Food Truck Business Insurance Requirements for Mobile Food Vendors
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Running a mobile food business comes with unique risks—vehicle operation, cooking equipment, customer interactions, and food safety concerns. Many cities, counties, and event organizers require food truck operators to carry specific insurance coverages before they can legally operate.
This guide explains the insurance requirements for food truck owners and how Wexford Insurance helps vendors get the right coverage fast.
Why Insurance Is Required for Food Trucks
Food trucks are considered both mobile kitchens and vehicles, which exposes owners to multiple risks, including:
Vehicle accidents
Customer injuries
Foodborne illness claims
Equipment damage or theft
Employee injuries
Insurance is often mandatory for permits, commissary use, festivals, and city or county operations. Carrying proper coverage protects your business, employees, and customers.
Common Food Truck Insurance Requirements
Most municipalities and event organizers require general liability insurance. Coverage protects your business against:
Bodily injury to customers or third parties
Property damage during service
Legal defense costs
Since your truck is both a vehicle and your business location, commercial auto insurance is often mandatory. Coverage protects against:
Vehicle accidents while driving or parked
Property damage or injuries to others
Food truck repairs or replacement costs
Product liability protects you if a customer claims illness or injury from your food. This coverage is frequently required for:
Health inspections
Festival participation
Commissary compliance
If you have employees, most states require workers’ compensation insurance to cover:
Medical expenses for work-related injuries
Lost wages
Legal claims by employees
Find Now more about workers’ compensation at the U.S. Department of Labor
Food trucks carry expensive appliances and tools. Insurers often require or recommend coverage for:
Theft or vandalism
Fire or accidental damage
Equipment breakdown
How Wexford Insurance Helps Mobile Food Vendors
Wexford Insurance specializes in mobile food vendor insurance, helping food truck owners:
Understand local, state, and event-specific requirements
Bundle essential coverages for cost efficiency
Get fast, accurate, and tailored quotes
Access multiple carriers for competitive pricing
Conclusion
Mobile food vendors must meet specific insurance requirements to operate safely and legally. Essential coverage includes general liability, commercial auto, product liability, and workers’ compensation, with optional policies depending on venue or event rules.
Partnering with Wexford Insurance ensures food truck owners get expert guidance, tailored policies, and fast quotes, so you can focus on growing your business and serving customers with confidence.
