Ice Cream Van Insurance
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Ice cream van insurance is a specialised type of insurance designed to protect you and your business from some of the risks associated with operating ice cream vans.
With the right ice cream van insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing your business is protected, allowing you to focus on what you do best serving up delicious treats.
Mobilers can arrange Ice Cream Van Insurance which will help keep your business on the road and importantly, trading throughout the year. Check out our 20 top tips on how to start your own ice cream business over on our blog.
Understanding the importance of ice cream van insurance
Operating an ice cream business comes with its share of risks. Accidents can happen, equipment can break down, and your vehicle can be a target for thieves.
Without proper insurance, you could be left with hefty prices to cover repairs or the replacement of stock and materials. That's where ice cream van insurance comes in.
Types of ice cream van insurance cover
When it comes to ice cream van insurance, there are several types of coverage available to suit your specific needs.
Here, we outline the most common types of coverage you should consider for your ice cream vans:
Comprehensive coverage
As the name suggests, comprehensive coverage offers the most extensive protection for ice cream vans.
Common inclusions on comprehensive cover include:
- Accident cover
- Theft/vandalism cover
- Fire cover
- Natural disaster cover
This type of coverage can be invaluable for ice cream van owners, as it provides the most peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Third-party liability cover
Third-party liability cover protects you if a customer or third party is injured, or their property is damaged due to your van. This type of coverage can be essential for all owners of ice cream vans, as it ensures you are protected from the financial burden of legal fees and compensation pay-outs should someone make a claim against you.
Employer's liability cover
If you have employees who work in your ice cream vans, you may be legally required to have employer's liability coverage. This type of insurance covers you if any employees are injured or become ill as a result of their work for you. It can help you cover the cost of compensation claims, legal fees, and medical expenses.
Product liability cover
Product liability insurance protects you if a customer becomes ill or injured due to a product you have sold, such as ice cream or other refreshments.
This type of coverage can be essential for ice cream van owners, as it ensures you are covered from the financial consequences of a customer making a claim against you for an issue with your products.
Policy benefits can include*:
- Instant cover available from experienced agents
- Full fire cover as standard
- Permanent fixtures and fittings covered
- Mirror bonus available
- Flexible payment options
- Mirrored No Claims Discount
*Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria
Protecting your sweet business with the right insurance
Operating an ice cream van can be a sweet and rewarding business, but it comes with its share of risks. Securing the right ice cream van insurance cover may protect your ice cream van businesses from financial losses and legal issues.
By understanding the types of coverage available, the factors that affect your premiums, and how to find the best policy for your needs, you can ensure that your ice cream van business is protected.
Don't wait until it's too late—protect your sweet business today with comprehensive ice cream van insurance.
Our catering liability insurance team can help you find the right cover that suits you and your mobile catering business best. Please call us on 01926454907 to speak to one of our friendly team members or click here to receive a quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
The legal requirement for ice cream van insurance can vary depending on your location.
In the UK, all road vehicles must have at least third-party liability insurance in place. This means that you must have insurance that covers you in case you cause injury or damage to others while operating your ice cream van.
In addition to this, you may need to have other types of insurance in place, such as employer's liability insurance if you employ staff. You should research the legal requirements in your location and ensure that you have the necessary insurance cover in place to operate your ice cream van legally.
While accidents and damage to your van may be the most obvious risks associated with operating an ice cream van, there are several other common claims that you should be aware of.
Here are some of the most frequent claims and how to avoid them:
- Slips and falls: Customers slipping or falling while approaching or leaving your van can lead to liability claims. To avoid this, ensure that the area around your van is clear and free from hazards. Use caution signs if necessary, and maintain a clean and tidy serving area.
- Food poisoning: Selling food that is past its expiration date or not stored at the correct temperature can lead to customers becoming ill and making claims against you. To avoid this, ensure that all food is fresh, stored correctly, and served at the right temperature.
- Equipment malfunction: Equipment breakdowns can lead to lost income and repair costs. To avoid this, ensure that all equipment is well-maintained and serviced regularly. You can learn more about what the common kitchen accidents are and how you can prevent them on our site too.
While ice cream van insurance may be a necessary expense, there are several things you can do to help keep your premiums as low as possible.
Here are some tips to save on your ice cream van insurance costs:
Drive carefully
Maintaining a clean driving record can help lower your insurance premiums. Avoiding an accident and any traffic violations shows insurers that you are a responsible and low-risk driver.
Bundle policies
If you have multiple insurance policies, such as catering liability insurance or catering van insurance, consider bundling them with your ice cream van insurance. Many insurers offer discounts for multiple policies.
Finding the best ice cream van insurance policy for your needs involves several steps. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and secure the best possible coverage for your business:
Determine your coverage needs
Before you start shopping for insurance, you should have a clear understanding of the types and levels of cover you may need for your ice cream van. Consider factors such as:
- The value of your van
- Potential risks you face
- Legal requirements in your location
Consider specialised insurers
Ice cream van insurance is a niche market, so it's worth considering a specialised insurance team who have experience in providing coverage for mobile catering businesses.
For example, here at Mobilers we may offer a range of policies to suit your needs.
Read the policy information in detail
Before you finalise your insurance policy, make sure you read the terms and conditions thoroughly.
Be sure to understand what is and isn't covered, the excess you'll need to pay, and any exclusions or limitations that may apply.
Several factors can influence the cost of your ice cream van insurance premiums. Understanding these factors can help you secure the best possible policy at the most affordable prices.
Here are some of the key factors that can affect your insurance premiums:
Value of your ice cream vans
The cost of your insurance is directly related to the value of your van. If your vehicle is expensive or has costly equipment installed, your insurance premiums will likely be higher, as the insurer needs to cover the potential cost of repairing or replacing the van.
Location
Where you operate your vehicle can affect your insurance premiums. Areas with high crime rates, for example, could result in higher premiums due to the increased risk of theft or vandalism.
Driving history
Your driving record plays a significant role in determining your insurance premiums. If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, insurance providers may view you as a higher risk and charge you more for coverage.
Type of coverage
The type and level of coverage you choose for your ice cream van will directly impact the cost of your premiums. Comprehensive coverage, for example, will generally cost more than third-party liability coverage alone.
Claims history
If you have previously made claims on your ice cream van insurance, insurance providers may see you as a higher risk and charge you more for coverage.
Security measures
The security measures you have in place for your ice cream vans can affect your insurance premiums. If you have invested money in security features such as alarms, immobilisers, or tracking devices, insurance providers may view your van as a lower risk and offer you lower premiums.
In the United Kingdom, operating an ice cream van requires legal compliance and the acquisition of certain licences. So, to answer the question, "Do you need a licence for an ice cream van in the UK?" - Yes, you do.
This is crucial in order to ensure that your business operates within the parameters of UK law. The specific licences needed include a street trading licence, which is obtained from the local council, and a food handler's permit, which ensures you are aware of, and compliant with, all food safety regulations.
Ice cream insurance is not a common form of insurance and might seem unusual to some. It primarily serves to protect businesses in the ice cream industry, covering a range of issues from equipment breakdown to product liability.
Generally, having County Court Judgements (CCJs) or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) in your financial history can indeed impact your ability to secure various forms of insurance. However, each insurance provider has its own underwriting guidelines and not all may consider CCJs or IVAs as a disqualifying factor.
It's important to disclose any CCJs or IVAs when applying for ice cream insurance, as failure to do so could result in the insurer refusing to pay out a claim.