Catering vans have been increasing in popularity and style over the past decade. From your regular city-centre kebab van to street vendors offering international cuisine, they can be found anywhere. Festivals, garden parties, sports events, and summer fetes all seem to have something delectible to sample, and it seems that there’s no stopping them.
With a catering van business, you can earn a lot of money with relatively low overheards, but something you need to shell out for is insurance. With a catering van you’ve got a restaurant on wheels, meaning you need cover for the van itself, as well as the food. Here, we will take a deep dive into the world of catering van insurance and what you need to know in order to set up a profitable, and protected, food van business.
What insurance do I need for a food business?
If you’re running a food business, you’ll need to have product liability insurance and van insurance in place. You may also want to consider public liability insurance, which covers you for any injuries or damage caused to third-party property.
Liability cover protects you against any claims made by customers who have suffered injury or damage as a result of using your products. For example, if a customer eats one of your dishes and becomes ill, liability insurance would cover their medical expenses.
Comprehensive cover includes liability cover as well as protection for your van and its contents. This type of coverage is recommended for businesses that sell food as it provides protection against both accidental and malicious damage.
What qualifications do you need to run a catering van?
In the UK, to run a catering van you need a food hygiene certificate. This is obtained by completing an approved training course and passing an exam. The certificate is valid for three years, and you must retake the course and pass the exam every three years in order to maintain your qualification.
A food hygiene certificate shows your customers that you take food hygiene and safety seriously. It also indicates to insurers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to run a catering van business.
Can I get insurance for my food truck?
Food trucks present a unique set of challenges when it comes to insurance. Not all insurers offer cover for them, so you may have to shop around to find a policy that’s right for you.
Generally, food truck insurance covers the same things as van insurance, but it’s important to check the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you’re fully protected.
What insurance do I need for my catering van?
There are two types of insurance that are relevant for catering vans: vehicle insurance and public liability insurance. Vehicle insurance protects your van against damage or theft, while public liability insurance protects you against any claims made by members of the public who have suffered injury or property damage as a result of your business activities.
Let’s take a look at the recommended features one-by-one:
- Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance protects you against any claims made by members of the public who may have been injured or suffered damage as a result of your business activities.
For example, if someone trips over your extension lead and injures themselves, public liability insurance would cover their medical expenses.
This cover is important for most businesses that cater to customers, regardless of industry. However, when it comes to a food business, it can be vital.
- Product liability insurance
Product liability insurance protects you against any claims made by customers who have suffered injury or damage as a result of using your products.
For example, if a customer eats one of your dishes and becomes ill, product liability insurance would cover their medical expenses.
It’s important to have product liability insurance in place as it can help protect you from costly legal fees and compensation claims.
- Van insurance
Van insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your van if it is damaged or stolen. It also provides third-party cover, which protects you against any claims made by other people for damage or injuries caused by your van.
It’s important to have van insurance in place as it can help protect you from costly repair bills and compensation claims.
What should I look for in a catering van insurance policy?
When looking for a catering van insurance policy, you need to consider the following:
- The level of cover
The level of cover you choose will depend on the type of business you run and the risks you face. For example, if you serve food that needs to be chilled or heated, you’ll need to have comprehensive van insurance that includes cover for equipment failure.
- The excess
The excess is the amount you have to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays out. The lower the excess, the higher your premiums will be.
- The cover provided
Make sure the policy you choose covers the activities of your business, as well as the products you sell. For example, if you sell frozen food, the policy should cover damage to the van caused by a power cut.
- The geographical area covered
Ensure the policy covers the areas you operate in, otherwise you may not be protected if you have an accident while driving in another area.
- The length of the policy
The length of the policy will determine how long you’re covered for and how much you have to pay for premiums.
- The renewal date
When choosing a policy, make sure you know when it’s due for renewal so that you can renew it in plenty of time.
How much will it cost to insure my catering van?
Make sure the policy covers the activities of your business, as well as the products you sell. The cost of insuring a catering van will vary depending on the type of policy you choose, but you can expect to pay between £200 and £400 per year.
The cost of insuring a catering van will vary depending on the type of policy you choose, the level of cover and the excess you’re willing to pay.
Is commercial van insurance more expensive?
Commercial van insurance is more expensive than standard car insurance as the risks are higher. This is because a van is more likely to be involved in an accident or to be stolen. Unfortunately, this comes as part of the industry; you need your van to travel long distances and at relative frequency as the summer months usually mean many different locations.