Catering Companies Insurance
Protect your catering business from food safety claims, event injuries and equipment damage with cover tailored to professional caterers.
Get in touchWhat is catering companies insurance?
Catering Companies insurance is a specialist policy that protects catering companies from the risks of serving customers, managing premises and employing staff. It typically includes public liability, employers liability and buildings and contents cover.
Running a catering companie business involves risks from food safety and customer injuries to property damage and staff claims. The right insurance means a single incident will not shut your doors.
Find insurers who understand the hospitality and food sector, so your cover reflects the specific risks your catering companie business faces.
Public Liability
Covers claims from guests and event attendees for injury or illness caused by your catering.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering employee injury or illness claims.
Products Liability
Covers claims arising from food and beverages you prepare and serve at events.
Commercial Vehicle
Covers your catering vehicles and equipment in transit.
Who needs catering companies insurance?
Event caterers
Providing food service for weddings, parties and corporate events
Corporate catering companies
Delivering daily catering to offices and businesses
Contract caterers
Operating canteens and cafeterias under contract
Bespoke catering firms
Creating tailored menus for private and luxury events
Licensing and regulatory requirements for catering companies
Catering companies must register with Environmental Health as food businesses. A Food Hygiene Rating is issued based on inspections of food preparation areas, storage, hygiene practices, and allergen controls. If you operate from a commercial kitchen, the kitchen must be licensed and certified for food business use. If you prepare food from a domestic kitchen, stricter rules apply, and you may only trade in very limited circumstances.
Most large catering events require proof of public liability insurance as a condition of hosting. Venues, hotels, and event planners routinely request insurance certificates and may specify minimum cover levels (often £5m–£10m for large events). Failure to provide proof may result in the booking being cancelled.
If you serve alcohol at events, you must check the host's licence and ensure your service complies with licensing laws. Some venues have restrictions on external catering, and alcohol service must be pre-arranged and approved. Your insurer must be informed of all alcohol service as it affects cover and premium.
Health and safety legislation applies to all catering operations. You must conduct risk assessments for food preparation areas, event setups, and staff working areas. Employers liability insurance is legally required if you employ any catering staff. Food allergy awareness and staff training on allergen handling are critical, as catering events often serve multiple customers with diverse dietary requirements.
How much does catering companies insurance cost?
£400 – £900 per year for a small catering company; larger operations with multiple staff and regular large events may pay £1,000 – £2,000
Real claims: what catering companies insurance covers
A catering company served a wedding meal where a guest suffered a severe allergic reaction to shellfish that was not declared on the menu. The guest required emergency hospital treatment.
Products liability covered the guest's emergency ambulance, hospital admission, specialist allergy treatment, medication, and compensation for the severe allergic reaction.
£16,200 total — £10,000 emergency treatment and hospital care, £4,500 compensation for allergic reaction, £1,700 legal representation and claims handling
A catering staff member was carrying a tray of hot soup at a corporate event when they tripped, spilling the soup on a guest, causing severe burns.
Public liability covered the guest's emergency treatment, hospital admission, specialist burn care, grafting, physiotherapy, and compensation for permanent scarring.
£24,500 total — £16,000 hospital and burn treatment, £6,500 compensation for burns and scarring, £2,000 legal representation
A catering company's staff member suffered a serious cut while preparing food at a venue, resulting in a hospital visit and required stitches. The employee required time off work to recover.
Employers liability covered the employee's emergency treatment, hospital visit, stitches, follow-up medical care, lost wages during recovery, and compensation for the injury.
£7,400 total — £2,800 hospital and emergency care, £3,200 lost wages, £1,400 compensation and legal fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Event catering risks covered
Serving food at events creates specific risks from allergic reactions to slip hazards. Cecil finds insurers who cover event catering comprehensively.
Food safety protection
Catering companies prepare food at scale. Cecil ensures your products liability covers the volume and variety of food you produce.
Equipment and vehicle cover
Catering equipment and transport vehicles need proper cover. Cecil includes commercial vehicle and equipment insurance where needed.
Competitive quotes for caterers
Get options from specialist insurers to find catering company insurance from hospitality sector specialists. Relevant cover at fair prices.
Common questions about catering companies insurance
Do catering companies need public liability insurance?
Yes, public liability is essential for caterers. You are preparing and serving food at third-party venues, creating liability for both food safety and event injuries.
Does catering insurance cover food allergies?
Yes, products liability covers claims arising from allergic reactions to food you have prepared and served, provided you followed proper allergen management procedures.
Do I need commercial vehicle insurance for catering vans?
Yes, if you use vehicles to transport food and equipment to events, commercial vehicle insurance is essential.
What level of public liability do caterers need?
Most catering companies carry between £2m and £5m. Venue owners and event organisers often specify minimum levels.
Does catering insurance cover staff working at events?
Yes, employers liability covers your staff wherever they are working, including at client venues and outdoor events.
What level of public liability insurance do catering companies need?
Most catering companies carry between £2m and £10m of cover. Large events with hundreds of guests, venues, and event planners often require £5m–£10m. The required level depends on the size and type of events you cater.
Do catering companies need to be Food Hygiene Rated?
Yes, you must register with Environmental Health as a food business. A Food Hygiene Rating will be issued based on inspections. Failure to register or operating without a rating is illegal.
Does catering company insurance cover allergen claims?
Products liability covers claims if food you prepare causes allergic reactions. Ensure your policy explicitly covers allergen incidents. Staff training on allergen awareness and accurate menu labelling are critical to prevent claims.
Are catering companies required to have employers liability insurance?
Yes, if you employ any catering or kitchen staff, employers liability insurance is legally required. You must display the certificate and provide proof to clients.
Can I serve alcohol at events as a catering company?
Yes, but the host's venue must be licensed for alcohol service, and your service must comply with licensing law. Some venues restrict external alcohol provision. Always confirm permissions with the venue and notify your insurer.
Interested in Catering Companies insurance?
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