Cleveland and South Euclid just finished up their Food Truck Rodeo where food truck operators could get all of the permits they need in one place from health department permits (Cleveland & Cuyahoga County), Vendor’s License, as well as an LP pressure test. But missing from the Food Truck Rodeo was some one educating food truck operators on what type of insurance is needed.

To learn more about what insurance food trucks need read more

General Liability- It protects you from claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury caused by your operations. Imagine you are swapping out a 100 lb. propane tank and a strap lets loose injuring a customer- this would be covered by your General Liability Insurance. Product Liability is part of most general liability policies. This valuable coverage protects you if somebody were to get sick from eating contaminated food or having an allergic reaction from an ingredient and no disclosures were posted. Products liability can cover medical costs, legal fees and settlements related to these types of claims.

Commercial Auto Insurance-Most food trucks do not qualify for a personal auto policy so a commercial auto policy is essential. (a common food truck is the Ford E-350 step van with a GVW of 11,500 lbs. making it ineligible for most personal auto policies). Commercial auto insurance protects you if you are involved in an accident and will pay for third-party damages if you were at fault. Collision insurance and Comprehensive insurance are optional coverages but will pay for repairing your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident or from an other than collision claim (fire, theft, vandalism).

Commercial Property Insurance-This coverage will provide protection for your equipment in the truck and stock due to losses caused by theft, fire, vandalism and certain weather events

Business Interruption Insurance-Can cover unexpected events, like truck damage, equipment fires, or severe weather. These events can force you to halt operations temporarily. Business interruption insurance helps replace lost income during these disruptions so you can recover financially while getting back on the road.

Workers’ Compensation-While in Ohio most employers must purchase their workers’ compensation from the State it can not be overlooked. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

Equipment Breakdown-Your food Truck is loaded with specialized equipment for your business, grills, fryers, generators and coolers. If any of these systems breakdown due to mechanical or electrical failure you could be out of business. This coverage can pay you for the repair of the damaged equipment and lost earnings while you could not operate your business.

Inland Marine Insurance- protects your property, while transporting it to and from events, out of storage or to a brick-and-mortar prep kitchen you may use. This coverage protects your equipment from theft or damage while in transit.

So, while you get your Truck tuned-up for that first event of the year like the Geauga County Maple Festival in Chardon or the first Walnut Wednesday call the Trusted Choice Insurance Agents at Richey-Barrett Insurance for an insurance tune-up for your food truck.