General Liability Insurance for Food Trucks

Running a food truck means feeding the public, all day, in a small space with hot equipment, foot traffic, and a line of hungry customers. That's real exposure. General liability insurance protects you when something goes wrong and gives you the proof of coverage you need to legally operate.

What general liability insurance typically covers

• Bodily injury: a customer trips on your step or generator cord, or hot food burns someone in line.
• Property damage: your truck or equipment damages someone else's property while parked or serving.
• Product liability: a claim that a customer became ill from food you served.
• Advertising injury: claims tied to your marketing, signage, or truck branding.

Who needs it

• Food trucks serving lunch routes, breweries, and office parks
• Food carts and pushcarts at markets and festivals
• Food trailers towed to fairs, sporting events, and pop-ups
• Operators who cook and serve on raw or high-risk foods (e.g. sushi)

Why commissaries, cities, and events require proof of coverage

Health departments, commissary kitchens, and the festivals, markets, and lots where you vend almost always require a certificate of insurance (COI) before issuing a permit or a spot — frequently naming themselves as an additional insured. Without it, you can be turned away even with a permit in hand. If your truck also caters private events, see our catering coverage guide.

Frequently asked questions