Ice Cream Van Insurance

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 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.