Inland Marine Insurance for Food Trucks in Ohio: Food Truck Equipment Coverage

A food truck operator whose commercial cooking equipment is stolen from the truck overnight has no claim under commercial property. Standard commercial auto covers the truck itself but not the kitchen equipment inside it. Inland marine fills that gap.

Food trucks carry significant commercial kitchen equipment: fryers, griddles, refrigeration units, generators, POS systems, and specialty cooking equipment. Commercial auto covers the truck. Commercial property covers nothing off-premises. Inland marine covers the equipment inside the truck wherever it is parked.

Quick Answer

Estimated inland marine premiums for Ohio food trucks:

Coverage Type	Estimated Annual Premium
Basic food truck equipment floater ($15K to $40K value)	$380 to $900 per year
Mid-range food truck equipment package ($40K to $100K value)	$750 to $1,900 per year
Full food truck equipment schedule ($100K to $200K value)	$1,400 to $3,500 per year

Ohio premiums are near the national average.

What Inland Marine Covers for Ohio Food Trucks

Business Equipment Floater

Covers equipment at any location away from your primary business address:

• Commercial cooking equipment installed in the truck body (not permanently attached to the vehicle)
• Generators, POS systems, and portable refrigeration units
• Specialty cooking equipment and food preparation tools

Off-Site and Transit Coverage

Inland marine covers equipment in transit between locations, at event venues, and at secondary business locations that are not listed on a commercial property policy.

What Inland Marine Does Not Cover

• The truck itself: commercial auto
• Equipment permanently and mechanically attached to the vehicle frame: may fall under commercial auto
• Food inventory: separate coverage needed
• Employee theft: commercial crime

Ohio Business Context

Food truck operators should work with their carrier to clarify what is covered by commercial auto (the vehicle) versus what needs inland marine (the kitchen equipment). This line varies by carrier and policy language.

Ohio food trucks operating in catering, events, or off-site markets should inventory all equipment that leaves their primary address and ensure that value is reflected in their inland marine coverage limit.

Equipment Value Updates

Review your equipment inventory and inland marine limits annually. Replacement costs for commercial-grade food service and event equipment have increased across most categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does commercial auto cover the cooking equipment in my food truck?

Commercial auto covers the vehicle, not the equipment inside. The kitchen equipment in a food truck typically needs inland marine or an equipment floater.

Does commercial auto cover equipment transported in my food trucks vehicle?

Commercial auto covers the vehicle. Equipment transported in the vehicle needs inland marine coverage if it is not at your listed business address.

Does inland marine cover food truck generators?

Yes. Portable generators and power equipment inside or attached to a food truck can be covered under an inland marine equipment floater.

How much inland marine does a Ohio food trucks need?

Your limit should match the replacement cost of all portable equipment routinely off your primary premises.

Is inland marine required for food trucks in Ohio?

There is no state requirement. Commercial event clients, venues, and facility managers often require it through contract.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Insurance Information Institute - Inland Marine
• Ohio Department of Insurance
• Inland Marine Underwriters Association