catering van insurance Compare quotes to find the best insurance policy for you
Catering van insurance in the UK is specialized motor insurance designed for vehicles used in mobile catering, covering a van itself, as well as the business`s equipment and liability risks. It typically includes third-party cover, and can be extended to cover fire, theft, and other business-specific risks.
Key aspects of catering van insurance:
Vehicle Cover:
Provides insurance for the catering van, covering damage, theft, and other vehicle-related risks.
Equipment Cover:
Protects the catering equipment, including appliances, utensils, and stock, from damage or loss.
Public Liability:
Covers claims from customers or members of the public who are injured or experience property damage due to the mobile catering operation.
Product Liability:
Protects against claims arising from food poisoning, allergic reactions, or other issues related to the food served.
Optional Extras:
May include cover for employers’ liability, loss of money, and specific needs of the catering business, like frozen goods cover.
Why you need it:
Legal Requirement:
While the specific requirements may vary, having adequate insurance, especially public liability, is crucial for protecting your business from potential legal action.
Financial Protection:
It safeguards your business from financial losses resulting from accidents, theft, or liability claims.
Peace of Mind:
Knowing that your business and assets are covered can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your catering operations
Insurance for catering vans in the UK: a comprehensive guide
Operating a mobile catering business in the UK requires a comprehensive approach to insurance, extending beyond standard vehicle cover to encompass the specific risks inherent in a food service operation. Catering van insurance, also known as food truck insurance, mobile catering insurance, or catering vehicle insurance, is essential for protecting your business, your vehicle, your equipment, your staff, and the public.
Core components of catering van insurance
1. Commercial vehicle insurance
This is the foundation of any catering van insurance policy in the UK. Unlike standard private van insurance, a commercial vehicle policy specifically covers your van for business use, recognizing the unique risks of transporting equipment, stock, and operating your business from the vehicle.
Third-party only: The minimum legal requirement, covering damage to other vehicles and property, as well as injuries to third parties, but not your own vehicle.
Third-party, fire and theft: Offers increased protection by adding cover for fire damage to your vehicle and theft of your vehicle.
Fully comprehensive: Provides the highest level of protection, covering damage to your own vehicle, even if you are at fault, in addition to the cover offered by third-party, fire and theft policies.
2. Public liability insurance
This is a crucial element of catering van insurance, protecting your business against claims from the public for injury or property damage caused by your operations. For example, if a customer slips on a spillage, or you accidentally damage property while setting up your van at an event, public liability insurance would cover legal costs and potential compensation payments. Many local authorities and event organisers require proof of this cover before allowing you to operate on their premises.
3. Product liability insurance
Specifically for food businesses, product liability insurance safeguards against claims arising from illness or injury caused by the food or beverages you serve. If a customer suffers food poisoning, an allergic reaction, or any other health issue linked to your food, this policy would cover the resulting legal costs and compensation claims.
4. Employers’ liability insurance
If you employ any staff, including part-time or temporary workers, Employer’s Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It protects your business against claims for illness or injury suffered by an employee while working for you. The minimum legal requirement is £5 million cover, though some policies offer higher limits.
5. Business contents insurance (including goods in transit and frozen foods)
This covers the equipment, fixtures and fittings, and stock (ingredients, food, drinks) within your catering van. Crucially, it should include goods in transit cover, protecting your stock and equipment while you are transporting them to and from locations. Given the nature of a catering business, particularly if you deal with frozen or chilled items, consider policies that offer specific frozen foods cover to protect against spoilage due to refrigeration unit failure.
Additional useful coverages
Beyond the core components, several other types of cover can offer valuable protection for your mobile catering business:
Business interruption insurance: Provides financial protection for lost income if your catering business is unable to operate due to an insured event, such as fire or theft affecting your van.
Breakdown cover: Offers assistance if your catering van breaks down, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly and minimise disruption to your business.
Legal expenses insurance: Covers the legal costs associated with defending your business against claims, or pursuing claims against others.
Personal accident insurance: Provides financial compensation in the event you or a named driver suffer an injury while operating the catering van.
Cover for specialist equipment and fixtures: If you have high-value, permanently installed catering equipment, ensure your policy specifically covers these items for repair or replacement.
Factors influencing catering van insurance costs
The cost of catering van insurance can vary significantly depending on a range of factors:
Your driving history and claims record: A history of claims or driving infractions can increase premiums.
The type and size of catering van: Larger, more valuable, or highly customized vans may attract higher premiums.
Modifications to the van: Extensive modifications for catering purposes can impact the cost.
The type of catering business: Risks associated with the food you serve (e.g., hot food vs. pre-packaged) can influence premiums.
Location and overnight parking arrangements: Secure overnight parking can lead to lower premiums.
Number of named drivers: Adding additional drivers, particularly younger or less experienced drivers, can affect the cost.
Annual mileage: Higher mileage often translates to increased risk and therefore higher premiums.
Level of cover selected: Choosing fully comprehensive cover with extensive add-ons will naturally be more expensive than basic third-party only cover.
Obtaining and comparing quotes
To secure the most suitable and cost-effective catering van insurance, it is recommended to:
Shop around: Don’t automatically renew with your existing provider. Compare quotes from various insurers specialising in commercial vehicle and catering insurance.
Be clear about your business operations: Accurately describe the type of catering you do, the equipment you use, and the locations you operate in.
Consider potential discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for membership in relevant catering trade associations, fitting security devices like trackers, or paying your premium annually.
Review policy excesses: A higher voluntary excess can lead to lower premiums, but ensure you can afford to pay it if you need to make a claim.
Understand policy inclusions and exclusions: Carefully read the policy wording to ensure it meets your specific needs and addresses all potential risks associated with your catering business.
Legal considerations beyond insurance
In addition to securing the correct insurance, remember other legal requirements for operating a mobile catering business in the UK:
Registering your food business: You must register your food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening.
Obtaining relevant licences: Depending on your location and operations, you may need a street trading licence or other specific permits.
Appropriate driving licence: Ensure you hold the correct driving licence category for the size and weight of your catering van.
Gas Safety Certificates: Any gas appliances in your catering van must be safety checked by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
By carefully considering your insurance needs, comparing quotes, and adhering to all legal requirements, you can protect your catering van business and operate with confidence.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
