Every event asks for a certificate.
General liability that includes food illness claims, liquor liability, auto, equipment and workers' comp, with certificates for every venue that asks.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Coverage that travels to the event
Caterers work in someone else's venue, serve food to large groups and often pour alcohol. Venues require a certificate naming them as additional insured before you set up.
I build catering coverage around your events: liability for guests and venues, liquor liability if you serve, and coverage for the vans and equipment that go with you.
- General liabilityGuest injuries, venue damage and food illness.
- Liquor liabilityWhen you serve alcohol.
- Commercial autoVans and trucks to and from events.
- EquipmentChafers, ovens and rentals on the road.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Business: entity, years in business and kitchen.
- Events: number per year and largest size.
- Alcohol: whether and how you serve it.
- Vehicles: business or personal.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and claims.
Catering insurance, answered
Does general liability cover food poisoning claims?
Products and completed operations coverage, part of most general liability policies, responds to claims from food you served. Confirm it isn't excluded.
Do I need liquor liability?
If you serve alcohol, yes. Venues usually require it on the certificate.
Is my personal car covered for catering?
Personal auto policies may exclude business use. Commercial or hired and non-owned auto fills the gap.
Can I get certificates quickly?
Yes. Once a policy is bound, certificates for venues usually go out the same day.
Do you offer catering insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your event calendar. I'll shop it.
Events per year, revenue and whether you serve alcohol are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.