Equipment coverage
Inland marine or equipment floater policies cover movable equipment such as generators, portable grills, POS devices and serving gear, on the truck and at events. Equipment breakdown coverage can apply to mechanical or electrical failure of refrigeration and cooking equipment.
Spoilage
Spoilage coverage pays for food lost when refrigeration fails due to a covered cause, such as a power outage or equipment breakdown. Limits are often modest, so match them to the inventory you typically carry.
What to list
- Generators and fuel cans
- Portable grills, smokers and fryers
- Refrigerators and freezers that are not built in
- Point-of-sale devices, tablets and card readers
- Tents, tables, signs and serving equipment used at events
Theft away from the truck
Equipment left outside the truck overnight, in an unlocked trailer or at an unattended event site is more exposed to theft. Many floaters have conditions about locked storage or attendance, and theft from an unattended vehicle may need visible signs of forced entry. Read the conditions and plan how you secure gear at multi-day events.
Breakdown versus wear and tear
Equipment breakdown coverage is designed for sudden, accidental mechanical or electrical failure, such as a compressor burning out or a power surge damaging a control board. It does not pay for gradual wear, rust or lack of maintenance. Keeping service records for refrigeration and cooking equipment helps when a claim is reviewed.
Sizing the spoilage limit
Think about the most food you hold at one time, for example the night before a big festival, rather than an average day. Ask whether spoilage coverage applies to food stored at a commissary as well as on the truck, and whether a utility outage away from your premises triggers it.
Frequently asked questions
Is my generator covered at events?
Under an equipment floater, generally yes, subject to the policy's terms and theft conditions.
Do I need equipment coverage if I own a BOP?
Possibly not, if the BOP extends to property away from the premises with enough limit. Many food truck owners still buy a floater because truck equipment is on the move.