Catering Van Insurance Guide: Cover for Mobile Food Traders

What is catering van insurance?

Catering van insurance is a specialist policy for vans that have been converted into mobile food or drink outlets, such as coffee vans, burger vans and street food trucks. It generally combines motor insurance for driving the vehicle on the road with cover for the equipment inside, such as cooking appliances, refrigeration units and serving equipment, which standard van policies do not typically include.

Because a catering van often represents a significant investment in both the vehicle and its fit-out, insurers tend to treat it differently from a standard commercial van, recognising that the van itself may be of relatively low value compared with the equipment and conversion work it carries.

Who needs it?

This cover is relevant to anyone trading food or drink from a mobile unit, including full-time street food businesses, seasonal traders who work festivals and events, and those running a catering van alongside another job. It applies whether the van is driven regularly between pitches or towed and parked for extended periods.

If you attend markets, festivals or private events, you may also be asked by event organisers to show proof of public liability insurance before being allowed to trade, making this an important consideration alongside the core motor and equipment cover.

What's covered and what's excluded

A typical policy includes motor cover for the van itself, cover for catering equipment against theft, fire or accidental damage, and public liability insurance for claims arising from your trading activity, such as a customer being injured or becoming unwell. Some policies also offer cover for loss of stock, such as food spoiling after an equipment failure or power cut.

Exclusions commonly include equipment not declared to the insurer, poor food hygiene practices leading to a liability claim, and damage occurring while the van is being used outside its agreed trading or driving purpose. Products liability, covering claims related to food sold rather than the trading activity itself, is sometimes a separate element worth checking for.

• Motor cover for the van while driven on the road
• Equipment cover for cooking and serving appliances
• Public liability for injury or damage claims from customers or the public
• Products liability for issues arising from food or drink sold

What affects the price

Premiums are influenced by the value of the van and its conversion, the type and value of equipment carried, and how and where the business trades, including whether it attends busy public events. The trader's experience, claims history and the frequency of road use also play a part.

Security measures such as alarms and secure storage for equipment when not trading can have an impact, as can whether the van is parked on private or public land overnight. Businesses that operate at a fixed pitch may be assessed differently from those that travel to multiple locations or events throughout the year.

Tips for choosing the right policy

List all equipment carried in the van with an accurate estimate of replacement cost, and update this list whenever you add new appliances, as underinsuring equipment can affect any future claim. It is also worth checking whether cover applies both while driving and while static and trading, since some events require proof that both elements are covered.

If you regularly attend festivals or markets, check the public liability limit requested by organisers in advance, as requirements can vary, and make sure your policy meets or exceeds the figure typically requested.

How to get a quote

When comparing catering van insurance, have details ready on your van, its conversion, the equipment on board and your trading pattern. A short online form can connect you with a specialist broker experienced in mobile catering risks, who can talk through suitable cover for your business.

There is no cost or obligation to use this service, allowing you to compare options and ask questions about equipment and liability cover before choosing a policy.

Frequently asked questions

Does catering van insurance cover the equipment inside as well as the van?

Yes, most catering van policies combine motor cover for the vehicle with separate cover for catering equipment, though limits vary by policy.

Do I need public liability insurance for a catering van?

It is generally expected, and many event organisers require proof of it before allowing you to trade, so most catering van policies include or offer it.

Is stock such as food and ingredients covered?

Some policies offer cover for stock loss, for example following equipment failure, but this is not always automatically included, so check the policy terms.

Does the policy cover the van while static and trading, not just while driving?

Reputable catering van policies are designed to cover both driving and static trading periods, but it is worth confirming this applies to your specific policy.

Will my policy cover me at multiple event locations?

Most policies are not restricted to a single location, but it is worth confirming there are no geographical or venue-type restrictions before you book events.