As summer sweeps across the UK, it’s a bumper season for catering vans and food trucks. From bustling music festivals and seaside events to weekend food markets and weddings, mobile catering businesses are in high demand. But while you’re busy perfecting your menu and mapping out event logistics, there’s one essential ingredient you can’t afford to overlook: catering van insurance.
Whether you’re brewing artisan coffee, dishing up sizzling gourmet burgers, or serving classic fish and chips, your catering van is more than just a vehicle – it’s the heart of your business. That’s why having the right insurance cover is crucial to keep your wheels, and your business, turning, no matter what life throws your way.
Why is insurance so important for catering vans?
Catering vans face a unique set of risks. Unlike standard vehicles, your van doubles (or even triples!) up as your kitchen, shopfront, and storage unit – meaning any incident on the road or at an event could bring your entire operation to a halt.
Catering van insurance is designed to offer specialist protection that standard vehicle policies simply don’t cover. From fire damage to stolen equipment, or even a liability claim from a member of the public, the right insurance helps you bounce back fast and keep your business rolling.
Can’t you just have regular van insurance?
Many caterers assume that regular van insurance is enough, but that’s rarely the case. Your van is likely contains thousands of pounds worth of specialist equipment: deep fryers, griddles, coffee machines, refrigeration units, and more. If something goes wrong, replacing these items out of pocket could be financially devastating.
Another common myth? That all breakdowns are covered. In reality, most policies exclude wear and tear or mechanical failures unless you’ve opted for specific add-ons like roadside assistance or equipment breakdown cover.
So, how do you find the best policy?
Not all policies are created equal, so it’s important to choose one tailored to the specific demands of your catering business. Look out for the following features:
Public Liability Insurance
If a customer slips near your van or is injured by your equipment, public liability insurance covers any legal or compensation costs. It’s an essential layer of protection for any food business trading in public spaces.
Equipment Cover
Your catering van is full of valuable gear. Equipment cover ensures that your kitchen appliances and tools are protected against theft, accidental damage, or even fire.
Employer’s Liability Insurance
If you have staff – even if they’re casual or part-time – you’re legally required to have this. It covers you if an employee gets injured while working for you.
Roadside Assistance
A flat battery or blown tyre can be a big problem when you’ve got a queue of hungry customers. Roadside assistance ensures you’re not left stranded when you need to get moving quickly.
Top tip: Opting for combined catering van insurance can make life easier, often saving you time and money. This type of policy bundles both your business operations and vehicle cover into one convenient package. It’s particularly useful for caterers who don’t just travel to events but operate full-time from their van.
However flexibility is key, especially if you move between events and locations, you need insurance that moves with you. That’s why it’s worth choosing an broker who understands the mobile catering world and can tailor your cover to suit your schedule and setup.
Why choose Howden for your van and business insurance?
At Howden, we understand that no two catering businesses are the same. Whether you’re trading at festivals, a local street food market, or a private function, you need insurance that works as hard as you do.
We offer specialist catering van insurance designed to meet your unique needs. Our expert brokers work with a range of insurers to help find you cover that fits your needs – whether that’s public liability, equipment protection, business interruption, or a fully combined policy.
We’re not just insurance providers, we’ll help you keep the wheels turning. So before you head to your next summer event, make sure your van and your livelihood are protected. Talk to Howden today and find out how we can help you stay covered, stay confident and keep cooking.
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.