What insurance does a food truck need in Texas?
Auto liability, general liability, equipment coverage, and the certificates that events and commissary kitchens require before you set up.
- A food truck needs commercial auto for the driving, general liability for the food and the customers, and coverage for the build out.
- Insuring the truck at the value of the bare chassis means a total loss pays a fraction of what it takes to get back on the road. Get an itemized build sheet and insure the real number.
- Events and venues often require one million dollars of general liability. Ask for the requirements when you book, not the day before.
A food truck needs commercial auto for the driving, general liability for the food and the customers, and coverage for the build out. It is two businesses in one vehicle, a restaurant and a commercial truck. Insurers treat it that way, and so should you.
The coverages
- Commercial auto liability, for the driving
- Physical damage on the truck itself, valued to include the build out and not just the chassis, the bare truck
- General liability, for a customer who gets sick, a slip near the window, or damage to a venue
- Coverage for the cooking gear, the generator and the register
- Workers compensation if you have employees. It pays for an employee's injury on the job
- Spoilage coverage, which pays for product lost when the refrigeration fails
Valuing the build out
This is where food trucks end up underinsured. A used step van might have cost 25,000 dollars, with another 60,000 in equipment, wrapping and fabrication. Insuring it at the chassis value means a total loss pays a fraction of what it takes to get back on the road. Get an itemized build sheet and insure the real number.
Certificates for events and venues
Festivals, breweries, private events and commissary kitchens will ask for a certificate of insurance. Most want to be named as additional insured. That means your coverage extends to them for claims that come out of your work. Requirements often specify one million dollars of general liability. Ask for the requirements when you book, not the day before.
Propane, fryers and fire
Fire is the most common serious loss for food trucks. Carriers ask about fire suppression systems, propane storage and hood cleaning schedules. A serviced suppression system and a cleaning log help pricing, and they help far more at claim time.
Where the truck sits overnight
Where you park it and how secure it is affect the price for theft and vandalism. A commissary lot with cameras rates better than a street parking spot, and insurers ask.
While parked and operating
Some auto policies limit coverage while the truck is parked and being used as a place of business. This is exactly why the general liability policy matters, and why the two need to be written to work together. See the line between personal and commercial auto.
We will cover both halves
Bring your build sheet, your equipment list and any event contracts. Use the commercial quote form on this page, or call our McAllen office at (956) 687 3334. Se habla español.
Common follow-up questions
Can I insure a food truck on a personal auto policy?
No. The business use and the build out both put it outside personal auto coverage.
Do I need workers compensation in Texas?
The Texas Department of Insurance says private employers can choose whether to carry it, and most are not required to. Many venues and clients require it anyway. Without it, an injured employee can sue the business directly.
What about a food trailer instead of a truck?
Similar coverages. The trailer is listed on the policy and the truck that tows it is insured the right way. The general liability and equipment needs are the same.
Commercial auto quote. Eight quick questions, then a licensed agent in McAllen calls you with the number.
What do you drive for work?
Pick the closest one. Your agent will sort out the details.
How many trucks?
Count every vehicle the business uses, including one you own personally.
What is the work?
Welder, landscaper, produce hauling, deliveries. A few words is enough.
Does a customer or general contractor need a certificate from you?
Many contracts ask for a one million dollar limit. If you have the requirement in writing, keep it handy for the call.
Do you have a USDOT number?
Needed for crossing state lines in a truck over 10,000 pounds. Not sure is a fine answer.
Who are we quoting?
So your agent knows who they are calling.
Where should we call you?
One call with your quote. No robocalls, no list selling.
Want a copy by email?
Optional. It means you have the numbers in writing after the call.
By pressing “Get my quote” you agree a licensed McAllen Insurance Group agent may contact you by phone, text or email at the details you provide, including by automated dialing. Consent is not required to buy. This is a request for a quote, not an application, and not an offer of coverage.
Getting your request to an agent
We have your request
An agent will call you with the quote. Have your registration and any contract requirements nearby. If you would rather not wait, call us now.
Call (956) 687 3334Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Se habla español.
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Gerino Alejos
Licensed insurance agent · License 3128710 · NPN 18243381
Owner of McAllen Insurance Group, an independent agency on North 10th Street in McAllen. Works with clients across Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr counties on Medicare, Marketplace health, life and auto coverage. Se habla español.