A food truck is both a vehicle and a business premises. This is precisely where standard policies fall short: clarify separately which policy covers the vehicle, the fixed kitchen fittings, mobile equipment and operational risks. The agreed terms and exclusions are crucial.
Compulsory insurance
DE Germany
AT Austria
CH Switzerland
What insurance is required
Motor vehicle liability insurance
Mandatory – without it, you won’t get approval. Make sure the fit-out is included in the insured value – a Sprinter with a €60,000 kitchen isn’t a standard van.
Partial or comprehensive cover
Optional, but hardly dispensable for a vehicle of this size. It is important that the Structure expressly included is. Ask whether permanently fitted kitchen appliances are included, and get this confirmed in writing.
Public liability insurance
The most important insurance policy of all. It covers you if someone is injured as a result of your business operations – from a guest scalding themselves to a case of food poisoning. Make sure you have sufficient cover; have an expert assess the necessary level of cover for food, events and potential personal injury.
Please check in particular whether Product liability for food is included. In the event of a salmonella outbreak affecting several people, claims can quickly mount up and put an end to a business.
Content insurance
For goods, mobile equipment and fittings. Relevant in the event of theft and vandalism – a parked truck is a tempting target.
Electronics and machinery insurance
Covers damage to refrigeration units, deep-fat fryers and coffee machines that is not classified as comprehensive insurance damage. Useful if expensive equipment is fitted.
Business interruption
Continues to cover running costs if the truck is out of action following damage. For a single-vehicle business with no replacement, this is perhaps the most underestimated policy.
Incapacity for work and daily sickness benefit
This doesn’t concern the truck, but you. A business that relies on a single person comes to a standstill as soon as that person is unable to work. Daily sickness benefit is based on the insured period of incapacity for work and the agreed qualifying period. A drop in turnover alone does not trigger a payment.
The most common mistake: Take out a standard commercial insurance policy without stating that the vehicle operates on liquefied petroleum gas and is stationed at various locations. If this is not disclosed, the insurer may reduce the payout in the event of a claim on the grounds of a breach of the pre-contractual duty of disclosure. It’s better to mention it once too often.
What the checks have to do with insurance
A great deal. If a fire breaks out and the Inspection of commercial liquefied petroleum gas installations If the policy has expired, the insurer will investigate whether there has been gross negligence. Depending on the terms of the contract, they may then reduce the benefit either proportionally or in full. The same applies to the electrical inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3.
Inspection reports help to demonstrate safe use. They are no substitute for appropriate insurance or for checking the terms and conditions of your policy.
Funding
Equity
The amount of equity and the type of security required depend on the bank, the business plan and your credit rating. Get quotes and set aside a cash reserve.
Bank loan
The traditional approach. The vehicle serves as collateral, which improves the terms. You’ll need a business plan with realistic calculations – the figures from the article on Costs and Calculations is exactly what the bank wants to see.
Development loans
KfW and the state development banks offer programmes for start-ups, often with repayment-free start-up years and favourable interest rates. Important: Applications are made through your main bank, and specifically pre the purchase. Anyone who buys first and then applies for funding will come away empty-handed.
Leasing
It helps preserve your cash flow; the tax treatment depends on the contract. Ultimately, however, the vehicle does not belong to you. Pay attention to the rules regarding modifications – some lessors prohibit structural alterations, which is absurd in the case of a food truck, but is contractually binding.
Hire purchase
Hybrid model: You pay in instalments and become the owner at the end of the term. Tax treatment and depreciation depend on the terms of the contract. Compare the total costs and transfer of ownership with a loan offer.
What to look out for in listings
- Annual percentage rate, not the nominal interest rate
- Total costs over the contract period, not the monthly instalment
- Option to Extraordinary repayments – Food truck takings are seasonal
- Residual value Regarding leasing: Is it realistic or embellished?
- Who is responsible for Maintenance and repairs?
- What happens when Late payment In winter?
About Gastrotruck You can request non-binding quotes for insurance, finance and leasing. Your details will only be passed on to the selected partner with your express consent. We do not provide advice ourselves and do not receive any commission from your contract.