• May 24, 2025
  • By Brian

How Much General Liability Insurance Does a Food Truck Need?

Operating a food truck can be a rewarding business, but it also comes with risks—from customer injuries to property damage. General liability insurance is essential to protect your business from financial losses due to accidents or lawsuits. But how much coverage does a food truck actually need?

Understanding General Liability Insurance for Food Trucks

General liability insurance covers:

  • Bodily injury:
  • (e.g., a customer slips and falls near your truck)

  • Property damage:
  • (e.g., you accidentally damage a vendor’s equipment)

  • Personal and advertising injury:
  • (e.g., a claim of slander or copyright infringement)

    Without this coverage, a single lawsuit could devastate your business.

    Recommended Coverage Limits

    Most food truck owners should carry at least million per occurrence and million aggregate (total coverage per policy term). This is a common industry standard and is often required by:

  • Event organizers:
  • (festivals, fairs)

  • Landlords:
  • (if you operate on private property)

  • Local regulations:
  • (some cities mandate minimum coverage)

    Factors That Influence Your Insurance Needs

  • 1. Location & Foot Traffic:
  • – High-traffic areas may increase risk exposure.

  • 2. Type of Food Served:
  • – Greasy or high-risk foods (e.g., deep-fried items) may raise liability concerns.

  • 3. Local Laws:
  • – Some states or cities require higher minimums.

  • 4. Contractual Obligations:
  • – If you work with catering clients, they may demand additional coverage.

    Additional Coverages to Consider

  • Commercial Auto Insurance:
  • – Covers accidents while driving the truck.

  • Product Liability Insurance:
  • – Protects against foodborne illness claims.

  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance:
  • – Covers repairs if your fridge or grill fails.

    Cost of General Liability Insurance for Food Trucks
    Premiums typically range from ,000 to ,000 annually, depending on factors like:
    – Revenue
    – Claims history
    – Coverage limits

    Final Recommendation
    Start with million per occurrence / million aggregate and adjust based on your specific risks. Consult an insurance agent specializing in food trucks to ensure proper protection.

    By securing the right general liability insurance, you can focus on serving great food—without worrying about unexpected financial setbacks.

    Would you like help finding insurance providers that specialize in food truck coverage?