Insurance for Caterers
Coverage that travels with your business.
Get comprehensive catering insurance that covers food service at events, protects your equipment, and meets venue requirements.
Licensed agents who understand catering deliver fast quotes and instant certificates for venue requirements.
Talk to a business insurance specialist
Licensed agents who understand your industry and get you competitive quotes fast.
Why Catering Insurance Matters
Protect your business when cooking leaves your kitchen
Catering involves unique risks that restaurant insurance doesn't cover. You're preparing and serving food at locations you don't control, transporting hot food in vehicles, and working in environments ranging from backyard parties to corporate events to weddings.
Most caterers need General Liability with off-premises coverage, Commercial Auto for food transport vehicles, and Workers' Compensation for employees working events. Many venues require specific coverage levels and additional insured status before allowing caterers on site.
Whether you run a full-service catering company or a specialized food service, the right insurance protects you from claims at every venue. Liquor liability is essential if you serve alcohol at events.
Coverage Checklist
Recommended coverage for your business
The policies you need to protect your business and meet client requirements
General Liability
RequiredCovers foodborne illness, venue damage, and off-premises operations.
Workers' Compensation
RequiredRequired for employees working at various event locations.
Commercial Auto
RequiredEssential for vehicles transporting food, equipment, and staff.
Industry Risks
Common risks you need to protect against
Real risks caterers face
See how the right insurance protects your catering business when things go wrong
Risk
Multiple guests at a wedding get food poisoning from your shrimp appetizers.
General Liability (Product Liability)
Pays for medical expenses, legal defense, and potential lawsuits—claims can easily exceed $100,000.
Risk
Multiple guests at a wedding get food poisoning from your shrimp appetizers.
General Liability (Product Liability)
Pays for medical expenses, legal defense, and potential lawsuits—claims can easily exceed $100,000.
Risk
Your server spills red wine on a venue's expensive carpet during setup.
General Liability
Covers the cost of carpet replacement or professional cleaning.
Risk
Your server spills red wine on a venue's expensive carpet during setup.
General Liability
Covers the cost of carpet replacement or professional cleaning.
Risk
Your catering van is in an accident while transporting food to an event.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicle damage, cargo loss, and any liability claims.
Risk
Your catering van is in an accident while transporting food to an event.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicle damage, cargo loss, and any liability claims.
Why Choose Us
Why caterers choose 1-800-INSURANCE
- Off-premises coverage for events at any venue
- Instant certificates for venue requirements
- Fast additional insured endorsements
- Commercial auto for food transport vehicles
- Liquor liability for events serving alcohol
- Equipment coverage for chafing dishes and supplies
Commercial insurance experts
Essential coverage for caterers
Compare quotes and get the specific policies your catering business needs
Ready to protect your business?
Get quotes from top carriers, instant COIs, and coverage that keeps you working.
Common questions
Catering Insurance FAQs
What insurance do caterers need?
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Caterers need General Liability with off-premises coverage, Commercial Auto, and Workers' Comp for employees. Liquor Liability is required if you serve alcohol. Most venues require certificates of insurance.
Do venues require catering insurance?
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Yes. Most venues require caterers to carry General Liability (typically $1M minimum), be named as additional insured, and provide a certificate of insurance before the event.
Does catering insurance cover home-based operations?
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General Liability can cover home-based catering businesses, but your homeowner's policy typically excludes business activities. You'll need a separate business policy even if you cook at home.
Protect Your Business Today
Our commercial insurance specialists understand your industry and can help you find the right coverage at the best price.