If you’re looking into buying a catering vehicle, there’s a lot to think about. Firstly, what kind of business do you want to create? What food will you serve? What will be your specialty?
One of the biggest decisions is whether to opt for a trailer which you tow to the location you are operating from or to purchase a catering van.
Pros of owning a catering van
- Easy to transport
- No towing and no need for an added towing vehicle
- No towing speed restrictions
- Easy to park
Cons of owning a catering van
- Can be costly
- Restrictions on staff members (seats)
- Limited amount of space to work in
Pros of owning a catering trailer
- Slightly more room when compared to a van
- Can have more staff members – seats in towing vehicle
Cons of owning a catering trailer
- Parking restrictions
- Need for parking fixtures and fittings, correct set up
Other things to consider:
- Think about the kind of events you will want to be attending. Festivals? Markets? Weddings? Will you be working locally or moving around the country?
- Look at running costs, will this work for your business plan and budget?
- What do you need in terms of storage and equipment?
Once you’ve purchased your vehicle, you will need to ensure you have the correct insurance. Whether it’s a van or a trailer, protecting yourself and your business is essential.
What’s the difference between trailer insurance and van insurance?
Catering trailer insurance covers the trailer itself for damage or loss and should include the fixtures and fittings. Catering van insurance is much like your regular motor policy. It includes the same protection as catering trailer policy but also covers you when you are on the road in case of accident. In addition to your physical property you must also make sure you have adequate public and products liability in place.
If you still feel unsure about things, we will be happy to chat with you and offer you some advice. Get in touch with us here, or check out our catering van insurance and catering trailer insurance pages. You can also follow us Instagram.