Caterers Insurance.
Protection Beyond the Kitchen.
Public liability, product liability and property cover for mobile caterers, event caterers and catering businesses across Australia. Questions? Call us now on 02 9000 1155
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Catering is more than just preparing food. You're transporting equipment, setting up at venues you don't control, serving hundreds of guests, and managing a dozen things that could go wrong. A customer gets food poisoning, someone trips over your cables, or your van breaks down with $5,000 worth of food inside.
Standard business insurance policies often don't account for the specific risks caterers face. Event venues require proof of public liability before you can set up. Clients expect you to be covered if something goes wrong. And if you're operating from home or running a mobile setup, your regular home or car insurance won't cover business activities.
That's where a broker helps. We work with insurers across Australia to find cover that fits how you actually operate, whether you're catering weddings from a commercial kitchen, running a food truck at festivals, or baking from home for local events.
RISK ARCHITECTURE
What Caterers Insurance Covers
The right insurance depends on how your catering business operates. Here are the main types of cover to consider:
Covers claims if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities. A guest burns themselves on hot food, you accidentally damage a venue's flooring, or someone trips over your equipment. This is the baseline cover most venues and clients require before you can work an event.
Covers claims related to illness or injury caused by the food or drinks you serve. Food poisoning from undercooked chicken, an allergic reaction to an ingredient you didn't disclose, or contamination during preparation. This cover is often included within public liability policies, but it's worth confirming the limits are adequate for the type of catering you do.
Protects your equipment, stock and contents. Commercial ovens, refrigeration units, serving equipment, food supplies, even your portable kitchen setup if you're mobile. This can cover theft, fire, accidental damage or loss. If you're operating from home with commercial-grade equipment, your standard home insurance won't cover it.
Covers lost income if you can't operate due to an insured event. A fire in your commercial kitchen shuts you down for two months, or your refrigeration fails and you lose $10,000 worth of stock. This keeps your business financially viable while you get back on your feet.
Essential if you're transporting food, equipment or staff in vehicles. A food truck, catering van, or even a car you use for deliveries. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is mandatory in Australia, but comprehensive cover protects your vehicle and the contents you're carrying.
Why Caterers Need More Than Basic Cover
Caterers face risks that generic small business policies don't always account for. You're working in multiple locations, often outdoors or in venues you don't control. You're preparing and serving food, which carries inherent liability. And if you're mobile, your business is literally on the road.
Here's what makes catering different:
- You're serving food to the public, which means product liability is critical. Even with perfect food safety practices, someone can claim they got sick from your catering. Without the right cover, you're personally liable for medical costs, legal fees and potential compensation.
- You're working at external venues. Whether it's a wedding at a vineyard, a corporate function at a hotel, or a market stall, most venues require proof of public liability insurance before you can set up. Typically $10 million or $20 million, depending on the venue and event size.
- Your equipment is expensive and mobile. Commercial ovens, refrigerators, portable kitchens, serving equipment. If you're operating from home or transporting everything to events, standard insurance policies often won't cover business use.
One event can generate a large claim. If 100 guests at a wedding claim food poisoning, your liability could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Making sure your policy limits are adequate is essential.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
What We Look At
When we're arranging cover for a caterer, here's what we need to know:
What type of catering do you do? Mobile food truck, event catering, home-based, commercial kitchen, or a mix. This affects which insurers we approach and what cover you need.
What's your annual revenue and how many events do you cater per year? This helps determine your risk profile and premium.
Do you work at external venues or on your own premises? External venues typically require higher public liability limits.
What equipment do you own and what's it worth? Commercial ovens, refrigeration, portable setups. This determines your property cover.
Do you transport food in your own vehicle? If so, you'll need commercial motor cover, not just personal car insurance.
Are there any high-risk foods you serve regularly? Raw seafood, undercooked meats, allergen-heavy dishes. Some insurers price differently based on menu risk.
What type of catering do you do? Mobile food truck, event catering, home-based, commercial kitchen, or a mix. This affects which insurers we approach and what cover you need.
What's your annual revenue and how many events do you cater per year? This helps determine your risk profile and premium.
Do you work at external venues or on your own premises? External venues typically require higher public liability limits.
What equipment do you own and what's it worth? Commercial ovens, refrigeration, portable setups. This determines your property cover.
Do you transport food in your own vehicle? If so, you'll need commercial motor cover, not just personal car insurance.
Are there any high-risk foods you serve regularly? Raw seafood, undercooked meats, allergen-heavy dishes. Some insurers price differently based on menu risk.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Right Cover for Your Catering Business
Call us on 02 9000 1155 or get a quote online. We'll find cover that fits how you actually operate.