Food Vendor Insurance
Specialist cover for Caterers and Food vendors from £5.82 per month.*
- Public Liability up to £5m
- Equipment & Stock cover
- Join over 150,000 customers**
From £5.82* a month
What does food vendor insurance cover?
Our insurance for food vendors provides specialist protection for freelance vendors, street food sellers, and mobile food vendors offering hot or cold food, including those operating from food trucks or stalls.
With our policy, you’ll enjoy public liability and product liability cover of up to £5 million as standard. It also includes vital protection for your equipment and stock. Optional extras are available, such as employers’ liability if you hire staff, frozen goods cover, loss of money, and food truck or stall cover. You can tailor your level of cover to match the scale of your business, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
We understand the need for flexibility in the food vending industry. Whether you operate from a fixed location, run a mobile food business, or manage a team, our policy enables you to select the cover that best fits your requirements.
Make sure you have the correct insurance for your event and be sure to check if any exclusions are relevant to what you have planned in policy documentation.
Public Liability
Equipment & Stock
Frozen Goods
Employers' Liability
Catering Trailer
Public Liability
- Up to £5 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 £5 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
- Up to £20,000 cover available (for quotes over £20,00 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.
To qualify for this cover, the trailer must have an approved alarm, tracker, and key-operated hitch lock when unattended. Additionally, a wheel clamp must be used when the trailer is unattached and unattended. 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 food vendor insurance?
As a food vendor, your customers rely on you to provide exceptional food and service, whether at markets, festivals, or regular trading locations. They trust in your expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality. However, even with careful planning, unexpected incidents can occur. Food vendor insurance protects professionals like you from potential claims that may arise from accidents, mistakes, or unforeseen circumstances during your business operations.
From food-related issues to equipment damage or accidents involving customers or staff, the food vending industry comes with its share of risks.
Whatever your food vending activities may be, there will always be unique challenges and potential risks that could affect your business. That’s why our policy is fully customisable, offering tailored coverage whether you operate a food truck, run a food stall, sell street food, or work as a freelance vendor. With the right insurance, you’ll have the confidence to focus on serving your customers and growing your business.
Here are some common examples of when food vendor insurance becomes essential:
Protection from claims should a client or member of the public get injured.
Protection against claims arising from accidental injury to a customer or third party, or damage to their belongings. This could be a customer tripping over your catering equipment, or it could be damage caused to a personal affect, such as staining a household surface.
Either way, in the event of incidents like these, you need public liability 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 burn themselves from food you’ve prepared, which could result in a claim 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 during their work and hold you responsible. If you have employees or hire temporary workers for your catering services, employers’ liability covers you against claims from these incidents, it is a legal obligation with fines of £2500 per day for failing to comply.
A venue requires proof of liability cover for food vendors.
If you are contracted to provide catering services for an event it is often obligatory to provide proof of public liability insurance to a venue or event organiser as part of their risk assessment.
Catering equipment was stolen at an event
Your catering equipment are to tools you need to deliver great food and service. But what if a key piece of equipment gets stolen during an event so you can no longer use it. If you don’t have the right cover, you’d face steep replacement costs, potentially impacting your ability to work.
Catering equipment insurance protects you from these unexpected expenses, ensuring you can get back to business without unnecessary stress.
Your catering trailer gets damaged on a job
Your catering trailer is the heart of your business, serving meals to happy customers. Now imagine something large falling on your trailer during a job, causing damage that leaves it unusable. Without insurance, you’d 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...
“As a food vendor, whether operating at farmers’ markets, festivals, sporting events or street food locations, you face a unique set of risks that require specialised protection. Food Vendor Insurance safeguards against claims arising from food preparation, handling, and service. Imagine a scenario where a customer experiences an allergic reaction, claims food poisoning, or sustains burns from hot food or beverages.
Without proper cover, such incidents could result in substantial financial liabilities and potentially threaten the future of your business. Additionally, protection for your stall, equipment and stock against damage, theft or loss is vital to maintain continuity of trade. Our Food Vendor Insurance has been carefully crafted to address these specific concerns, allowing you to focus on creating delicious offerings rather than worrying about potential claims.”
Mandy Czyz, Protectivity Underwriter
How much does food vendor insurance cost?
At Protectivity policies start at just £5.82* a month.
There are varying factors that will influence the exact amount you pay for food vendor 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
Food Vendor
Duration
Annual
Turnover
£50,000
Public Liability
£1,000,000
Catering Equipment
£250
Stock & Frozen Food
£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 food vendor insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 150,000 customers.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.
Over 3,500 highly rated reviews.
Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
UK Based Customer Support
Our UK sales team are here to help.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Are specialised dietary requirement offerings (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) treated differently under this policy?
No, the policy covers your catering business regardless of the type of food you serve. However, it’s your responsibility to comply with all legal obligations around dietary claims, including proper labelling and food safety practices.
What happens if severe weather affects my ability to operate my food stall?
The policy does not cover loss of income or financial losses due to disruption from severe weather. However, accidental damage to your equipment or trailer (if insured) caused by weather may be covered.
Does your policy cover digital payment equipment used at my food stall?
Yes, electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems are covered under Catering Equipment insurance if not permanently installed and if used in the course of your insured business.
Are power generators used at outdoor food vending sites covered?
Yes, portable power generators you own or are legally responsible for can be insured under the Catering Equipment section of your policy.
What happens if my food vendor unit is stolen or vandalised?
If your vendor unit is a trailer and you’ve selected Catering Trailer Cover, theft or vandalism is covered—provided all security requirements are met. Self-propelled vans require separate vehicle insurance for theft and vandalism claims.
Am I covered for damage to third-party property whilst operating at a food market?
Yes, under Frozen Goods Cover, your policy protects against loss or damage caused by refrigeration equipment failure or public electricity supply issues. Stock cover (up to £3,000) also applies to accidental damage, theft, or loss of non-frozen items, subject to a £500 single item limit.
Are food vendor operations at festivals and temporary events insured?
Yes, you are covered for the selected benefits in your policy while operating at festivals and events. Ensure all equipment and trailers meet security and storage requirements during the event, especially if unattended overnight.
Is cooking equipment like commercial grills or smokers insured?
Yes, portable cooking equipment such as grills or smokers is covered under Catering Equipment insurance, up to £10,000, for accidental damage, loss, or theft, subject to a single item limit.
Are food preparation vehicles or trailers covered under this policy?
Yes, catering trailers are covered under optional Catering Trailer Cover, with up to £20,000 available online, anything higher you will need to speak to our sales team. Trailers must meet specific security requirements, including an approved alarm, tracker, key-operated hitch lock, and wheel clamp when unattended. Self-propelled vehicles are not covered under this policy and require separate motor insurance.
Do I need to provide hygiene certification for my food vendor insurance?
You are not required to show a hygiene certificate when purchasing the policy. However, all staff must hold a minimum Level 1 food hygiene certificate, and you may be asked to provide this documentation in the event of a claim.
Does my food vendor insurance cover market stalls and pop-up locations?
Yes, the policy provides cover for catering operations at temporary sites such as market stalls and pop-up locations, including cover for equipment and stock while off-site. Public Liability cover applies at these locations as well.
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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