Catering Insurance
See what caterers pay, what venues require, and get your own quote in a few minutes. No spam, no obligation.
Also for personal chefs, meal prep businesses, and event food vendors.
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What catering business insurance costs
Catering general liability is one of the cheaper food coverages because you don't carry a dining room full of the public every night. From our own book: a recent caterer general liability bind came in at $597/yr.
The wrinkle with catering is that your certificate requirements come from other people's venues. Nearly every venue requires $1M liability with additional insured status before you can serve, many require liquor liability if you pour, and some want to see auto coverage for the delivery vehicle.
| Coverage | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $40-$120/mo | From our own book: a recent caterer GL bind came in at $597/yr. |
| Liquor liability | from ~$45/mo | Needed if you pour at events. Many venues require it even when the client supplies the alcohol. |
| Commercial auto | $100-$200/mo | For the van or truck that hauls food and equipment. Personal auto excludes business use. |
| Workers' compensation | Priced on payroll | Required in most states once you have employees, including event staff. |
Figures are estimates from published small-business premium medians and quotes we've run for similar businesses. Your premium depends on your operations. This is not a quote or an offer of insurance.
What moves your price
- ✓Annual revenue and number of events
- ✓Whether you pour alcohol, and whether you hire the bartenders
- ✓Off-premises cooking: open flame and fryers on site rate higher
- ✓Delivery vehicles and driver records
- ✓Event size. Weddings and corporate events carry bigger crowds than drop-off catering
The coverage a catering business needs
Guest illness and injury claims, property damage at the venue. Every venue requires it, usually $1M with additional insured status.
Covers claims from serving alcohol at events. If your staff pours, you need it, in most states regardless of who bought the bottles.
The van hauling food, staff, and equipment. Personal auto policies exclude business use.
Chafing dishes, serving equipment, and food in transit and on site.
Required in most states once you have employees, including part-time event staff. Priced on payroll.
Frequently asked questions
How much does catering insurance cost?
General liability for a small caterer typically runs $40-$120/mo. From our own book: a recent caterer GL bind came in at $597/yr. Liquor liability, commercial auto, and workers' comp add on top depending on how you operate.
Can I get coverage for a single event?
Yes, single-event policies exist and venues accept them. But if you cater more than a few events a year, an annual policy usually costs less than three one-day policies and covers you for every gig, including the last-minute ones.
The client is buying the alcohol. Do I still need liquor liability?
If your staff pours or serves it, yes in most states. Liability follows the service, not the receipt. Many venues require caterers to carry liquor liability whenever alcohol is present at all.
What will venues require from me?
Almost always $1M general liability with the venue named as additional insured on a COI, often liquor liability if alcohol is served, and sometimes proof of workers' comp. A policy with blanket additional insured status lets us turn those COIs around same-day.
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