Home » Van Insurance » Ice Cream Van Insurance

Ice Cream Van Insurance

Compare Ice Cream Van Insurance Quotes

  • Cover for ice cream vans, trucks, trailers, carts & more
  • Multiple quotes from leading brands
  • Fast & simple – fill out one easy form
  • Compare quotes – save time and money
Ice Cream Van Insurance

Search, Compare and Find Affordable Ice Cream Van Insurance

h

Enter your details

It takes only 5 minutes to complete the quotation form

Compare your quotes

Compare live quotes and covers of different types

Purchase cover

Choose and buy the insurance policy that suits your needs

Why do you need ice cream van insurance?

There’s nothing better than refreshing ice cream on a warm day. The jingle from an ice cream van means that refreshments are just around the corner. Some ice cream vans do operate all year round, but many are seasonal businesses. If your ice cream van only runs during the summer months, it’s essential to check your insurance policy and make sure you have up-to-date coverage.
Providing any kind of food or drink to the public comes with risks. Your van will also need to travel on public highways to reach your selling pitch. It’s also likely to contain expensive refrigeration equipment.

Who needs ice cream van insurance?

If your business is any of the following, you should consider a specialist ice cream van or catering insurance policy:

Types

The beauty of an ice cream van is that you can sell it on multiple sites. From busy tourist spots to city centres, country parks to residential streets: there’s always a market for cold ice cream! Your ice cream van needs to be covered to drive on the roads, wherever your final pitch is.
Z

Third-party insurance

This is the minimum cover required by law. You are covered for claims against you by a third party. For example, if you are involved in an accident on the way to your pitch, this will cover repairs to a third-party vehicle.
Z

Third-party, fire and theft

If your ice cream van is damaged by fire or theft, this insurance will mean you are covered. In addition, you are protected against third-party claims.
Z

Comprehensive insurance

This policy will not only cover all the above but also your own costs. For many businesses, this is the best type of cover to ensure all bases are covered.
Running an ice cream van or other refrigerated catering business comes with its own specific risks.

Consider adding the following to your policy:

Stock insurance – For most ice cream vans, nearly all stock is frozen or refrigerated. If fridges or freezers break down, the cost of replacing stock can be very expensive. Stock insurance will cover the cost of replacing any lost or damaged stock.

Public liability – Any catering business must be protected in the event that a member of the public makes a claim against you. E.g. if someone becomes ill as a result of visiting your van or stall. Accidents do sometimes happen too.
Public liability insurance covers any legal or compensation costs associated with claims by third parties.

Employers liability – Many ice cream van owners may employ temporary staff to cover busy periods. Employer’s liability cover protects you if an employee is hurt or injured at work and brings a claim against you.

Personal accident – If you are injured while working in your ice cream van, your policy may pay compensation. This applies whether the accident is driving-related, or due to maintaining equipment like fridges or freezers or preparing food.

Business interruption – For sole traders, operating an ice cream van may be your only source of income. If you are injured or unable to work for a period of time, business interruption insurance may cover your running costs for a period of time.

ice cream van insurance

How to save money on your ice cream van insurance?

As with any vehicle insurance policy, saving money on ice cream van insurance involves reducing the general level of risk.

  • Has your ice cream van been serviced regularly to reduce the risk of breakdown?
  • Make sure all drivers are fully qualified. Premiums can be higher for younger drivers.
  • Ensure all employees are aware of basic health and safety and food hygiene laws
  • Out of season, or when the ice cream van is not in use, make sure it is parked in a secure location.
  • Use immobilisers or alarms to reduce the risk of theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ice Cream Van Insurance?

Ice Cream Van Insurance is a cover issued on vans that are used to sell ice cream and other frozen food on the road. It is not just a simple commercial vehicle insurance since it may also show the risks that are involved in serving the people, keeping a stock, and running a mobile business.

Who needs Ice Cream Van Insurance?

If you trade from an ice cream van, even part-time or during busy seasons, this type of cover is usually worth looking at. It is designed for owners who use their van as both transport and a working mobile catering setup.

Is standard van insurance enough for an ice cream van?

In most cases, no. A standard van policy can cover the vehicle; however, it might not be appropriate in the case of a van that has freezers, serving equipment, and food stock. The van is actually used better with a specialist business van insurance policy.

What is typically covered by Ice Cream Van Insurance?

That will be determined by the policy, but it usually begins with a policy of covering the van itself against accidents, fire, or theft. Liability insurance, equipment cover, and cover over fitted items in the van are also other things many owners seek.

Does Ice Cream Van Insurance cover freezers and fitted equipment?

It can, especially if those items are built into the van and declared properly when you arrange the policy. This is where fixtures and fittings cover and equipment cover become important, because they help protect the parts of the van you rely on to trade.

Can I get coverage for stock and frozen goods?

Yes, some policies can include stock cover, which may help protect the ice cream, cones, toppings, and other items you carry to sell. In case you store many frozen goods in the van, it is worthwhile to find out whether the policy covers spoilage or freezer breakdown as well.

Do I need Public Liability Insurance for an ice cream van?

To the majority of traders, this is logical. Public Liability Insurance may assist in the event a customer is injured or has his/her property damaged due to your business. Since you are serving people directly in public places, this is one of the most relevant covers to consider.

Do I need Product Liability Insurance as well?

If you are selling food or drinks, Product Liability Insurance is also worth thinking about. It can be relevant if a claim is made because something you sold caused illness, injury, or damage. For an ice cream van, that adds an extra layer of protection beyond the vehicle itself.

What if I employ someone to work in the van?

If you hire staff, even casually, you may need Employers’ Liability Insurance. This is an important legal and business cover for many UK employers, so it should not be overlooked if your van is run with help from others.

Can seasonal or part-time traders get cover?

Yes, they can. Not all ice cream vans are used on the same basis all year long, and thus some insurers will serve seasonal and part-time usage. It may come in handy when your business is more active in summer, at events, or during school holidays.

Related insurance