The Food Truck Insurance Checklist
A food truck is a kitchen, a vehicle, and a vendor booth all at once — which is why the insurance list is a little longer than most.
Three businesses in one vehicle
A food truck combines cooking, driving, and selling to the public, so the coverages it commonly needs span all three. On top of that, event organizers, commissaries, and city permit offices frequently ask for proof of insurance before you can park and serve.
The checklist below reflects what food trucks are commonly asked to carry. Menu, location, and the events you work all affect what applies, so confirm the specifics with a licensed insurance professional.
The food-truck checklist
- General liability (GL) insurance. Commonly required by events and permit offices. GL is generally intended to respond, in the event of a covered claim, to third-party bodily injury or property damage allegations arising from your operation — such as a customer slipping near your service window.
- Product liability. Because you serve food the public eats, product liability is commonly important. It is generally intended to address claims alleging illness or injury from the food you sell, and is often included with or alongside GL.
- Commercial auto. The truck is a vehicle used for business, which a personal auto policy may exclude. Commercial auto is generally intended to address vehicle-related claims while driving to and from events.
- Cooking equipment and contents coverage. Grills, fryers, refrigeration, and prep equipment represent real money. This coverage is generally intended to respond to covered loss or damage to the equipment your business depends on.
- Workers’ compensation. If you employ cooks or servers, workers’ comp may be required by your state and is generally intended to address job-related injuries to your staff.
- A certificate of insurance (COI). Events and commissaries routinely request a COI before you book a spot. Have one ready to issue once coverage is active.
- Additional insured wording for events. Event organizers and property owners commonly require to be named as additional insured for the dates you serve. Confirm the names and dates before you commit.
- Permit and commissary paperwork. Keep your health permits, commissary agreement, and COI together so you can produce them quickly for inspectors and organizers.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a food truck need product liability if it already has general liability?
Because you serve food the public consumes, product liability is commonly emphasized. It is generally intended to address claims alleging illness or injury from the food you sell. It is sometimes included with general liability and sometimes added separately — a licensed insurance professional can explain how it is typically structured.
Will my personal auto policy cover the truck?
A personal auto policy may exclude business use, and a food truck is used for business. Commercial auto is generally intended to address vehicle-related claims tied to your operation. Confirm your situation with a licensed insurance professional.
What do events usually require before I can serve?
Events commonly request a certificate of insurance showing your liability coverage and limits, and frequently ask to be named as an additional insured for the event dates. Requirements vary by organizer, so check each event’s rules early.
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