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What is catering insurance?
Catering insurance is a specialist business insurance package designed for caterers, whether you run a company, work as a sole trader, or take on contracts for events. It helps protect your staff, customers, equipment and livelihood against the risks of working in food service.
Core covers often include:
Employers’ liability insurance – legally required if you employ staff, covering claims for injury or illness at work.
Public liability insurance – protects you if a client, guest or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, as a result of your catering activities.
Product liability insurance – covers claims if food or drink you provide causes illness or injury.
Tool and equipment insurance – protects catering equipment, from kitchen appliances to serving tools, if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Additional options can include business interruption insurance, stock cover and vehicle insurance, providing extra protection for events and day-to-day operations.
Do I need catering insurance?
Yes, caterers need insurance both to meet legal requirements and to protect against the risks of working in food service. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you employ staff, while many clients and venues will insist you have public liability insurance before you can cater an event.
Even where cover is not compulsory, insurance provides vital financial protection. Product liability insurance is especially important for caterers, as it covers claims if food or drink you provide causes illness. Without the right cover, you could face significant costs for equipment damage, staff injuries, or client compensation claims.
Why do caterers need business insurance?
Avoid a £2,500 daily fine
If you are a UK business and you have any non-family members working for you then by law you must have employers' liability insurance.
Without it, you can be fined up to £2,500 for every day you're not insured
Protection for staff injuries and illnesses
Employers liability insurance covers the compensation costs if a worker becomes ill or injured because of their work for you. This includes ex-employees.
For example, if a worker was exposed to faulty cooking equipment, which left them with injuries or health issues, they could sue their employer for failing to put adequate health and safety measures in place, even years after the incident.
Clients are more likely to hire you
Many people are wary about hiring businesses who do not have comprehensive insurance policies in place, and quite often, organisations have policies prohibiting them from hiring uninsured companies, including caterers.
Government contracts, for example, will usually insist you have a public liability insurance policy of at least £5-£10 million.
Protect members of the public
If anyone becomes ill or injured because of your work you could be responsible for the associated costs, including expensive compensation claims. Working with food can be risky work, and things can unexpectedly go very wrong.
For example, you might give your clients food poisoning or accidentally serve food that is too hot.
Public liability insurance covers harm to members of the public. It is not a legal requirement, but some clients will insist you have it, especially if you do commercial catering.
Your equipment damages someone's property
From fires caused by kitchen appliances, to accidents involving catering vans, there are a number of risks involved with catering that could cause significant damage, which the owners of the property may expect you to pay for.
With public liability insurance your insurance provider will pay the costs of accidental damage to other people's property, whether that's a client, supplier or member of the public.
Your equipment is damaged or stolen
Business contents insurance can help you recover the cost of losing company equipment to fire, flood, theft and other disasters. Tool cover can offer similar protection for tools.
The risk of some types of equipment losses is growing. London saw tool theft from vans increase by 60% between 2020 and 2023.
Legal support if you're sued
You can be taken to court if a client or a member of the public believe they have been physically or financially harmed because of your company's business activities, including if their property is damaged.
Catering businesses could be found liable for everything from giving clients food poisoning to causing accidental fires or damage.
Public liability insurance can cover the legal fees and compensation payouts in the event of a claim.
Did you know?
£68 million in insurance claims ^
That's how much was paid out in 2024. Without business insurance, those customers would have faced paying that bill themselves.
Why should I use MoneySuperMarket?
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What insurance should a caterer have?
Caterers face unique risks, from food safety to equipment loss, so the right insurance package is essential. The most common types of cover include:
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Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance covers compensation claims if a client, guest or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, as a result of your catering services.
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Employers' liability
Employers’ liability insurance protects you if your staff become ill or injured at work.
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Professional indemnity insurance
Professional indemnity insurance is useful if you provide consultancy, menu planning or food safety advice, covering claims of negligence or mistakes.
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Tools insurance
Tool insurance covers costs if your tools are stolen, damaged, or lost.
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Product liability insurance
Product liability insurance is vital for caterers, protecting you if food or drink you provide causes illness or injury.
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Business interruption
Business interruption insurance protects against disruption from events like fires.
How much does catering insurance cost?
Per year | Cheapest | Average |
|---|---|---|
Caterer insurance (excluding mobile vans) | £60.65^ | £135.66^ |
The cost of catering insurance depends on the type of work you do, the size of your business, and the cover you choose. On average, caterers pay around £135.66
Premiums may be higher if you run a mobile catering van, employ staff, or need additional protection such as business interruption or stock cover. However, insurance is usually far less costly than a claim – the average business insurance pay out is £3,377
What's the cheapest price I could pay?
£5
.05^ a month
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid this amount or less per month for a catering insurance policy. Figure based on policies purchased in 2024.
How much is the average business insurance claim?
£3,377^
The cost of fixing insurable problems yourself is usually significantly more expensive than taking out insurance.
What types of cover are included in catering insurance?
Catering insurance can be tailored to protect your business from the risks of working with food, staff, and equipment. Depending on the policy, it may include:
Public liability insurance – covers claims if a client or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, during your catering activities.
Employers’ liability insurance – legally required if you employ staff, protecting you against workplace injury or illness claims.
Product liability insurance – essential for caterers, covering claims if food or drink you provide causes illness or injury.
Tools and equipment insurance – protects catering equipment, from ovens and appliances to serving tools, if stolen or damaged.
Business van insurance – covers vehicles used for transporting food or equipment, as standard motor insurance often excludes work use.
Business contents insurance – insures office or storage equipment if you operate from a base.
Legal expenses insurance – helps with costs from disputes such as contracts, employment or tax issues.
Personal accident insurance – provides financial support if you or an employee are seriously injured and unable to work.
Policies will not usually cover deliberate damage, incidents involving drugs or alcohol, normal wear and tear, breach of contract, or the improper use of business vehicles. These exclusions are standard across most business insurance policies.
Will my insurance pay out?
88% of Simply Business claims^
Almost 9 in 10 of business insurance claims made by MoneySuperMarket customers were accepted last year.
All insurance has conditions and exceptions, so you should read your policy documents carefully to make sure you know what is and isn't covered.
When it comes to business insurance, the cheapest option may not be the best option for you. Sometimes it is worth paying a little more to get a better level of cover.
Our expert says…
From catering a wedding to selling cakes at a local market stall, if you have a catering business of any size it’s important to have the right protection to cover you against potential costs.
If someone makes a claim against you, public liability insurance - which you may be required to have by a local authority - can cover the costs which can be significant. You may also want to cover your stock and equipment and have a policy to replace your income if you’re unable to work for any reason.
The food industry had the highest number of injuries in 2023/2024, according to the government’s labour force survey, with 2,818 per 100,000 workers and therefore having a policy to protect you if you’re injured and not able to work can be a financial lifeline.
Rebecca Goodman Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
What other trades could I get insurance for?
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Pub and bar owners
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Domestic cleaners
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Gardeners
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Hairdressers
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Window cleaners
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Dog walkers
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Frequently asked questions
Can I deliver food without a business insurance policy?
You will usually need business car insurance if you’re using your vehicle to deliver food for a catering company. If you use standard car insurance and make a claim, it could be rejected.
What insurance do I need for a mobile food trailer?
You will usually need public liability insurance, as a minimum amount of cover, if you run a mobile food trailer or truck. Other policies, such as stock and equipment cover, can also be useful.
Do I need a licence to run a mobile food van?
Yes, you will need a licence from your local council before you start operating a mobile food van. The council will usually ask to see proof of your insurance before granting a licence.
What affects the price of catering insurance?
The average cost of public liability insurance for a catering business starts from around £50 for £2m of cover, according to NimbleFins. However, premiums depend on various factors including.
Annual turnover
Whether your business is static or mobile
Number of employees
The value of equipment, vehicles and premises
Your cover limit
Where your catering business is located
Your business structure
Any previous catering insurance claims
Catering insurance policies normally run for 12 months with premiums paid annually upfront or by monthly direct debit.
How do I buy catering business insurance?
Catering insurance is a type of business insurance which you can buy online. There are lots of insurers and policies to choose from so it’s important to compare prices before you buy. When you buy this type of insurance, you’ll be asked about your business and shown policies that may be suitable.
Make sure you only buy the cover you need. For example, you’ll only need employee liability insurance if you employ other people.
How does catering business insurance protect me?
You will be covered for the cost of a wide range of scenarios with catering business insurance. These could include your equipment being damaged or lost, you missing out on an event because you’re unable to work, or the legal cost if a client sues you.
What insurance is needed for a small food business?
If you run a small food business, such as a market stall or food van, public liability insurance is usually required in order for you to operate. This protects you from the cost of claims made by a member of the public as a result of the food you sell.
You may also find insurance that covers your stock and products useful and a policy to protect you are unable to work. If you hire anyone you will legally need to have employers liability insurance too.
How does MoneySuperMarket make money?
We get paid by the companies we work with, but the payment we get doesn’t have any bearing on the information we provide. We get paid in different ways, depending on the type of product or service you buy through us. Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible, but we only show results from our partner providers.
Our comparison service is, and will always be, free to use.
Why should I use a price comparison website?
One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.
Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?
No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is business insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
No, at this time business insurance is not an eligible product for unlocking our SuperSaveClub rewards. It is also not included in our Price Promise.
Who are Simply Business?
Simply Business is one of the largest insurance brokers in the UK. They work with leading and specialist insurers to provide cover for small business owners, landlords and self-employed workers.
MoneySuperMarket has a commercial partnership with Simply Business. They offer various business and landlord insurance policies from different insurers through our platform, allowing our customers to find affordable quotes and policies that suit your specific needs.
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025 by
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid this amount or less monthly for caterer insurance, excluding mobile vans. Figure based on policies purchased in 2024.
According to Simply Business data, 51% of customers paid this amount or less for an annual catering insurance policy excluding mobile vans. Figure based on policies purchased in 2024.
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid this amount or less for an annual catering insurance policy excluding mobile vans. Figure based on policies purchased in 2024.
Average claims value for MoneySuperMarket customers who claimed on their business insurance in the last 12 months. Data provided by SimplyBusiness.
Source: Gov.uk
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
From 01.06.23 to 31.05.24 MoneySuperMarket customers received £1.59bn estimated savings based on (i) SuperSaveClub reward redemptions, and (ii) savings claims per product multiplied by the number of sales. Products included - Car, Home, Pet and Travel insurance, Broadband, Credit Cards, Loans and Mortgages.
88% of business insurance claims made by MoneySuperMarket customers were accepted in the 12 months before March 2025. Data from SimplyBusiness.
Simply Business data 2024