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
- 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 a ice cream van operator, your customers count on you to deliver high-quality food and service, whether you’re trading at markets, festivals, or regular locations. They trust in your skills, professionalism, and dedication to excellence. However, even with careful planning, unforeseen incidents can arise. Ice cream van insurance safeguards professionals like you against potential claims that may occur due to accidents, mistakes, or unexpected events during your operations.
From food-related issues to equipment damage or incidents involving customers or employees, working in the catering van industry comes with its unique risks.
No matter the scale or nature of your catering van business, there are always challenges and risks that could impact your livelihood. That’s why our policy is designed to be flexible, offering tailored cover giving you flexibility and peace of mind 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 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 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 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 catering vans.
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.
Your catering trailer gets damaged on a job
If your catering trailer is the heart of your business, it’s an essential component 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...
“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
Is my electronic point of sale (POS) equipment specifically covered when used in my catering van?
Yes, if your point of sale (POS) equipment is portable and not permanently fitted, it can be covered under Catering Equipment insurance. Coverage applies whether it’s used on-site or temporarily off-site.
What happens if adverse weather conditions damage my catering van’s awning or exterior serving area?
If these components are classified as part of your equipment and not permanently fixed to a van, they may be covered under Catering Equipment insurance for accidental damage. If fixed, they may fall under a different policy (motor or separate business premises insurance).
Does this policy cover food stock while in transit before reaching my catering van?
Yes, stock is covered for accidental damage, loss, or theft while in transit—as long as it’s not left unattended and out of sight of the driver, which would void coverage.
Am I insured for festival and event attendance where I might be stationary for several days?
Yes, your cover includes operation at events, provided your equipment and trailer meet all policy conditions. However, if your trailer is unattended, required security measures must be in place.
Does your policy cover food trailer units that are towed rather than self-propelled?
Yes, catering trailers are covered up to £20,000. You can get a bespoke quote for higher values. The trailer must meet specific security requirements and be stored appropriately overnight.
What security measures do I need to have installed in my catering van for insurance validity?
These measures apply to catering trailers rather than vans. For trailers, an approved alarm, tracker, key-operated hitch lock, and wheel clamp (when unattached) are required when unattended.
Does my policy include public liability coverage for the area immediately surrounding my van?
Yes, Public Liability insurance covers up to £5 million for injury or property damage to third parties, including incidents occurring around your van during operation.
Is my catering van covered when parked overnight at my home address?
This policy primarily covers trailers, not self-propelled vans, these would need separate motor insurance. However, if you’re insuring a catering trailer, 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 your policy cover generator equipment used to power my catering van?
Yes, generator equipment can be included under Catering Equipment cover if it is not permanently fixed and you are legally responsible for it. Coverage is available for accidental damage, loss, or theft, subject to a £500 single item limit.
What happens if my catering van breaks down on the way to an event?
Vehicle breakdowns themselves are not covered by this insurance. You would need separate breakdown cover via a motor insurance policy. However, if the breakdown results in loss of frozen stock this would be covered.
Are refrigeration units and specialist food storage systems in my van covered?
Yes, if the refrigeration units are part of your equipment and not permanently fixed, they can be covered under Catering Equipment. Frozen goods stored inside are also covered—up to £3,000—against loss due to breakdown or power failure.
Does my catering van insurance cover modifications like built-in cooking equipment?
Built-in cooking equipment is considered part of your catering equipment. If it’s not permanently fixed and you are legally responsible for it, you can include it under your Catering Equipment cover—up to £10,000, with a £500 single item limit.
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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