What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for a Food Trucking Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Starting a food truck business is exciting—but it also comes with risks. From kitchen fires and equipment breakdowns to vehicle accidents and customer injuries, food vendors face unique challenges that require specialized insurance coverage.
At Wexford Insurance, we help food truck owners protect their businesses with tailored food truck insurance. Whether you're preparing meals at festivals, catering private events, or serving snacks on city streets, having the right coverage is essential for legal compliance, financial protection, and peace of mind.
Operating a food truck combines the challenges of both the restaurant and transportation industries. That means you're exposed to a wide range of risks—accidents on the road, customer injuries, equipment failures, and even unexpected closures due to weather or fire. Without proper insurance, a single incident could result in costly legal claims, lost income, or damage to your reputation.
Essential Insurance Coverage for Food Truck Businesses
To operate safely and legally, food truck owners should consider the following types of insurance:
This is the foundation of your food truck insurance policy. It protects you if a customer gets injured or their property is damaged due to your operations.
Covers:
Slip-and-fall accidents near your truck
Food-related illnesses or allergic reactions
Damage to third-party property
💡 Tip: Many event organizers and cities require proof of general liability coverage before allowing you to operate.
👉 Learn more about general liability insurance for small businesses from The Hartford.
Your food truck is both a kitchen and a vehicle. Standard auto insurance won’t cover business use, so you’ll need a commercial auto policy.
Covers:
Accidents involving your truck
Property damage and bodily injury
Towing and roadside assistance
👉 Explore Progressive’s food truck auto insurance for more details on coverage options.
Even though your business is mobile, you still have valuable assets to protect—like cooking equipment, inventory, and signage.
Covers:
Fire, theft, or vandalism
Damage to kitchen appliances and tools
Loss of inventory due to covered events
💡 Tip: If you store supplies or prep food at a commissary, you may need additional coverage for that location.
If you hire employees, most states require you to carry workers’ comp. It protects your team and your business.
Covers:
Medical expenses for work-related injuries
Lost wages during recovery
Legal costs if an employee sues
👉 Check your state’s requirements via the U.S. Department of Labor.
Your food truck relies on specialized equipment—grills, fryers, refrigerators, and more. If any of it fails, it can halt your operations.
Covers:
Mechanical or electrical breakdowns
Repair or replacement costs
Lost income due to downtime
💡 Tip: This coverage is especially valuable for trucks with high-end or custom kitchen setups.
Why Choose Wexford Insurance for Your Food Truck
Not all insurance providers understand the unique needs of mobile food businesses. At Wexford Insurance, we work exclusively with food truck operators to:
Customize coverage based on your menu, location, and operations
Ensure compliance with local laws and event requirements
Provide fast quotes and responsive support
Final Thoughts
Running a food truck is rewarding—but it’s also unpredictable. The right insurance coverage protects your business, your team, and your customers. With Wexford Insurance, you get more than a policy—you get a partner who understands your industry.
