What business insurance does a caterer need?

Whether you're serving up the best part of a corporate luncheon or making an elegant wedding even more special, you've worked hard to build your business – and we want to help you protect it. The right insurance can safeguard your culinary company from the high costs of food safety claims, equipment fails and more. Here's a quick guide to the coverages most caterers choose so you can enjoy what you deserve most of all – the taste of success.

SHORT SUMMARY (because we know you have a lot going on!)

Catering businesses face unique risks tied to food preparation, transportation, and event service.
A Business Owner’s Policy for caterers saves you money by bundling general liability, property insurance and product liability.
General liability insurance covers injuries and damages caused by your business, as well as advertising-related claims.
Property insurance for catering services helps you replace or repair damaged cooking equipment, inventory and supplies.
Workers’ compensation for catering companies is required by most states and covers staff injuries and lost wages.
Commercial auto helps you pay for damages or injuries caused by the vehicles your company uses.
Inland marine insurance covers your valuable equipment and inventory when it's at your event – or on the road.
Liquor liability helps you handle the legal and medical costs of intoxicated guests who cause damage after you've served them liquor.
Working with Mylo can help you find the right coverage at the best value.

FIVE BEST INSURANCE COVERAGES FOR CATERING COMPANIES:

Here are five essential coverages every food truck operator should consider to stay protected and profitable:

1. Business Owner’s Policy for catering services

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a smart starting point. It bundles key coverages into one affordable package – ideal for new or growing catering businesses. Your BOP typically includes:

GENERAL LIABILITY FOR CATERERS Covers legal and medical costs if a customer or other visitor is injured – or their property is damaged – because of your services. It also protects you from advertising-related claims. Examples:

A server spills hot soup on a guest's lap
You damage a venue’s flooring while setting up equipment
A competitor accuses you of copying their logo or slogan

PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR CATERING BUSINESSES Helps repair or replace your kitchen equipment, inventory and supplies if disaster strikes in your space – like fire, theft, or vandalism.. Examples:

A grease fire damages your prep kitchen
A break-in results in stolen cooking gear and ingredients
A storm floods your storage area and ruins perishables

PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE (also called food liability) Covers legal costs if guests claim your food made them sick or caused an allergic reaction.

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE Replaces lost income if you need to temporarily pause your business due to covered property damage.

2. Workers' compensation for catering businesses

If you have employees, most states require workers' compensation. It covers medical care and lost wages for your team members injured on the job – and shields you from most employee lawsuits. Examples:

A cook burns their hand on a hot pan
A server strains their back lifting heavy trays
A dishwasher slips on a wet floor and fractures their wrist

3. Commercial auto insurance for caterers

If you use vans, trucks or cars to transport food, equipment or staff to events, most states require to you to carry commercial auto insurance.

Helps pay for damages or injuries your food truck causes to others or their property on the road
Can also pay for damages to your own truck (optional)

4. Inland marine for catering businesses

Covers your equipment, inventory and supplies while they're at your event – or while you're transporting them on the road. Examples:

A guest walks off with expensive speakers you brought to your event
You have a fender bender, and your refrigeration unit tips over and high-end food spoils

5. Liquor liability for catering companies

If you serve liquor at your event, almost all states will hold you liable if an intoxicated guest causes damages or injuries afterwards. Liquor liability insurance helps you handle pricey legal and medical costs.

THE BEST INSURANCE FOR CATERING BUSINESSES

Every catering business is different. No matter what's on your menu, we're fans of your company and want to help you protect it. Mylo has been innovating insurance for ten years. We know how to connect people and businesses to the coverage they need. Because we don’t sell our own insurance, we can give you an objective recommendation.

At no charge to you, we will: