Machines you own, on floors you don't.
General and product liability, coverage for machines at host locations, theft and vandalism, route vehicles and workers' comp for vending operators from one machine to full routes.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Host sites, routes and broken glass
A vending business is spread across other people's property: a gym, a laundromat, an office break room. Hosts often ask for a certificate naming them as additional insured before you can place a machine. A machine that tips over on someone, a snack that makes a customer sick, or a cord that trips a passerby all come back to you.
Your machines are also exposed every night to break-ins and vandalism. I list each location and its value so a property policy can follow the equipment, and I add the van or car you restock with.
- General liabilityInjuries from machines at host locations.
- Product liabilityFood and drinks dispensed.
- PropertyMachines, stock and cash off-site.
- Commercial autoRoute vehicles for restocking.
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.
- Machines: count, type and value of each.
- Locations: host addresses and indoor or outdoor placement.
- Products: snacks, drinks, fresh food or prizes.
- Cash: how much sits in machines and how often it's collected.
- Vehicles: route vehicles and drivers.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures and any claims.
Vending insurance, answered
Does the host's insurance cover my machine?
Usually not. Their policy covers their property, not yours. Your own property coverage needs to list machines at other locations.
Can I add a host as additional insured?
Yes, on general liability. Most hosts ask for it, and I can issue certificates for each site.
Is cash in the machines covered?
Money is often limited or excluded on standard property forms. A crime policy or money and securities coverage can add it, subject to its limits.
Does selling fresh food change anything?
Yes. Fresh and refrigerated items raise product and spoilage questions, and food safety rules apply. Tell me what you stock.
Do you offer vending machine business insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Cover every machine on the route
Send me your machine count, locations and what you sell. I'll quote liability, machines and route vehicles together.
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.
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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