Nous utilisons des cookies pour mesurer l’audience et améliorer votre expérience. Vous pouvez accepter ou refuser. Consultez notre https://www.assur360.ca/en/privacy-policy-and-personal-information/.

A catering service in Quebec has a unique exposure to risk : food products prepared in one place, transported, and then served in large volumes at events (weddings, corpos, festivals). A case of gastroenteritis can affect 50-300 guests — potential claims of $100,000 to $1 million.

Professional kitchen caterer — Assur360 insurance

IN BRIEF

Catering Insurance

Caterers combine food preparation + transportation + off-site service. They need general liability (poisoning), property insurance (kitchen equipment, refrigerated truck) and spoiler coverage for perishable goods.

Risk #1: Food poisoning in a client. A single claim can reach $500,000 to $2 million. Minimum recommended RC: $2 million, ideally $5 million for high-volume events.

Catering insurance covers: kitchen equipment (ovens, fridge, dishes, silverware), delivery vehicles, expanded food liability ($5 million minimum recommended), alcohol served (if applicable), liability during events, loss of food. Premium: $1,800 to $4,600/year.

$1,800+
premium avg.
$5M
Minimum RC
300
Typical guests
72h
Critical preparation

Risks specific to your caterer

Collective food liability

Intoxication at the wedding buffet = 80-200 potential claimants. A caterer with no $5 million in liability produced is underinsured — legal fees alone can exceed $100,000.

Transport of dishes

Delivery vehicle accident = lost dishes, ruined event, customer lawsuit for damages. Cover food in transit and contractual liability.

Room & equipment rental

If you rent a room and your equipment breaks a counter/floor: rental liability required (often $1-2 million on the rental contract).

Temporary liquor licence

If you serve alcohol with a temporary RACJ licence: host liquor liability must be included – a drunk patron who causes a motor vehicle accident can trace you back.

Essential Protections to Include

Equipment & vehicles

Kitchens (commercial ovens, hot rooms), refrigerated delivery truck, dishes.

Food liability $5 million

Collective poisonings, injuries to events. Minimum essential.

Host CR (alcohol)

If you serve alcohol: liability protection for drunk third parties.

Event Cancellation

Optional — compensation if your kitchen burns down 24 hours before a big contract.

Get your personalized catering quote

Compare up to 3 specialist insurers – free and without obligation

Start my quote

Premium 2026 — indicative table

ProfileVolume / DetailAnnual Bonus
Small Volume Catering (<50 k$ CA){{{wpml_tag_16}}}{{{wpml_tag_17}}}Événements privés{{{wpml_tag_18}}}{{{wpml_tag_19}}}1 800 $ – 2 600 ${{{wpml_tag_20}}}{{{wpml_tag_21}}}{{{wpml_tag_22}}}{{{wpml_tag_23}}}Traiteur moyen (50-250 k$ CA){{{wpml_tag_24}}}{{{wpml_tag_25}}}Événements corpo + privés{{{wpml_tag_26}}}{{{wpml_tag_27}}}2 600 $ – 3 800 ${{{wpml_tag_28}}}{{{wpml_tag_29}}}{{{wpml_tag_30}}}{{{wpml_tag_31}}}Traiteur grand volume (>CA$250K)Weddings Festivals$3,600 – $4,600
Catering + room + liquor licenseFull event$4,200 – $6,400

The amounts are indicative. Your actual premium depends on your claims history, location, security systems, and coverage chosen.

Tips for lowering your premium

  • Written contract with each customer (menu, allergens, permits): reduces the risk of litigation + required by the insurer.
  • HACCP/MAPAQ training for staff: proof of due diligence in the event of a lawsuit.
  • Temperature log by dish (preparation → transport → service): essential if public health survey.
  • Temporary RACJ permit for each event with alcohol + additional host liability.

Frequently Asked Questions — Catering Insurance

How much does catering insurance cost in Quebec in 2026?
Prime moyenne : 1 800 $ à 6 400 $/an selon la taille, le volume de ventes, l’emplacement et votre historique de sinistres. Les tarifs 2026 reflètent la hausse du coût des matériaux et pièces.
What protections are essential for a caterer?
Minimum : RC commerciale (2-5 M$), bâtiment/contenu (valeur à neuf), équipement, pertes d’exploitation. Les avenants spécifiques à votre industrie (Équipement & véhicules, RC alimentaire 5 M$) sont souvent cruciaux.
Is the CNESST included?
Non. La CNESST est une cotisation obligatoire gérée séparément par l’employeur. L’assurance commerciale complète la CNESST pour les poursuites civiles RC hors travail (clients, tiers).
Do I have to declare all my income exactly?
Oui. Une sous-déclaration peut entraîner une pénalité proportionnelle (règle proportionnelle) en cas de sinistre : si vous avez déclaré 400 k$ mais faites 800 k$ réels, vous recevez 50 % de l’indemnisation due.
Are my subcontractors covered by my policy?
Non. Chaque sous-traitant doit avoir sa propre RC. Demandez toujours certificat d’assurance et ajoutez-vous comme additional insured sur leur police. Sinon, vous restez responsable des dommages qu’ils causent.
What is a replacement cost vs depreciated value?
Valeur à neuf : vous êtes remboursé du prix actuel d’un équipement neuf équivalent. Valeur dépréciée : montant réduit de l’usure (ex : frigo 10 ans = 30 % de sa valeur neuf). Valeur à neuf est recommandée — coût supplémentaire 10-15 %.
Can I insure my commercial vehicles with the same policy?
Souvent oui, mais parfois plus avantageux de séparer : police flotte commerciale distincte. Nous comparons les deux scénarios pour choisir le plus économique.
How long does it take to be compensated after a claim?
Avec inventaire à jour + photos + documents financiers : règlement en 4-8 semaines. Sans preuves : peut traîner 4-12 mois. C’est pourquoi nous recommandons un inventaire numérique sauvegardé hors site.
What should I do if my insurer refuses to renew it?
Causes courantes : sinistres à répétition, changement d’activité, déménagement. Assur360 a accès à 15+ assureurs (dont 3-4 spécialisés en risques difficiles). Nous trouvons généralement une solution dans 90 % des cas — appelez le 1-866-357-4451.
How do I get my catering quote?
Remplissez notre formulaire 3 minutes avec vos revenus annuels, superficie, nombre d’employés, et couvertures actuelles. Vous recevez jusqu’à 3 soumissions comparées sous 24-48 h ouvrables. Gratuit, sans engagement. ☎ 1-866-357-4451.

Why choose Assur360

✓ AMF ChAD
Accredited and certified firm
✓ 15+ insurers compared
Intact, Desjardins, Beneva, Aviva, Economical, Belair…
✓ 100,000+ Quebecers served
Since 2008
✓ No cost, no obligation
Our commission is paid by the insurer

Helpful Resources

Ready to protect your caterer?

3 minutes — up to 3 quotes compared — no commitment

Start my quote ☎ 1-866-357-4451
Scroll to Top