Catering is a complex industry that relies on many moving parts to operate smoothly. One of the most important pieces of that puzzle is catering insurance. It’s used by caterers, restaurants, event planners, and other event professionals whose business depends on an impeccable reputation for food safety and customer satisfaction. Without catering insurance, you might not be able to recover after an accident or mistake. Here are some things to know about catering insurance before you start your next party or event.

Why do I Need Catering Insurance?

Catering insurance is necessary for the caterer, restaurant, event planner, or another event professional whose business depends on an impeccable reputation for food safety and customer satisfaction. A mistake or accident can have consequences, so it is necessary to have the appropriate coverage in place.

Catering insurance can cover a variety of things, including:

1- Food poisoning

2- Food tampering

3- Liabilities from banquet halls

4- Damage to your or a customer’s property

5- Employee injuries

6- General liability for any mishaps during the event

The best way to ensure you have the coverage you need is to get a quote from the insurance company. Insurance providers can tailor their policies to fit your business and budget.

What is Included in Catering Insurance?

Catering insurance can be a lifesaver. Because catering is a complex industry with many moving parts, it is important to have the right coverage to keep your business afloat. Catering insurance can help you recover from a variety of accidents and mistakes.

What about the food itself? In most cases, food-related issues are not covered by catering insurance. This does not mean you should forget about food safety as a caterer. It’s something you need to pay out-of-pocket or have a separate policy for it.

In general, catering insurance typically covers: Injuries and damages caused by your employees, property damage, supplies and equipment.

How to Get Catering Insurance?

Consulting an insurance agent or brokerage can help you find the right policy for your needs and will help you understand what is covered and what is not.

It covers several aspects of planning events that are specific to catering, like cooking equipment loss or breakage, perishable food spoilage, food-borne illness, and theft. It covers liability that might come from a client or customer who gets hurt on your property during the event.

Also consider terms of payment for your insurance. It can be a one-time expense or a monthly fee.

Some policies require you to have a business license or certificate from the Health Department to operate as a caterer. Other things to consider is the need to carry liquor liability insurance and if your business is subject to individual property taxes.

Right Policy for your Protection

The best way to protect your business is to make sure you have the right policy in place. Your policy should cover the type of event you will be hosting, the type of food and number of guests attending.