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Why do hot dog carts need insurance?
Selling hot dogs sounds low risk, but you're still exposed to the same liabilities as a bigger restaurant, such as food contamination. Business insurance provides financial protection against lawsuits and accidents. State laws or the venues where you sell your food might also require insurance.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps owners of hot dog carts and concession stands find insurance that matches their unique risks.
Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your small business.
What types of hot dog stand insurance do I need?
These policies cover the most common risks of owning a hot dog cart.
Business owner’s policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for hot dog vendors to buy commercial property insurance and general liability coverage under one plan.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Food cart theft or vandalism
- Business interruption incidents
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for hot dog cart businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work-related medical bills that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Legal costs from work injuries
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic risks, including claims of food poisoning and customer property damage. Event organizers might require hot dog carts to carry this coverage.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Damaged customer property
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Commercial auto insurance
This insurance covers costs if a hot dog vendor's vehicle is involved in an accident. Each state has its own auto liability insurance requirements.
BEST FOR
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Injuries caused to another person
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Liquor liability insurance
This policy covers legal costs when a customer who purchased an alcoholic beverage from your hot dog cart goes on to injure someone or damage their property.
BEST FOR
- Injuries caused by intoxicated patrons
- Property damage caused by intoxicated patrons
- Legal fees for liquor liability lawsuits
Cyber insurance
This type of insurance coverage helps hot dog cart vendors recover from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any business that stores customer information.
BEST FOR
- Data breach notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Cyber extortion payments
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does hot dog cart insurance cost?
Hot dog vendors with a small operation won't have to pay a lot for insurance.
Factors that affect your premiums include:
- Type of food service business, such as a franchise, food truck, or vending machines
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Coverage options, such as an additional insured
How do I get hot dog stand insurance?
It's easy to get food cart insurance or food truck insurance for hot dog sellers if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare insurance quotes and choose a policy.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate.
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance plan for your hot dog stand, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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FAQs about hot dog cart insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions about food liability insurance and other policies.
What other types of insurance are recommended for a mobile hot dog cart business?
Mobile food vendors should invest in the following policies to cover their unique risks:
- Product liability insurance: This policy covers bodily injuries and property damage caused by the products you make or sell. For example, if a customer becomes ill after eating one of your hot dogs, it would help pay for your legal defense costs. Most general liability insurance policies include product liability coverage.
- Inland marine insurance: Commercial property insurance only covers items at your business's main location, which is why you need additional coverage for your food trailer and other mobile business property. Inland marine insurance covers your hot dog cart, supplies, and inventory wherever you take them.
Do I need a license or permit to sell hot dogs in my state?
Yes, businesses that serve food typically need licenses and permits to comply with state laws and other regulations. For example, you might need:
- A business license from your state, city, or other jurisdiction to operate legally.
- A health permit from your state or county's department of public health in order to serve food.
- A food handlers card to ensure you and your employees understand best practices for food safety.
Depending on your business operations and where you're located, you might also need a mobile food facility permit, a seller's permit, or a caterer's license. Because it's not universal, you'll need to research your local regulations to make sure your business is obeying the law.
How can I find affordable hot dog cart insurance?
Insurance companies often sell the same types of coverage at different rates. That's why one of the best ways to save money is to shop around. With Insureon, you can compare quotes from the nation's leading providers with our easy online application.
Other ways to save money on food vendor insurance include:
- Bundle policies. The most common insurance bundle is a business owner's policy, which includes both general liability coverage and commercial property coverage at a discounted price.
- Customize your policy. Opting for a higher deductible or lower coverage limits can reduce your premium. However, the deductible should be an amount you can easily afford, as you need to pay it before you can benefit from coverage. You also want sufficient limits to avoid paying for legal expenses and other costs out of pocket.
- Reduce your risks. With proper risk management, you can lower the odds of an accident or injury impacting your business. That includes everything from kitchen safety practices to protective equipment like oven mitts. Avoiding accidents keeps your claims history clean and your insurance premiums low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.