Cheap van insurance for food vans and mobile catering

Finding cheap catering van insurance can be a challenge. That's why Honest John Vans has created this in-depth and easy to understand guide, so you can get the best cover for the best price.

What type of insurance is best for food vans and mobile catering services?

Whether you are planning to launch a full time van-based catering businesses or work ad hoc by serving burgers at the weekend, a mobile food businesses will need some form of public liability insurance.

Public liability is not automatically included in mobile catering van insurance, so always check with the policy provider. Sometimes it makes more financial sense to shop for van insurance and public liability cover separately, so you can tailor the protection to suit your business needs (and budget) best.

That said, if you don’t want the hassle of shopping around, be sure to tell the insurer that you need van insurance that includes public and products catering liability insurance cover. And remember, if you employ anyone to serve food from your van, you'll also need employers' liability cover.

Will your food business be mobile or static?

This might sound like a daft question, but not all van catering businesses are mobile. You may decide that you'd rather have your vehicle permanently situated at a lucrative pitch - outside a train station or pub, for example.

If this is the case then the insurance provider should calculate this into the policy to ensure it is covered to be left overnight at a location that is not your home or business address. They may also ask questions about the security of the location, so be sure to note if the area has CCTV, a gated car park or regular patrols from on-site security.

Most providers offer comprehensive and third party insurance. As a minimum, the van and its fixtures and fittings (for serving food) should be included. Fire cover should also be part of the policy, but you may need to check as this is sometimes omitted from the cheapest policies.

Cooking tools and equipment

Most catering van insurance policies will cover the fixtures and fittings of the van, but the amount of money you will get (in the event of a claim) will vary. If you’ve purchased specialist cooking equipment or a one-of-its-kind coffee machine then you may need to upgrade your cover.

If you plan to use gas to fuel your cooking equipment then check what the stipulations are for the insurance policy. Some providers might insist that the canister is stored away from the van overnight, while others will simply ask for it to be turned off.

Events, festivals and outdoor shows

It is possible to get specialist event-only insurance, but many people will tailor their policy to match their business needs. This will allow them to attend an agreed number of events/shows, in addition to other work they plan to do with their van. If you plan to use your business for any event or festival work (even if it's one or two) check with the insurance provider first.

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Getting the cheapest mobile catering van insurance

It is always best to start with a van that has a low insurance group rating.

Unlike panel vans and pick-ups, not all comparison websites will cater for mobile food vans. This means you might have to shop around the old fashioned way, by using the individual websites for insurers and calling brokers to find the best cover.

Discounts are provided for vehicles that have additional security measures in place, like a tracker and/or upgraded door locks. You may also get a discount if you are part of a trade body, like the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS).

Common van insurance mistakes

Always make a note of the compulsory insurance excess. This is the level of cash that the insurer will deduct from any future claim and the cheapest policies tend to have the highest excess.

Never assume that your insurance policy will cash that is left in the vehicle. Usually (in the small print) the insurer will insist that all money and expensive food/drink is removed from the vehicle overnight. If this isn't practical for our business needs, then ensure it is acknowledge and written into the policy as it is unlikely to be part of the standard cover.

Getting cover for multiple vans and drivers

Businesses can get cover for small fleets. Some might insist on an age limit for the drivers (over 25-years, for example). As the insurer to provide multiple quotes, based on the age groups of the drivers, so you can get a good idea of the factors that may push up your premiums.

Making a claim

Claims procedures are often overlooked, but vital for any small businesses. How long will the insurer take to pay out in the event of a write-off? Will they provide a loan vehicle while your van is being repaired?

Ask about the claims procedure and compare it with other insurance providers. Sometimes it may be better to spend a little more to get a cast iron guarantee that (should the worst happen) you will get a quick payout or repair, rather than wait for weeks as your insurer drags its heels on fixing or replacing your van.

Cheapest panel vans to insure

Thinking of converting a van or want to get a rough idea of insurance costs? These are three examples of affordable vans with cheap insurance.

Citroen Dispatch (2007-2016)

Insurance Group 3E

The previous generation Citroen Dispatch has the lowest insurance group of any new or used UK panel van, at 3E. It doesn’t actually matter if you go for the least powerful 1.6-litre HDi 90PS model or the 125PS 2.0-litre HDi, as both are available in the same rock-bottom group. You can also choose from L1H1 and L1H2 and 1000 or 1200 specifications without deviating from insurance group 3E.

What will it cost to insure?

Sample quotes on what this van could cost you to insure - as a very rough guide.

These are just examples and we've made a lot of assumptions. Your circumstances will be different - so make sure you check to see what it will cost you. We've used Confused.com for these sample quotes *.

	Gladiator	Van Quote	City Insurance	Admiral	LV
18 Year old	£2532*	No quote	£7565*	£2478*	No quote
25 year old	£1300*	£1216*	£1128*	£1274*	No quote
45 year old	£533*	£432*	£414*	£523*	No quote

The cheapest quote for an 18 year old was Admiral (£2478)*

The cheapest quotes for a 45 year old were Van Quote (£432) and City Insurance (£414)*

But how much can you actually expect to pay for insurance?*

Citroen Relay (2006-)

Insurance Group 4E

If you’re after a new panel van or something with a lot more space but want to keep your premiums to a minimum, then Citroen is once again the answer, as the current Relay starts only insurance group higher than the Dispatch, at 4E. This applies to the entry-level 110PS 2.2-litre HDi engine, and the 30 L1H1 model in standard or Enterprise trim levels, and the Relay is known for being one of the best vans in its class to drive.

What will it cost to insure?

Sample quotes on what this van could cost you to insure - as a very rough guide.

These are just examples and we've made a lot of assumptions. Your circumstances will be different - so make sure you check to see what it will cost you. We've used MoneySupermarket.com for these sample quotes *.

	Gladiator	Van Quote	City Insurance	Admiral	LV
18 Year old	£5872	No quote	£6971	£5752	No quote
25 year old	£1258	No quote	£1115	£1234	No quote
45 year old	£552	No quote	£455	£540	No quote

The cheapest quote for an 18 year old was Complete Van Cover (£3998)*

The cheapest quotes for a 45 year old were One Call (£424) and Insurance Wiser (£432)*

But how much can you actually expect to pay for insurance?*

Ford Transit (2006-2014)

Insurance Group 5E

The previous generation of Britain’s best-selling panel van starts in insurance group 5E, which covers a huge array of different variants. You can bag a 2.2-litre TDCi model with anything from 85PS to 145PS with a low, medium or high roof and the same three-way choice of wheelbases – all in group 5E. The Transit’s mammoth new sales mean you can pick up a used example anywhere, and it’s far from difficult to find one that’ll meet your requirements.

What will it cost to insure?

Sample quotes on what this van could cost you to insure - as a very rough guide.

	Gladiator	Van Quote	City Insurance	Admiral	LV
18 Year old	No quote	No quote	No quote	No quote	No quote
25 year old	£1267*	No quote	No quote	No quote	No quote
45 year old	£669*	No quote	No quote	No quote	No quote