What Insurance Does a Food Truck Need?

Food trucks face a unique combination of risks — you're operating a commercial vehicle, preparing food, serving customers, and often working at events or on public property. That means you need multiple coverages working together.

Essential Food Truck Coverages

| Coverage | Why You Need It | Typical Cost |
|----------|----------------|-------------|--|
| Commercial Auto | Covers your truck while driving, required by law | $150–$350/mo |
| General Liability | Customer injuries, property damage at events | $40–$80/mo |
| Product Liability | Foodborne illness or allergic reaction claims | Often included in GL |
| Commercial Property | Equipment, cooking gear, signage, inventory | $25–$75/mo |
| Workers' Comp | Employee injuries (if you have staff) | $50–$150/mo |
| Business Income | Lost income if your truck is damaged and can't operate | $15–$40/mo |

How Much Does Food Truck Insurance Cost?

Total food truck insurance typically costs $3,000–$6,000 per year ($250–$500/mo) for a comprehensive package. Your exact cost depends on:

Truck value — A $40K custom-built truck costs more to insure than a $15K used truck
Location & routes — Urban operations and highway driving increase risk
Revenue — Higher sales = higher GL premiums
Number of employees — More staff = higher workers' comp costs
Events vs. fixed location — Event-based trucks may need special event coverage

Food Truck Insurance Requirements

Most cities, health departments, and event organizers require food trucks to carry:

Minimum commercial auto liability (varies by state, typically $300K–$1M)
General liability (most events require $1M per occurrence)
Health department permits (not insurance, but often required alongside it)
Certificate of insurance naming the event organizer as additional insured

Tips for Food Truck Owners

Don't use personal auto insurance — Personal policies exclude commercial food service vehicles
Get hired/non-owned auto if employees drive their own cars for business errands
Consider food spoilage coverage — Covers inventory lost to equipment breakdown or power outage
Bundle when possible — A food truck BOP can save 15% vs. buying policies separately