Insurance

Organizers, commissaries, and cities often want proof of insurance before you park. That usually means a certificate of insurance (COI) with stated limits, and sometimes an additional-insured endorsement in the organizer's exact legal name. This page is general information for operators, not insurance advice, and it is not an offer to sell insurance. A licensed insurer or agent has to match coverage to your truck, your menu, and the places you vend.

The coverage organizers typically ask about

General liability is the policy most event applications mention, often at a $1 million per-occurrence limit, though the number and wording are the organizer's, not ours. Commercial auto matters because the truck is a vehicle, not only a kitchen. If you have employees, workers' compensation may be required. Equipment and contents (sometimes called inland marine or commercial property) cover the gear inside the truck. Hired and non-owned auto, liquor liability, and higher limits come up depending on how you operate.

Ask your insurer to describe, in writing, what is excluded: driving between events, catering off the truck, out-of-state work, generators, propane, or employees versus contractors. If you travel, say so. A policy written only for a single city can leave a gap at a weekend event two states over.

Certificates, timing, and names

Do not wait until the week of the event to request a COI. Ask what the organizer wants verbatim: limits, additional insured, waiver of subrogation, certificate holder name, and whether they need the actual endorsement form or only the certificate. The legal name on the certificate has to match what they asked for, and your business name on the policy should match how you actually apply. Keep copies with the rest of your event paperwork.

ERGO NEXT

ERGO NEXT writes small-business and food truck insurance, including general liability and certificates of insurance. When our ERGO NEXT partner program is live, a sponsored link will appear on this page, and we may earn a commission if you buy or sign up through it. That does not change their price, and it is not a substitute for comparing quotes or reading the policy. We are not a party to your contract with them.