your vehicle, modifications, equipment values, trading locations, expected turnover, any staff, and your claims and convictions history. Proof of business use, ownership and security devices may be required, especially for trailers.

Common reasons for decline include undisclosed modifications, inadequate security for trailers, unspent motoring convictions beyond the insurer’s acceptance, very high claims frequency, or requests for limits that are disproportionate to the business size. Being open about how and where you trade helps insurers price accurately and prevents cover from being invalidated later.

From quote to cover - the simple path

1. Gather vehicle, driver and equipment details with estimated stock values.
2. Get quotes online and by phone from specialist UK providers.
3. Compare liability limits, exclusions, excesses and security conditions.
4. Choose a suitable cover level and optional add-ons you genuinely need.
5. Confirm business use and named drivers, then arrange payment terms.
6. Read policy documents carefully and store proof of insurance securely.
7. If something happens, tell your insurer promptly and follow claim guidance.

Balanced view - benefits and trade-offs

Checks that prevent surprises

Before buying, review excesses for vehicle, equipment and liability claims, and make sure the amounts fit your cash flow. Confirm what counts as an insured event for business interruption, how frozen goods are valued, and any sub-limits on single items. Read security conditions in full - trailers often require approved hitch locks, wheel clamps and sometimes trackers when unattended. Check whether modifications are listed, from serving hatches to LPG systems, and whether proof of installation is required. Note renewal terms and how premiums may change after a claim. Keep accurate stock values and maintain receipts, hygiene records and maintenance logs - they help evidence and speed up any claim.

Other covers worth considering

1. Public liability only - For occasional private events where a vehicle policy already exists but organisers need proof of liability.
2. Product liability standalone - If you prepare food off-site and want cover tied to the products themselves.
3. Tools and equipment insurance - For portable items taken out of the van to venues.
4. Personal accident cover - Income support if you cannot work after an injury.
5. Cyber insurance - If you take online orders or card payments and store customer data.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is commercial vehicle insurance different from standard van cover? A: Yes. Standard policies usually exclude business use for catering. Commercial vehicle insurance covers trading activities, modifications and business mileage, helping you stay compliant on UK roads.

Q: What liability limit do event organisers typically ask for? A: Many events require at least £2 million, and larger venues commonly request £5 million. Always check the event contract and align your policy limit before you arrive on site.

Q: Do I need employers’ liability if I only use casual helpers? A: If anyone works for you, paid or unpaid, you may need employers’ liability by law. When in doubt, disclose the arrangement to your insurer to ensure you meet legal obligations.

Q: Are frozen goods covered if the power fails overnight? A: Many policies offer frozen stock cover for spoilage following power failure or equipment breakdown, up to a set limit. You will need evidence of loss and working temperature records.

Q: What security is required for a catering trailer? A: Insurers often require a key-operated hitch lock and wheel clamps when unattended, sometimes an alarm or tracker. Not meeting these conditions can invalidate theft cover.

Q: Can I get short-term cover for a festival season? A: Some providers offer seasonal or short-term policies. Limits and conditions still apply, and you must declare all drivers, locations and equipment for accurate pricing.

Q: How are modifications treated when settling a claim? A: Approved and declared modifications are usually covered within the policy terms. Undeclared or unapproved changes may be excluded, so list all fittings and keep installation evidence.

What to do next

Take a few minutes to note your vehicle details, equipment values, stock levels and event requirements. Compare quotes from specialist UK providers, focusing on liability limits, exclusions, excesses and security conditions rather than just price. When you are clear on what you need, choose a level of cover that protects your busiest trading days and helps you operate with confidence.

Keep copies of your policy schedule, certificates and event documentation in the van for quick checks.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, limits and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read your documents carefully, confirm legal requirements for your situation and seek professional advice if you need help deciding on the right cover.