Must-Have Insurance Coverages for Food Trucks in South Carolina

By Brad Davis, CIC (September 6, 2025)

Running a food truck in South Carolina can be exciting and rewarding. From serving barbecue at Myrtle Beach festivals to slinging tacos at local breweries, food trucks are a fast-growing part of the restaurant scene. But while your customers may only see delicious meals and a fun atmosphere, behind the scenes you're dealing with risks that are very different from a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant.

That's where the right insurance comes in. At Davis Insurance Associates, we've helped restaurant and food service owners across South Carolina find coverage that protects their businesses. Food trucks, in particular, need a mix of restaurant, business, and auto insurance—plus some specialized coverages that are often overlooked.

If you're operating or considering launching a food truck in South Carolina, here are the must-have insurance coverages you should have in place.

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Commercial Auto Insurance

A food truck is more than just a restaurant on wheels—it's a vehicle that has to be legally insured to operate on the road. A personal auto policy will not cover a truck that's used for business purposes. That's why Commercial Auto Insurance is the first must-have coverage.

This coverage protects you if your truck is involved in an accident, whether that's damage to your own vehicle, injuries to others, or property damage. Because food trucks are typically larger, heavier, and equipped with expensive equipment, commercial auto limits are usually higher than what you'd carry on a personal vehicle.

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Custom Equipment & Mobile Kitchen Coverage

A food truck isn't just a van—it's a mobile kitchen packed with thousands of dollars' worth of specialized equipment. Griddles, fryers, refrigerators, ventilation systems, and custom modifications aren't covered by a standard auto policy.

You'll need a policy or endorsement that specifically covers your kitchen equipment and customizations. This is often written as an inland marine policy or added to your business insurance package. Without it, you could be left paying out of pocket to repair or replace equipment after a fire, theft, or accident.

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General Liability Insurance

Food trucks operate in crowded areas where accidents can happen quickly. General Liability Insurance protects you if a customer slips while ordering, is injured near your truck, or claims that your food caused illness.

Many event organizers, breweries, or local festivals require proof of General Liability before they'll let you serve on-site. Having this coverage in place not only protects your business but also makes you a more attractive vendor.

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Food Spoilage & Contamination Coverage

A power outage, refrigeration breakdown, or equipment failure could spoil hundreds of pounds of food in just a few hours. In addition to food loss, you could also face shutdowns from health inspectors if contamination is suspected.

Spoilage and contamination coverage helps cover the cost of lost food and can assist with cleaning or replacing equipment so you can get back to serving customers quickly. For a business where margins can be slim, this protection is vital.

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Business Interruption Insurance

What happens if your truck is damaged in a crash or sidelined by a fire? Even if you have coverage for the truck itself, you could still lose weeks of revenue while waiting for repairs.

Business Interruption Insurance helps replace lost income during covered downtime. For food truck operators who rely on weekend festivals or busy summer tourist seasons, this coverage can be the difference between surviving a setback and closing down for good.

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Workers' Compensation Insurance

If you have employees—or even if family members help out—Workers' Compensation Insurance is essential. Working in a hot, fast-paced kitchen inside a tight truck creates a higher risk of burns, slips, or other injuries.

Workers' Comp helps cover medical bills and lost wages if someone gets hurt while working for you. In South Carolina, most businesses with four or more employees are required to carry Workers' Compensation, but even if you're smaller, it's often a smart investment.

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Event & Location-Specific Liability

Food trucks don't operate from one fixed spot. You might be at a brewery on Thursday, a wedding on Saturday, and a festival on Sunday. Each location may require that you list them as an additional insured on your policy.

Having flexible coverage that allows you to easily add venues helps you stay compliant and avoid last-minute issues when booking events.

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Liquor Liability (If You Serve Alcohol)

Some food trucks in South Carolina are beginning to serve beer, wine, or cocktails. If you offer alcohol, your General Liability policy won't cover incidents related to intoxication. You'll need Liquor Liability Insurance to protect your business if a customer causes an accident or injury after drinking.

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Umbrella Insurance

Because food trucks combine the risks of restaurants and commercial vehicles, lawsuits can add up quickly. An umbrella policy provides extra liability protection above your auto and general liability limits. For a relatively low cost, it adds an extra layer of financial security.

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Cyber Liability Insurance

Many food trucks rely on mobile point-of-sale systems like Square, Clover, or Toast to process payments. Anytime you handle customer credit card data, there's a risk of cyber theft or data breaches.

Cyber Liability Insurance helps cover the costs of a breach, including notifying customers and handling legal expenses. For a business that depends on mobile payments, this coverage is becoming more important every year.

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Protecting Your Food Truck in South Carolina

Food trucks are fun, fast-moving businesses, but they face risks that traditional restaurants don't. Resources like the National Food Truck Association can help you stay connected to industry best practices, but having the right insurance is what keeps you protected day-to-day. The right mix of Commercial Auto, General Liability, equipment coverage, spoilage, and specialty policies can protect your investment and keep you serving customers no matter what happens.

At Davis Insurance Associates in Myrtle Beach, we understand the unique needs of food trucks in South Carolina. We work with multiple insurance carriers to find policies that fit your operation, whether you're just starting out or expanding into a fleet.

👉 Ready to review your coverage or get a food truck insurance quote? Contact Davis Insurance Associates today to protect your business and keep your wheels—and your kitchen—rolling.