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Why QuoteSearcher for Catering Van Insurance?

Running a catering van means being on the move, whether that’s trading from a regular pitch, attending markets, or travelling to festivals and events. Each setup brings its own risks, which is why many operators look for insurance options that take into account how their business operates, rather than relying on standard van cover.

Alongside preparing food, managing stock and keeping customers happy, insurance is another essential part of running a compliant and resilient business. QuoteSearcher works with brokers experienced in arranging insurance for catering vans and street food businesses. We use a short form to connect you with a panel of brokers, who can discuss the insurance options available based on your setup and trading activity.

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Policy Benefits

Depending on the provider and the policy arranged, catering van insurance may include:

Public and Employers’ Liability

Public Liability may help cover legal costs and compensation if a customer is injured or made unwell, for example through a food-related claim. Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement if you have staff, whether full-time, part-time, or working at events with you, and covers claims arising from workplace injury or illness.

Stock Insurance

May help protect stock if it’s damaged or lost due to equipment failure or spoilage.

Legal Expenses

May include cover for legal costs following a claim. Find out more about Legal Expenses Cover. Find out more about Legal Expenses Cover.

Personal Accident

May provide financial support if an injury prevents you from working and trading.

Business interruption

May help compensate for lost income if you’re unable to trade. Learn more about Business Interruption Cover. Learn more about Business Interruption Cover.

Levels of Catering Van Insurance Cover

There are three main types of policy to consider:

Third Party Only (TPO)

Covers claims made against you by a third party for their losses following an accident or injury that’s your fault. This is the legal minimum you’re required to have.

Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT)

Protects against third-party claims, as well as if your catering van is stolen or damaged by fire.

Fully Comprehensive

Covers everything above, plus other aspects that aren’t the result of a collision, such as vandalism.

Gas and Equipment Safety

If your catering van or trailer uses gas equipment, insurers may ask about your CP44 gas safety certificate, which confirms your LPG installation has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Keeping this up to date is worth doing regardless of your policy, and some insurers may take it into account when assessing cover for gas or generator-related risks.

Types of Catering Van

We can help you find cover for a wide range of catering vans, no matter what kind of food and drink you offer:

Food Van

Burger Van

Coffee Van

Sandwich Van

Snack Van

Pizza Van

Fish and Chip Van

Ice Cream Van

Kebab Van

Jiffy and Other Catering Van Conversions

Many catering vans are built on well-known conversion platforms, including Jiffy, one of the most recognised catering van manufacturers in the UK. Whatever the manufacturer or conversion, brokers can take the vehicle’s build, age and specification into account when arranging cover.

Catering Trailers

Not every catering business runs from a van, many operate from a trailer instead, towed by a separate vehicle. Catering trailer insurance is generally arranged separately to your towing vehicle’s own cover, and may need to reflect how the trailer is used, where it’s stored, and what equipment is on board. If you operate a catering trailer rather than a van, a specialist broker can talk you through what’s different about arranging cover for it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CATERING VAN INSURANCE

- Why do I need Catering Van Insurance?
  Working with food and the public presents a unique set of risks, and as the business owner you are at risk of public liability and compensation claims.
  
  Whatever the case, these sorts of problems can prove incredibly costly, and can have very serious financial implications especially for smaller catering businesses.
  
  Key types to consider:
  - Public Liability Insurance: Covers injury or damage claims from your catering activities.
  - Product Liability Insurance: For claims related to food-related illness or injury.
  - Employers' Liability Insurance: Mandatory for employee coverage against work-related illness or injury claims.
  - Equipment and Stock Insurance: Protects catering equipment and food stock.
  - Goods in Transit Insurance: For transporting food and equipment.
  - Business Interruption Insurance: Helps cover lost income during business downtime post an insured event.
- What is Catering Van Insurance?
  A specific insurance policy designed to provide catering van owners with all the protection they need, in case of an accident or a compensation claim being launched against them.
  
  Some of the main features are public liability, employers' liability, and vehicle repair.
- What insurance do I need for a catering van?
  When starting a catering business, insurance is a must. It's important to make sure your business is properly covered in the case of an accident or other unforeseen events. The types of insurance you need depends on the type of business you're running and the risks associated with it.
  
  For a catering van business, you should consider several types of insurance. Public liability insurance covers third-party claims for injury or property damage resulting from your business activities and employer's liability insurance can cover you in the event of an employee getting hurt or falling ill while working for you.
- How much is catering van insurance in the UK?
  When you are running your own catering van business, it is important to consider the costs of insurance. In the UK, catering van insurance typically costs around £800 to over £2,000 a year. The cost of your insurance policy will depend on several factors including the value of your catering van, the type of catering business you are running and where you are located.
- What insurance do you need for a coffee van?
  Operating a coffee van requires specific types of insurance to cover both the vehicle itself and the business operations:
  - Van Insurance: Similar to regular car insurance, but for commercial vehicles, this is legally required to operate on the roads.
  - Public Liability Insurance: To protect against claims if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities.
  - Product Liability Insurance: Protection against claims related to issues with the coffee and food items you serve.
  - Stock Insurance: Covers any stock, like coffee beans and pastries, against loss or damage.
  - Equipment Insurance: To protect the equipment within your van like your coffee machine and grinders.
  Additional coverages like employers' liability insurance may be necessary if you employ staff, and business interruption insurance can cover lost income during unforeseen closures.
- What is a CP44?
  A CP44 is a certificate required for catering with gas appliances in the UK. It's a Gas Safety Certificate confirming that your appliances are checked and meet safety standards. It must be issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after inspecting and testing your appliances. Having a valid CP44 is crucial for health and safety compliance, insurance validity, and reassuring clients and event organisers about safety standards. Remember to renew the CP44 annually for ongoing compliance with gas safety regulations.
- Does catering van insurance include public liability cover?
  Public liability cover is often arranged alongside catering van insurance, particularly for businesses serving food to the public. It may help protect against claims if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your trading activities. Availability and limits vary by insurer, and brokers can explain what level of cover may be available based on how your business operates.
- Does catering van insurance cover cooking equipment and appliances?
  Some policies may include options to cover fixed cooking equipment, refrigeration units, coffee machines, or generators installed within the van. Cover levels and conditions vary, particularly for higher-value or specialist equipment. Brokers can outline what can be included and whether additional cover is required.
- Am I covered to trade at festivals, markets, and events?
  Many catering van policies can be arranged to reflect mobile trading, including attendance at festivals, markets, and private events. Insurers may assess how frequently you travel and where you operate. Brokers can discuss your trading pattern and confirm whether your policy reflects these activities.
- Do I need employers’ liability insurance if I hire staff?
  If you employ staff, even on a part-time or temporary basis, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for most UK businesses. This cover may help protect your business if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work. Brokers can advise whether this applies to your business and arrange cover where needed.
- Does catering van insurance cover gas or generator risks?
  Catering vans that use LPG gas cylinders or portable generators may require insurers to assess additional risk factors. Some policies can be arranged to reflect this equipment, subject to safety standards and installation details. Brokers can explain what information insurers typically require and how this may affect your cover.
- Can I get insurance for a converted van or self-build catering van?
  Converted or self-build catering vans can often be insured, although insurers may request details about the build quality, equipment installation, and vehicle modifications. Availability varies depending on the extent of the conversion. Brokers experienced in specialist vehicles can help identify suitable providers.
- Can I insure multiple catering vans under one policy?
  Some insurers offer multi-vehicle or fleet-style arrangements for businesses operating more than one catering van. This can simplify administration by bringing vehicles under one policy or renewal date. Brokers can explain what options are available based on the size of your business.
- Does catering van insurance cover food poisoning claims?
  Claims arising from food poisoning are typically considered under public or product liability cover rather than the vehicle policy itself. Availability and limits vary by insurer, and brokers can discuss whether liability cover can be arranged to reflect the nature of your food preparation and trading activities.
- Do I need a different type of policy for a catering trailer?
  Yes. A catering trailer is towed rather than self-driven, so it's usually treated as a separate item to insure, rather than an add-on to your van policy. Your towing vehicle needs its own motor insurance as normal, and the trailer itself is typically covered separately for things like theft, damage and the equipment inside it, alongside public liability for your trading activity. Some insurers may ask about the trailer's security when stored and how it's transported.A specialist broker can talk you through how this is usually arranged and whether it makes sense to insure the trailer alongside any other catering vehicles you run.

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