Running a food truck is intense, but rewarding work.
Food truck owners love the creative and mobile aspect of their businesses. New recipes and new events pop up around every corner. But running a food truck takes a lot of labor and definitely involves some risks. From driving accidents to equipment breakdowns to customer slip-and-falls, food trucks need specialized insurance to stay protected.
Let’s explore the 7 types of insurance most food truck owners should consider. We’ll cover 4 policies you definitely don’t want to skip and 3 policies you’d probably benefit from.
Always:
1. Commercial Auto Insurance
Covers: Accidents, fender-benders, and liability if your truck causes damage.
Since your truck is your business, you’ll need more than just personal auto insurance. Commercial auto insurance covers vehicle-related incidents like accidents, property damage, and bodily injury while you’re on the road or parked for service.
2. General Liability Insurance
Covers: Slips, trips, and customer injury claims.
Almost every business across industries needs general liability insurance. General liability covers claims related to third-party injuries and property damage. If a customer trips near your service window or a hot item causes a burn, this policy can help with legal costs and medical expenses.
3. Business Property Insurance
Covers: Replacing expensive kitchen gear or stolen supplies.
This protects your food truck’s contents—including cooking equipment, cash registers, refrigerators, and inventory—whether they’re damaged by fire, vandalism, or theft. Commercial refrigerators, fryers, and flattops are expensive. A property insurance policy goes a long way to cover these investments.
4. Product Liability Insurance
Covers: Food poisoning, allergic reactions, or other claims tied to your menu.
Every restauranteur’s worst nightmare: food poisoning or an allergic reaction. Foodborne illness or allergic reactions can lead to very costly lawsuits. Product liability covers claims related to the food you serve—even if the issue is out of your control (like a contaminated ingredient).
Sometimes:
5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Covers: Protecting employees and complying with state laws.
If you have employees, most states require workers’ comp. It provides medical benefits and wage replacement 
if someone gets hurt on the job (like burns or knife cuts). If you’re based in Pennsylvania like us, Workers’ Comp is definitely a requirement.
Either way, if you have a team, you want them to be covered. Working in a food truck is typically a tightknit group. Getting your crew member back in shape after an injury (and making sure their expenses are properly covered) is crucial.
6. Inland Marine Insurance
Covers: Catering off-site events or transporting gear to festivals.
Insurers don’t use the term “marine” the way most of us do. This coverage protects movable property and equipment in transit (including on land). For food trucks that use pop-up tents, portable fryers, or event gear, inland marine insurance keeps those tools covered.
7. Business Interruption Insurance
Covers: Keeping revenue flowing during downtime.
If a fire, accident, or theft puts your truck out of commission, this coverage can help replace lost income while you get back on your feet.
Do I Need All of These?
Not necessarily—but a customized insurance plan built around your operations, location, and equipment is the way to go. Many insurers offer bundled “Food Truck Insurance” policies that combine several of the above at a lower cost. Explore our specialized Food Truck insurance bundle.
Here’s the quick & dirty of what policy covers what:
| Type of Insurance | What It Covers | Best For |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | Accidents, liability, and damage to the food truck itself | Anyone operating a mobile food truck on public roads |
| General Liability | Third-party injuries (e.g., slips, burns) and property damage | Trucks serving customers directly on sidewalks or public areas |
| Business Property | Damage or theft of equipment and inventory (grills, cash registers, etc.) | Owners with expensive or specialized kitchen equipment |
| Workers’ Compensation | Medical bills and lost wages for injured employees | Food trucks with employees, even part-time or seasonal staff |
| Product Liability | Claims related to foodborne illness or allergic reactions | Any truck serving prepared food or beverages |
| Inland Marine | Protection for gear or inventory in transit (tents, fryers, supplies) | Trucks that cater or travel to multiple locations with extra equipment |
| Business Interruption | Lost income due to downtime from covered events (fire, accident, etc.) | Trucks that rely heavily on daily sales to stay profitable |
Commercial Auto Insurance Near Harrisburg, PA
Food trucks are fun—but protecting them is serious business. The right insurance helps you avoid financial roadblocks, stay compliant, and focus on what matters most: serving great food and building loyal customers.
Ready to get started? Connect with one of our top-rated insurance agents. The Kind Insurance is an independent insurance agency. That means we are not tied down to any specific selection of insurers. Our agents work with you to understand your needs and budget and then find a plan that suits you the best.
Get a quote today to explore options for affordable food truck insurance while getting the coverage you need.