Running a takeaway or fast food business in the UK can bring unique risks that extend beyond basic insurance policies. While core covers such as buildings, contents, and employers’ liability may form the foundation of many insurance packages, there are several additional protections that could be valuable for takeaway operators.
This guide highlights seven takeaway insurance extras that can help support business continuity, protect customers and staff, and address some of the hidden risks faced by fast-paced food outlets.
1. Equipment Breakdown Cover for Takeaways
Equipment breakdown cover can help protect key kitchen assets against unexpected mechanical or electrical failure. Fast food outlets rely heavily on:
- Commercial fryers
- Grills and ovens
- Refrigeration units
- Food warmers
When critical equipment stops working, the disruption can lead to service delays, stock losses, and reduced income. Equipment breakdown insurance can offer support towards repair or replacement costs, subject to the terms of the policy.
It can be beneficial to confirm whether the policy includes cover for:
- Hired or leased equipment
- Emergency repair costs
- Specialist machinery unique to the business
2. Public Liability Insurance for Takeaways
Public liability insurance can offer protection if a customer, supplier, or delivery driver suffers injury or property damage connected to the takeaway’s operations.
Public liability claims may involve:
- Slips and trips on wet floors or uneven surfaces
- Hot food spillages causing burns
- Damage to personal belongings within the premises
This type of cover is often considered essential for takeaway businesses with regular customer interaction. Policyholders may wish to review cover limits and any exclusions carefully.
3. Product Liability Insurance for Fast Food Outlets
Product liability insurance can offer protection if a customer becomes ill or injured due to food or drink served by the takeaway. Common product liability risks may include:
- Food poisoning
- Allergic reactions
- Contaminated or incorrectly labelled food
Product liability is particularly relevant for takeaways that prepare food on site or supply items for delivery. It can be helpful to confirm whether:
- The policy includes cover for all menu items
- The business is protected against supply chain issues
- Cover limits reflect the size and scale of operations
4. Business Interruption Insurance for Takeaways
Unexpected incidents such as fires, floods, or essential equipment failure can force temporary closures. Business interruption insurance can offer financial support to help cover:
- Loss of income during closure
- Additional trading expenses, such as temporary kitchen hire
- Fixed overheads that continue while trading is suspended
Carefully selecting the indemnity period and reviewing cover limits can help ensure the policy supports the full recovery period needed to reopen.
5. Money Cover for Takeaways
Takeaway outlets often handle significant amounts of cash throughout the day. Money cover can help protect against the theft of cash stored on site or in transit to the bank.
Businesses may benefit from confirming:
- The maximum cash limits covered during and outside of trading hours
- Whether cover applies while cash is transported by staff
- Any specific security requirements, such as safes or alarms
6. Goods in Transit Cover for Delivery Stock
Many takeaways now offer home delivery as a core part of their service. Goods in transit cover can offer protection for food and drink while being transported by staff or delivery drivers.
This cover can help with losses linked to:
- Theft during delivery
- Damage caused by accidents or spills
- Vehicle breakdowns affecting food quality
It can be helpful to review whether the cover extends to third-party delivery drivers and whether any storage temperature conditions apply.
7. Glass Cover for Takeaway Premises
Takeaway shopfronts often feature large windows and display panels that can be vulnerable to accidental damage or vandalism. Glass cover can help protect the cost of repairing or replacing broken windows and may also include signage and internal glass fittings.
Reviewing the terms of glass cover can ensure protection is in place for all relevant areas of the premises.
Key Insights for Takeaway Owners
Takeaway and fast food insurance extras such as equipment breakdown, public liability, and product liability can offer valuable protection that addresses the unique risks in fast-paced food environments.
Selecting appropriate levels of cover, regularly reviewing insurance arrangements, and working with brokers to compare tailored policies can help ensure that takeaway businesses remain well-protected as they grow and evolve.