What insurance coverage is required for a food truck in Wisconsin?

Food trucks are a casual dining option that many Wisconsin residents love, and you may be thinking about throwing your hat into the ring to take advantage of the benefits associated with running your own food truck.

Regardless of the type of business that you plan to open, a thoughtful and carefully researched business plan is critical if you want to put your best foot forward.

A business plan will identify all potential risks that your food truck business faces as well as the regular expenses that must be paid out of your food truck revenue.

Many types of business risks may be mitigated through the purchase of insurance policies, and food truck businesses in Wisconsin may be required to buy some types of coverage.

Additional types of optional coverage can be added to your total portfolio of insurance to further offset your exposure to risk in different ways.

Because there are Wisconsin food truck insurance requirements associated with commercial auto laws as well as business laws, you must research and understand the laws and requirements that impact your business.

While you are shopping around to compare insurance rates for the various types of insurance your food truck business needs in Wisconsin, you can also request a quote for optional coverage types that offer additional benefits.

What Coverage is Available for Food Trucks in Wisconsin

A Wisconsin food truck is a business and must comply with all of the state’s business insurance requirements. More than that, it is a mobile operation, so commercial auto insurance requirements are in force as well.

By analyzing the coverage options and requirements in greater detail, you can finalize the business plan that you are creating for your Wisconsin food truck business.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Accidents and mishaps on the road can happen to any Wisconsin driver, and you are required by state law to pay for the damages you create for others. This includes paying for their car repairs, their medical bills if they are injured, and more.

The state has a commercial auto insurance requirement that applies specifically to business-use vehicles, and it is designed to pay for any liability expenses that you incur while driving your food truck from place to place.

Some people choose to buy more than the state’s minimum required amount of commercial auto insurance.

What is Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance?

The commercial auto insurance requirement for food trucks in Wisconsin is relevant to business owners who own the truck they work out of. If you lease your truck, buying a hired or non-owned auto insurance policy is necessary.

This coverage is a liability-type policy that pertains specifically to leased or rented commercial trucks and other vehicles.

Collision Coverage

There is not a state legal requirement for Wisconsin collision or comprehensive insurance.

These two types of auto insurance pay for your own vehicle repairs if you are in an accident, so they can be truly beneficial to those who use their vehicle for money-making or business purposes.

In some cases, a food truck lender may have loan requirements that call for collision or comprehensive insurance on the vehicle until the loan balance is completely paid off.

Comprehensive Coverage

While collision insurance only offers financial benefits to pay for your food truck’s repairs or replacement if you are in a collision, comprehensive insurance will cover damages from situations other than collisions.

It also offers benefits related to the following:

• severe weather damage
• theft
• vandalism

General Liability

A food truck business must comply with Wisconsin’s business liability insurance requirement just as any other type of business must be in compliance.

General business liability insurance in Wisconsin pays benefits to your customers or others who are negatively affected by your company’s operations. Be aware that liability expenses associated with the movement of your food truck may be covered by your commercial auto policy.

Property Insurance

Wisconsin food truck owners may benefit from two types of property insurance.

A personal property insurance component to your commercial auto policy may pay for any repair or replacement costs associated with damage to your kitchen appliances and other built-in items in the truck.

A real estate property insurance policy may also be purchased if you own the land where you plan to park your truck.

While the land itself may not be insured by a policy, any improvements to the land, such as a parking area and light fixtures, may be covered by your property insurance policy.

Workers’ Compensation

All businesses in Wisconsin that hire employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance.

A worker could be injured at any time while working in your food truck, and workers’ comp insurance in Wisconsin will provide that employee with medical expenses benefits, lost wages benefits, and more.

Umbrella Policy

An umbrella policy is another exceptional option for you to consider if you plan to run a food truck in Wisconsin.

This type of coverage offers substantial employee benefits as well as a full range of other benefits that can enhance your operation of your business and decrease your overall exposure to risk.

Should I Bundle My Wisconsin Food Truck Insurance?

Most food trucks in Wisconsin require multiple types of insurance to comply with state and lender requirements.

Some reputable insurance providers may offer all of the insurance products you need, and they may offer a money-saving discount if you bundle your coverage together. Bundling policies may also help you to manage your finances and policies more efficiently.

While bundling food truck insurance in Wisconsin could potentially help you to save money on the insurance coverage you need, remember that this discount may not always provide the most affordable premiums.

Some food truck owners will discover that they can obtain a better overall price on the insurance products they need if they buy coverage from several different providers.

To determine the most affordable insurance solution for your needs, you should request multiple quotes from trusted insurance companies serving this state. Enter your ZIP code below to start receiving multiple quotes at once.

Case Studies: Insurance Coverage for Food Trucks in Wisconsin

Case Study 1: The Savory Bites Food Truck

The Savory Bites food truck in Wisconsin recognized the importance of insurance coverage for their business. They understood that a business owner’s policy, including general liability and property insurance, was necessary to protect their food truck and comply with state requirements. By comparing quotes, they found affordable coverage that met their needs.

The Savory Bites food truck also opted for additional coverage, such as workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees. With a comprehensive insurance portfolio, they operated their food truck business with confidence.

Case Study 2: The Gourmet Wheels Food Truck

The Gourmet Wheels food truck in Wisconsin understood the legal requirements associated with operating a food truck. They obtained commercial auto insurance to cover liability expenses in case of accidents or damages caused by their food truck while driving. Recognizing the importance of protecting their own vehicle, they also purchased collision and comprehensive insurance.

The Gourmet Wheels food truck complied with general liability and property insurance requirements, ensuring they were covered in case of any incidents related to their business operations.

Case Study 3: The Mobile Munchies Food Truck

The Mobile Munchies food truck in Wisconsin recognized the value of bundling insurance policies for their business. By bundling their coverage, they simplified the billing process and potentially saved on insurance costs. The Mobile Munchies food truck obtained a business owner’s policy that included general liability and property insurance.

They also added umbrella coverage to enhance their overall protection and reduce risk exposure. With a comprehensive insurance strategy in place, the Mobile Munchies food truck focused on running their business effectively and efficiently.