Running a food truck combines the hustle of a small business with the mobility of a vehicle, and that means it comes with a unique set of risks. From kitchen fires and generator theft to collisions and customer injuries, food truck owners face liabilities that most traditional restaurants don’t.
That’s why food truck insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. The right coverage helps protect your truck, your business, your team, and your reputation if something goes wrong.
Let’s walk through what food truck insurance typically includes, how much it costs, and why every mobile food business needs it.
What Is Food Truck Insurance?
Food truck insurance is a combination of commercial auto, general liability, and business property coverage designed specifically for mobile food vendors. Unlike standard restaurant or auto insurance, it’s built to cover the full scope of what you do, cook, drive, serve, and sell, all from one vehicle.
Most policies combine several types of coverage:
- Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers accidents, vehicle damage, and liability while driving.
- General Liability Insurance – Covers injuries or property damage to others (slips, spills, burns, etc.).
- Business Property Insurance – Protects your equipment, food inventory, and supplies.
- Workers’ Compensation – Required if you have employees, to cover on-the-job injuries.
- Business Interruption Insurance – Helps with lost income if your truck is out of service due to a covered event.
- Product Liability Insurance – Covers illnesses or injuries caused by the food you serve.
Depending on your setup, you may also need inland marine coverage for equipment stored off the truck or umbrella coverage for added protection.
Why Food Truck Insurance Matters
Food trucks face a variety of risks on the road and in the kitchen. Accidents, fire, equipment failure, theft, and customer injuries are all potential setbacks that could derail your business without proper insurance.
Common scenarios food truck insurance can help with:
- A customer slips near your truck and breaks an arm.
- A fire damages your cooking equipment and shuts down operations.
- Your generator is stolen overnight.
- You’re in a traffic accident while driving between events.
- A customer gets sick from food you served.
Without insurance, any one of these situations could lead to thousands in out-of-pocket costs or even force your business to close temporarily or permanently.
What Coverage Do You Really Need?
The exact coverage you need depends on how your business operates. Here are the essentials for most food truck businesses:
- Commercial Auto: Required to legally drive your truck for business purposes.
- General Liability: Often required by event organizers or municipalities.
- Property Coverage: To protect fryers, grills, coolers, cash registers, and other equipment.
- Workers’ Comp: Legally required in most states if you have employees.
Optional but recommended:
- Food Spoilage Coverage: If a power outage causes food loss.
- Equipment Breakdown: For damage to your fridge, grill, or generator.
- Business Interruption: Covers lost income during a repair or rebuild.
Your policy should reflect your local laws, the value of your truck and equipment, and your average daily revenue.
How Much Does Food Truck Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary based on location, driving history, equipment value, and coverage limits. That said, here are some national averages:
- Commercial Auto Insurance: $1,200 to $2,500 per year
- General Liability: $300 to $800 per year
- Property Insurance: $300 to $1,000 per year
- Full Package (Bundle): $2,000 to $5,000 per year
You can often save money by bundling multiple coverages into one business owner’s policy (BOP) or by working with an independent agent who can compare multiple carriers.
Where Can You Get Food Truck Insurance?
Not all insurance companies specialize in mobile food vendors, which is why working with an experienced agency like InsuranceHub matters. Our agents understand your industry, local regulations, and what coverage you actually need to keep your business compliant and protected.
When shopping for a policy, be prepared to share:
- Your food truck’s make, model, and value
- Equipment list and estimated cost
- Daily or annual revenue
- Operating locations (fixed or roaming)
- Whether you have employees
This information helps us build a customized plan that meets your budget and protects your business.
Protect Your Food Truck Business the Right Way
Operating a food truck is exciting, but it comes with risks that require real protection. Food truck insurance gives you peace of mind, financial protection, and access to the venues, festivals, and street permits that demand proof of coverage.
In short, it’s not just about protecting your truck. It’s about protecting your livelihood.
Want to talk to an expert about your options?
Get a Quote from InsuranceHub and let us help you cook up a policy that fits your business.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Please contact a licensed agent for customized recommendations.