As the insurance market continues to grow year on year, we are seeing a number of specialist niche players where once there was domination by the majors.  This push by the niche insurers has led to extreme competition in the areas of price and service.  It seems like the mobile catering business has never been so well accommodated for!

As anybody who has ever been involved in the mobile catering industry will know, it is imperative that you are covered for all eventualities.  Loss of earnings, accidents, breakdown and any possible events which will stop you from bringing in business and earning a living.  What is commonly known as catering trailer insurance is becoming ever more vital, and while some of the options are not always required by law, who would chance their whole business for the sake of a few pounds a month?

We are seeing mobile catering appearing at a whole host of events including, football matches, concerts, the circus, amusements and a vast array of private and public events.  Unfortunately, with such increases in the market exposure comes an increase in the requirement for insurance, to cover both the proprietor and the customer.  We have also seen the introduction of a great deal of new laws from both the UK authorities and the EU authorities in what many are seeing as an attempt to stamp out the mobile catering business.

So is the industry fighting back?

Too right! While the old days and the old image of the mobile catering industry are still held drearily by many of the pubic, those days have long gone.  The industry is more professional, more streamlined and a lot more efficient than in the olden days.

We have also seen a vast improvement in the equipment and vehicles which are currently in use, although this has been at a cost, a cost which has to some extent been passed on to the customer in the form of additional services and an extra cost for these improvements.  It seems that many customers are only too willing to see the back of the old style food, and welcome in the new, even if it does cost a little extra!

Why do the insurers see such potential in the market?

Insurance companies very rarely invest into markets where they do not see potential for substantial growth, where they have not seen substantial regulatory changes and where their risks have been capped to some extent.  The regulations of today ensure that much of the chance of mishap from the food has all but disappeared, safety standards on the equipment have improved massively and while there are risks associated with any business, mobile catering has seen much development.

Is the insurance market deep enough to provide a quality service?

The niche players who have entered the market have also prompted something of a shakeup at the majors, who are not having it all of their own way any more.   Competition is good for the consumer but competition amongst the insurers is great for the mobile catering companies!