Caterer Insurance Resources
Plain-English guides to help you protect your catering business.
General Liability for Caterers
What GL covers, why venues require it, and what it leaves out.
Read the guide →Workers' Comp for Caterers
When it's required, what it covers, and how 1099 staff factor in.
Read the guide →Food Cart Insurance
Coverage for hot dog, coffee, and ice cream carts — and the COIs cities require.
Read the guide →Food Vendor Insurance
Liability for market, festival, and event vendors, plus additional-insured certificates.
Read the guide →How Much Does It Cost?
The real factors behind your premium — and how to get an accurate number.
Read the guide →Do caterers really need insurance?
For nearly every working caterer, yes. Beyond protecting your business from costly claims, insurance is often a contractual requirement— venues, event planners, and corporate clients regularly ask for proof of coverage before they'll book you. Carrying the right policies isn't just risk management; it's frequently what lets you win the job in the first place.
Where to start
Most caterers begin with general liability, then add workers' compensation once they hire staff. From there, growing operations may consider commercial auto, property/equipment coverage, and liquor liability. A licensed agent can help you map coverage to how your business actually runs.