A kitchen on wheels needs both kinds of cover.
Commercial auto for the truck, general liability for the window, and coverage for cooking equipment and food, with certificates for events and commissaries.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
A truck and a restaurant
A food truck is a commercial vehicle and a restaurant at once. A personal auto policy won't cover it, and a restaurant policy doesn't cover the road.
I put together commercial auto, general liability, equipment and spoilage coverage, and workers' comp if you have staff, so you can hand festivals and commissaries the certificate they ask for.
- Commercial autoThe truck on the road.
- General liabilityCustomer injuries and foodborne illness claims.
- EquipmentGrills, fryers, generators and refrigeration.
- SpoilageFood lost to equipment breakdown.
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.
- Truck: year, make, model, VIN and value.
- Equipment: cooking equipment and its value.
- Cooking: fryers or open flame on board.
- Where you sell: streets, events or private catering.
- Revenue and staff: sales and payroll.
- History: current policies and claims.
Food truck insurance, answered
Does personal auto insurance cover a food truck?
No. A vehicle used for business needs commercial auto coverage.
Why do events ask for a certificate?
Festivals and venues want your liability policy to respond if a customer is hurt, and ask to be named as additional insured.
Is my cooking equipment covered in a crash?
Auto physical damage covers the truck. Equipment coverage protects the kitchen equipment, including outside an accident.
Do I need workers' comp?
Yes, if you have employees. California requires it.
Do you offer food truck 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 the truck details. I'll shop it.
The truck, equipment value and where you sell 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.