Ice Cream Van Insurance
Specialist business insurance for ice cream van sellers from £5.82 per month.*
- Public Liability up to £10 million
- Catering trailer cover
- Equipment & Stock cover included as standard
- Join over 150,000 customers**
From £5.82* a month
What does ice cream van insurance cover?
Our insurance for ice cream van vendors offers specialist protection for street food sellers, freelance vendors, and mobile food businesses serving hot or cold food, including those operating from catering trailers or market stalls.
Public and product liability cover up to £10 million protects you when serving the public, particularly important given your customers are often children. This covers claims for injuries near your van or illnesses arising from products sold.
Equipment cover protects your serving equipment, freezers, soft-serve machines, and point-of-sale systems against theft, damage, or breakdown. With coverage from £250 to £10,000, you can ensure your essential equipment is protected throughout your trading season.
Stock cover is vital for ice cream vendors – it protects your ice cream inventory, lollies, cones, sauces, and toppings against loss or theft. Crucially, our frozen goods cover extends to damage caused by freezer breakdown or power supply failure, protecting your valuable frozen stock from spoilage. This includes losses from vandalism or theft that affects your refrigeration.
For those operating purpose-built ice cream vans or converted vehicles, our catering trailer cover (on annual policies) protects your vehicle’s conversion and internal fixtures up to £25,000. If you employ seasonal staff or family members, employers’ liability cover is available, and loss of money cover protects your cash takings.
Public Liability
Equipment & Stock
Frozen Goods
Employers' Liability
Catering Trailer
Public Liability
- Up to £10 million available.
- Protection from claims by a third-party (EG member of the public) who sustains injuries or has their property damaged as a result of your actions.
Product Liability
- Up to £10 million available.
- Protection should you receive any claims arising from any products and goods supplied by you to other parties, who may then sustain an injury or damage to their own property.
Catering Equipment
- From £250 worth of cover.
- Add up to £10,000 worth of cover.
- Protects against accidental damage, loss, or theft of equipment you own or are legally responsible for. This includes business equipment that isn’t permanently fitted, whether it’s at your premises or temporarily off-site.
Stock
- From £250 worth of cover.
- Add up to £3,000 worth of cover.
- Provides protection for accidental damage, loss, or theft of your stock, including non-frozen goods, whether stored at your premises or temporarily elsewhere.
Frozen goods cover
- From £250 worth of cover.
- Up to £3000 cover available
- Protects your frozen goods against accidental damage, loss, or theft.
- Includes cover for damage or loss caused by refrigeration equipment breakdown or a failure in the public electricity supply.
- Also provides protection for losses resulting from theft or vandalism.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million available.
- If any employee suffered physical injury or a fatality because of the employer’s negligence. If that staff member sought compensation, the insurer would handle the cost of the claim.
- If you employ any staff members, Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement.
Catering trailer cover (only available on an annual policy)
- Up to £25,000 cover available (for quotes over £25,000 our team can provide a bespoke quote)
- Provides cover for accidental damage, loss, or theft of your trailer, including its internal fixtures and fittings.
- Optional cover is available for damage caused to the trailer while in transit.
- For trailers worth £10,000 or less, you’ll need a wheel clamp and hitch lock, when left unattended.
- For trailers worth over £10,000, you’ll need a wheel clamp, hitch lock, alarm, and tracker, when left unattended.
- For trailers worth over £25,000 a serial number will need to be provided.
- Overnight, the trailer must be stored in a driveway, garage, or locked compound.
While in transit, if the trailer is involved in a road traffic incident while attached to a car or van, third-party liability will typically be covered under the insured’s motor insurance. However, damage to the trailer itself can be covered under this policy if the relevant cover option is selected.
Loss of money
- Protection for any money earned through your insured business activities.
- Cash from your business is covered while it’s at your business premises, your home, or the home of any partner, director, or authorised employee. It’s also protected when being transported during business-related journeys.
- Cover also includes damage caused by theft to cash registers, safes, bags, or cases used to carry money, as well as damage to tills and safes.
- Cover for bona fide subcontractors, who should have their own insurance.
- Catering overseas.
- Claims for financial losses relating to non or late delivery of products to third parties.
- Cover for catering trailers left out of sight of the insured and/or more than one minutes walking distance from the insured.
- Cover for equipment and stock when left in a vehicle and/or catering trailer out of sight of the driver and/or more than one minutes walking distance from the driver.
Endorsements:
- Staff must have a minimum level 1 food hygiene certificate (including apprentices)
- When a trailer is unattended, it must have an alarm, tracker and key approved hitch lock installed. It must also have a wheel clamp when unattached and unattended.
- Trailer must be kept in a driveway, garage or locked compound overnight.
- While in transit, if the trailer is involved in a road traffic incident while attached to a car or van, third-party liability will typically be covered under the insured’s motor insurance.
For information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Why do you need ice cream van insurance?
As an ice cream van operator, your customers rely on you to serve delicious ice creams and treats, whether you’re trading at street markets, festivals, or regular locations. They trust your skills, professionalism, and dedication to delivering a great experience. However, even with careful planning, unexpected incidents can happen. Ice cream van insurance protects professionals like you against potential claims arising from accidents, mistakes, or unforeseen events during your operations.
From food-related issues and equipment breakdowns to incidents involving customers or staff, running an ice cream van comes with its own unique risks.
No matter the size or type of your ice cream van business, challenges and risks can affect your income and reputation. That’s why our policy is designed to be flexible, offering tailored cover that gives you peace of mind and the freedom to focus on delighting your customers and growing your business.
Here are some typical scenarios where ice cream van insurance can be invaluable:
Protection from claims should a customer or member of the public get injured.
Protection against claims arising from accidental injury to a customer or third party, or damage to their property. For example, a customer could trip over your ice cream van equipment, or you might accidentally spill ice cream or a drink on someone’s belongings while serving.
Either way, in the event of incidents like these, you need public liability for catereing cover to avoid vulnerability to a substantial compensation claim, as well as other associated costs.
Protection if someone becomes ill from food you produce.
A customer may become unwell or suffer a minor injury, such as a cold-related sensitivity or a spill from a hot topping, from the ice cream or treats you serve, which could result in a claim being made against you.
Having product liability protects against eventualities including contamination, spoilage and other food defects can help avoid costly compensation claims if they arise.
An employee or temporary worker suffers a workplace accident.
Employees may be at risk of accidents or injuries while working in or around your ice cream van, and they could hold you responsible. If you have staff or hire temporary workers for your ice cream van business, employers’ liability insurance protects you against claims from these incidents. It is also a legal requirement in the UK, with fines of up to £2,500 per day for non-compliance.
A venue requires proof of liability cover for ice cream vans.
If you are contracted to provide an ice cream van at an event, it is often required to show proof of public liability insurance to the venue or event organiser as part of their risk assessment.
Your catering trailer gets damaged on a job
If your ice cream van is the heart of your business, it’s an essential component for serving treats to happy customers. Now imagine something heavy falling on your van during a job, causing damage that leaves it unusable. Without insurance, you could face costly repairs, potentially running into thousands of pounds, along with lost income from downtime.
Catering trailer insurance protects you from these unexpected expenses, helping you get back to serving your customers without financial stress.
Our experts explain why...
“Ice cream vans operate in a uniquely challenging environment – serving children and families in public spaces, managing refrigerated stock, and navigating residential areas daily. Your vehicle is simultaneously your workspace, storage facility, and shopfront, making it irreplaceable to your business operations.
Beyond standard vehicle risks, you face potential claims from customer injuries, food safety issues, or accidents involving children near your van. The seasonal nature of the trade means you cannot afford disruption during peak earning months. Tailored insurance coverage protects your vehicle, equipment, and stock whilst providing crucial liability protection, ensuring your business can trade safely and sustainably throughout the season.”
Chris Trotman, Protectivity Underwriting Manager
How much does ice cream van insurance cost?
At Protectivity policies start at just £5.82* a month for an annual policy.
There are varying factors that will influence the exact amount you pay for ice cream van insurance. It could be you have high-value specialist equipment that you need to cover, or employees working for you to add to your policy, which will influence your overall price.
Prices from
£5.82* a month
Explainer quote
Policy cost
£5.82* a month
Policy type
Caterers Insurance
Duration
Annual
Turnover
£50,000
Public Liability
£1,000,000
Catering Equipment
£250
Stock & Frozen Foods
£250
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 14/04/2025. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
Have a question?
For further information on your policy, renewals, making a claim and contacting us, you’ll find an extensive list of FAQs on our Help & Support page.
Why choose Protectivity for your ice cream van insurance?
Let the reviews of over 3,000 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 130,000 policyholders.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.
5* reviews from 3,000+ customers.
Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
UK Based Customer Support
On average we answer your phone calls in under 2 minutes
Frequently
Asked Questions
Can I get cover if I own more than one ice cream van?
To insure more than one van/trailer, you would need to take out more than one policy.
Do I need employers’ liability if I have staff helping me?
Yes, if you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. This coverage protects you if an employee makes a claim for injury or illness caused during their employment. Ensure your policy includes this essential cover.
Can I add cover for overnight parking or storage?
To insure a catering trailer with Protectivity, it must be parked in a driveway, garage, or locked compound overnight with all required security measures. For a self-propelled van, you’d need specific motor insurance.
Does my policy cover me if I park and trade at different locations?
Yes, Protectivity’s policy is designed for mobile food businesses that trade at various locations. This flexibility allows you to operate across different sites, including public areas and events, with the necessary coverage in place.
Can I insure a converted or customised ice cream van?
Protectivity provides coverage for purpose-built ice cream trailers or converted trailers, but not the vehicle itself. Whether your trailer is factory-built or customised to suit your business by a professional, you can obtain insurance tailored to your specific setup.
Am I covered for both the van and the ice cream equipment inside?
Protectivity’s policy can cover trailers however not the vehicle itself. This would fall under separate motor insurance. The policy includes protection for your serving equipment, freezers, soft-serve machines, and point-of-sale systems against theft, damage, or breakdown. Coverage amounts range from £250 to £10,000, depending on your needs.
Do I need special insurance for an ice cream van in the UK?
Yes, operating an ice cream van in the UK requires specialist business insurance. Protectivity offers tailored coverage for mobile food businesses, including ice cream vans, street food sellers, and catering trailers. This ensures you’re protected against risks specific to your trade.
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This page content has been created for general information and should not be taken as advice.
*Prices quoted refer to a quote raised from our website 14/04/2025. Prices will differ depending on requirements. Make sure you have the correct level of cover for what you need. For the most accurate pricing, please get a quote and for full details on what is covered refer to our policy documentation with your quote.
** Based on Protectivity sales data from 2007 to Sep 2024
ˆ10% discount for policies bought online and applies only to the first-year of your policy premium. Protectivity reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Available to UK residents only.
¹Based on live Feefo data