Catering & Events Coverage Guide
Caterers operate at someone else's location — exposure shifts every event. Off-premise liquor, transportation of food (temperature failure), and event-venue damage drive a different risk profile than restaurants.
Critical Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Slip/fall at events, food-related illness claims, customer property damage at venues.
Common misconception
Caterers operating at someone else's location think the venue's GL covers them. It doesn't — your acts are your liability.
What it does NOT cover
Liquor service (need liquor liability). Food contamination cleanup costs (need food spoilage). Employee injuries.
The gap — what happens without it
Guest slips on a spilled drink at your event — $42K medical. GL pays.
What drives your premium
Annual revenue, # of events, off-premises %, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Off-premises coverage explicitly granted. Care/custody/control for venue property. Hired/non-owned auto for delivery.
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Burns, cuts, slip/fall, lifting injuries.
Common misconception
Per-event 1099 staff often misclassified.
What it does NOT cover
Owner exemption.
The gap — what happens without it
Server burned by hot pan — $9K. WC pays.
What drives your premium
Payroll, class code 9079, state, claims
Endorsements to ask about
All-states. Voluntary comp.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business purposes
What it covers
Delivery vans hauling food and equipment.
Common misconception
Personal auto won't cover business-titled catering vans.
What it does NOT cover
Off-policy vehicles. Cargo.
The gap — what happens without it
Catering van rear-ends — $90K. Commercial auto pays.
What drives your premium
Vehicles, MVRs
Endorsements to ask about
Hired/non-owned. Refrigerated cargo.
Liquor Liability
Covers claims arising from serving alcohol
What it covers
Dram-shop claims when caterer serves alcohol at events.
Common misconception
Caterers think 'we don't sell alcohol at off-premises events — the host buys it.' If you're pouring/serving, you have liability regardless of who bought.
What it does NOT cover
Service to minors. Intoxicated patrons. License violations.
The gap — what happens without it
A wedding guest leaves drunk and causes a fatal accident. Catering firm sued for over-service. Liquor liability defends.
What drives your premium
Alcohol service %, training, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Host liquor for BYOB events. Off-premises liquor.
Important Coverage
Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)
Covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit or at job sites
What it covers
Catering equipment in transit and at events — chafing dishes, warmers, tents, tables, bars.
Common misconception
Catering equipment at off-site events isn't covered by commercial property.
What it does NOT cover
Wear, breakdown.
The gap — what happens without it
$8K of equipment damaged in transit accident. Inland marine pays.
What drives your premium
Equipment value, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Property at events. Newly acquired.
Food Contamination / Spoilage
Covers loss from contaminated or spoiled food products
What it covers
Inventory loss from contamination, mandatory closure costs, sanitization.
Common misconception
GL covers customers who got sick. Food contamination covers the operational loss (thrown-out inventory, lost income).
What it does NOT cover
Intentional. Pre-existing.
The gap — what happens without it
Salmonella scare forces closure for 5 days, $30K inventory loss. Food spoilage pays.
What drives your premium
Revenue, food types, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Extended business income. Reputation.
Not sure what you need?
Text us your trade and state — we'll tell you exactly what coverages apply to your business and shop the market for the best rate.