Catering Van Insurance

Why choose Howden for catering van insurance?

As a broker which specialises in business insurance, we pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. Thanks to the great relationships we have with our selected panel of standard and specialist insurers, we make the process of comparing multiple catering van insurance policies, on your behalf, simple and easy. What’s not to like?

Here at Howden, we recognise that each policy needs to be as individual as its owner and their catering business, and that’s why we provide a personalised service, focused on getting to know you and finding out exactly what you want from your catering van insurance.

Ultimately, whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new catering insurance policy, or renew an existing one, just know that we’re here to help.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• You can trust us – we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
• We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
• Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
• Speak with your local branch, within your community.
• We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.

What is catering van insurance?

Catering van insurance is a specialised type of van insurance designed for vehicles used in mobile catering. Unlike standard van insurance, it covers the unique risks associated with operating a food van, such as accidental damage, fire cover, theft, and liability insurance. Whether you run burger vans, coffee vans, ice cream vans, or catering trailers, this insurance ensures your catering vehicle is protected while in use for business.

Do I need catering insurance?

That’s up to you – but a catering insurance policy can protect you, your business, your staff, and your clients from the number of risks that come with providing a food service. For example, a policy could cover you if:

• An employee is injured
• Your kitchen equipment is lost or damaged
• A client gets food poisoning after they’ve eaten your food
• Your business is a victim of a flood or fire
• Your business is a victim of theft
• You suffer from cyber attack

Without catering cover, you risk being unprotected in the event that any of the above incidents occur.

What insurance do I need for my catering business?

The types of insurances you and your business need depends on the nature of your catering operation. However, what we can recommend is what most insurance providers offer catering businesses. This includes:

Public liability insurance

Catering public liability insurance can cover you in the event that a third-party, whether they’re a supplier, client, or member of the public, is injured by something you’ve done.

Employers’ liability insurance

Legally required in the UK if you have employees, this insurance covers you if an employee becomes injured or ill as a result of their work.

Product liability insurance

If a customer claims they suffered food poisoning after dining at your restaurant or eating at a catered event, the insurer will investigate the food preparation and handling processes. If the claim is valid, they will cover the associated costs.

Business equipment and contents insurance

If a key piece of catering equipment breaks or is stolen during an event, this insurance would cover the cost of repairing or replacing it. Be sure to let us know exactly which equipment you’d like to covered, so we can find an insurer that can provide the coverage you need.

Get in touch with a member of our specialist team who can help you get a quote that’s perfect for you.

Other types of catering insurance

Not all types of cover come as standard with regular catering insurance policies. Many insurers offer various insurance extras or adds-ons that can support catering businesses, such as:

Commercial Property Insurance

This type of insurance is crucial for caterers who rely heavily on expensive kitchen equipment, vehicles, and stock to operate their business, whether it’s based in a dedicated commercial kitchen or involves off-site catering.

Cyber insurance

Designed to protect your business from the financial impact of cyber threats, such as data breaches, hacking, and other forms of cybercrime.

Business interruption insurance

This helps cover lost income if your business is unable to operate due to unexpected circumstances (e.g., fire, flood, or equipment failure) leading up to or during the event.

Income protection insurance

Financial support is particularly important for caterers, who often rely on physical ability and may be self-employed or running small businesses.

Legal expenses cover

This add-on helps cover the costs associated with legal fees, disputes and claims arising from your catering business, whether you cater for on or off-site events.

Personal accident cover

Catering can involve physical work such as lifting heavy equipment, working in busy kitchens, and dealing with sharp tools or hot surfaces, which makes personal accident cover particularly important.

Types of catering insurance

Each catering business and operation is different. That’s why there’re various different types of business insurance for caterers. These are:

Mobile catering insurance

Mobile catering insurance is specifically designed for catering businesses that operate from mobile units, such as a burger van trailer. It provides coverage for the unique risks associated with running a mobile catering business, including liability for accidents, damage to equipment, and more.

We can also offer event cancellation cover, generator cover, and stock insurance cover for these mobile businesses.

Catering van insurance

Catering vans differ mobile catering units in that they have been converted to be utilised as a kitchen. An example of a catering van is an ice cream truck, and we can offer you a unique policy that’s tailored specially to suit the risks these vehicles may face.

Catering van policy add-ons

Want to go the extra mile? Our policies offer a range of optional extras to enhance your protection:

• Breakdown cover: Essential for mobile businesses.
• Legal expenses: Support for contract disputes or claims.
• Full fire cover: Ideal for hot food vans.
• Business interruption: Keep your income flowing if your van is off the road.
• Cover for permanent fixtures: Protect your built-in equipment.

These add-ons help you find insurance that truly fits your business, giving you confidence wherever you trade.

How much is catering van insurance?

The cost of catering van insurance varies depending on several factors:

• Type of catering vehicle (e.g. ice cream vans, burger vans, coffee vans).
• Value of the van and equipment.
• Level of insurance cover required.
• Location and frequency of use.
• Claims history and driving record.

On average, premiums can range from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds annually. But remember—paying a little more for the right cover can save you a lot in the long run.

Is catering van insurance more expensive than standard van insurance?

Yes, typically. Catering vans often carry specialised equipment, operate in busy public areas, and deal with hot food, increasing the risk profile. This means catering van insurance tends to be more expensive than standard van insurance.

However, the added protection is worth it. You’re not just insuring a vehicle—you’re protecting your business, your customers, and your money.

How could I get a cheaper premium?

Looking to save on your catering van insurance? Here are a few tips:

• Bundle your cover: Combine van insurance policy with liability insurance and other add-ons.
• Secure your van: Use alarms, trackers, and secure parking to reduce theft risk.
• Limit your mileage: Lower usage can mean lower premiums.
• Choose a lower-risk location: Operating in safer areas can reduce costs.
• Pay annually: Avoid monthly interest charges.
• Maintain a clean claims history: avoid making small claims that you can afford to pay for yourself, as multiple claims can increase your premiums.
• Increase your excess: choosing a higher excess (the amount you pay when making a claim) can reduce your premium.

We’ll help you find insurance that balances protection and affordability, so you can focus on growing your business.

How do I get a catering van or business insurance quote?

It’s easy to get a catering van or business insurance quote with Howden!

As soon as you provide us with the following details, we can get started right away with helping you find a policy that supports your catering business:

• Your personal details
• The nature of your catering business
• The size of your business
• How long you’ll need cover for
• What level and types of insurance you need

Other types of vans we can provide quotes for

We don’t just offer cover for catering vans. Our network supports a wide range of other vehicles, including:

• Mobile shops selling clothes, crafts, or gifts.
• Ice cream vans for seasonal or event-based trading.
• Coffee vans for festivals, offices, and street corners.
• Burger vans and hot food trucks.
• Catering trailers for larger setups.

Whatever your mobile business, we’ll help you find the right cover to keep things running smoothly.