Food Truck Insurance in Chula Vista
A food truck or taco truck needs two base policies: commercial auto for the truck and general liability for what happens at the window. If you have employees, add workers comp. We quote it all together, in English or Spanish, with multiple carriers.
Does my personal auto policy cover a food truck?
Usually not. A personal policy isn’t built for a vehicle that works as a business. The truck goes on commercial auto, which covers damage you cause to others on the road and, if you add it, collision and comprehensive on the truck itself. Declare what the installed kitchen is worth: flat top, fryers, refrigeration and a mounted generator. If it isn’t on the policy, you may get paid for the truck only.
We write the rest of your business coverage too. See commercial insurance in Chula Vista.
Liability at the window
It covers what happens to your customers or their things while you sell: someone burned by a hot coffee, someone who trips over the generator cord, or a customer who says the food made them sick. Many events, fairs and lot owners ask for a COI, and several want to be an additional insured. That’s added by endorsement; the certificate only shows it.
What San Diego County requires
Food trucks are regulated by the County’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ). Its operator’s handbook says: "All mobile food facilities are required to operate in conjunction with a commissary or a permanent food facility that has been approved by all authorized agencies." It also says: "A health permit decal is required and must be posted in a conspicuous location." Source: DEH, Mobile Food Facility Operator’s Handbook. The handbook doesn’t ask for insurance. The certificate is often requested by the commissary, the event organizer or the owner of the lot where you park.
Equipment, food and employees
Canopies, tables or a portable generator usually aren’t on the truck policy because they aren’t mounted. They go on an equipment policy (inland marine). If the refrigerator fails and you lose product, that coverage is added separately. And if you hire even one person, you need workers comp. The DIR quote is on our restaurant insurance page.
What we need to quote your food truck
Year, make and value of the truck and the kitchen, who drives it, where it’s parked at night, which events or spots you sell at, your annual sales and whether you have employees. Call (619) 489-3751 or send the form.
Questions
How much does food truck insurance cost?
It depends on the value of the truck and kitchen, who drives, your sales and whether you have employees. With that information we get you prices from multiple carriers to compare.
What do I do if an event asks for a certificate of insurance?
Send us the organizer’s requirements. If they want to be an additional insured, it’s added by endorsement to your general liability and the certificate shows it.
Does insurance require the commissary?
No. San Diego County DEHQ requires it to operate. Some commissaries do ask for a certificate of insurance before they give you a spot.
Do I need workers comp if I work alone on my truck?
The Department of Industrial Relations says the requirement applies to businesses with one or more employees. Once you have one, you need the policy.
We place insurance. We’re not your attorney. Check your permit requirements with the DEHQ and the city where you sell. Reviewed September 2026. Ready Lane Insurance Services Inc · CA DOI License #6003650 · 985 Broadway Ste J, Chula Vista, CA 91911 · (619) 489-3751 · Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–3. Coverage is described in general terms; the policy language controls.