Letting someone else drive your food truck feels like letting them take the wheel of your livelihood—because, well, it is. A food truck isn’t just any vehicle. It’s a rolling restaurant, a cash machine on wheels, and, perhaps most importantly, it’s your business. The moment you hand over the keys, you’re putting a lot on the line. And if you don’t have the right insurance protections in place, it could cost you more than just a fender bender. But is it really avoidable?

According to Matt Carlson, a second-generation insurance broker and current Vice President at Risk Strategies Companies, who insures over 25 food trucks, including some of the most notable like Krazy BBQ, Kogi BBQ, and The Fox Pizza Bus, “Handing the keys to someone else can be a necessary step for growth. But it’s all about managing the risk. You want to feel confident that if something happens, you and your business will bounce back.”

Matthew Carlson understands the risks of the food truck industry.

Do Your Homework: The MVR Is a Must

Carlson stresses the importance of thoroughly vetting anyone who will drive your food truck. “It might sound obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many times we’ve seen a food truck operator hire a driver without checking their Motor Vehicle Report (MVR),” he says.

Checking a potential driver’s MVR isn’t just a box to tick—it’s the cornerstone of risk management. A clean MVR can help you secure better auto insurance premiums, while hiring someone with a poor driving record could skyrocket your rates or, even worse, make you uninsurable by certain carriers.

Carlson’s Rule of Thumb: Within the last 36 months, no driver should have more than:

• 1 violation and two accidents,
• 2 moving violations and one accident, or
• 3 moving violations and no accidents.

Additionally, serious violations like DUIs, suspended licenses, or auto felony convictions are dealbreakers. “These drivers will be excluded from most policies. You don’t want to risk your business on someone with a history of bad decisions behind the wheel,” Carlson emphasizes.

The Cost of Hiring a Bad Driver

The insurance market is highly competitive, but that all changes the moment you introduce a driver with a poor MVR. “If you’ve got an ineligible driver, many of the best insurance carriers will pull their quotes,” says Carlson. “Then you’re stuck with fewer options and much higher premiums.”

Outside the Fox Pizza Bus.

This doesn’t just affect your auto insurance; it can also impact your general liability and workers’ compensation policies. “You’re hiring someone to do more than drive—they’re an ambassador for your business,” Carlson points out. “They’ll be interacting with customers, and if an accident happens—whether on the road or on-site—you want to be sure your insurance has you covered.”

Hiring the Right Driver

When it’s time to add a second truck or bring in a backup driver for those extra-busy weekends, Carlson advises truck owners to go beyond just checking driving records. “Make sure your driver understands the unique responsibility of operating a food truck. It’s not just a truck; it’s your brand on wheels.”

Here are a few more tips Carlson shares for food truck vendors:

1. Verify Insurance Requirements: Make sure you’re carrying the right coverage—General Liability, Auto, and Workers’ Compensation are must-haves.
2. Train Your Driver: Even if your driver has a perfect record, provide training on how to safely handle the specific challenges of your truck. The size, weight, and equipment can make it trickier than driving a regular vehicle.
3. Create a Clear Policy: Lay out expectations in writing, covering safety practices, behavior, and accountability in case of accidents or damage.

Deal Breakers When Hiring a Driver 

When it comes to hiring drivers with a DUI on their record, Matt Carlson is firm: a DUI is a dealbreaker. “No reputable insurance company will allow you to add a driver with a DUI onto your policy without a major increase in premiums, and many won’t insure you at all,” Carlson explains. A DUI reflects poor judgment and a high level of risk, making it a significant red flag for insurance providers. Hiring someone with this kind of history could severely limit your ability to get affordable coverage and put your business at unnecessary risk.

On the other hand, minor infractions like parking tickets are less of a concern. “A parking ticket won’t move the needle when it comes to your insurance,” Carlson notes. Insurance companies are more focused on moving violations and accidents that reflect the driver’s behavior on the road. “If all your driver has is a parking ticket, they’re likely to be a good candidate as long as their MVR is otherwise clean,” he adds.

Don’t let a bad driver mess up your mobile pizza business.

Balancing Imperfections in Hiring

Carlson acknowledges that hiring “perfect” drivers may not always be possible. “At the end of the day, you have to strike a balance,” he says. While you should avoid drivers with serious violations like a DUI, minor imperfections like a single speeding ticket or a parking violation are often manageable. The key is understanding the overall risk profile of the driver.

Carlson advises food truck owners to set clear standards for what’s acceptable. “Look at the whole picture—someone with a clean record except for one minor speeding ticket may be a safe bet. But if a driver has several violations in a short period, that’s a red flag,” he explains. To balance this, Carlson suggests prioritizing drivers with experience and a demonstrated commitment to safety. “You might not get perfection, but you can certainly hire wisely.”

Ultimately, hiring a driver for your food truck is a milestone in your business growth—but it requires careful planning. Matt Carlson sums it up: “Your food truck is more than just a vehicle. It’s your livelihood. Don’t take unnecessary risks by handing over the keys without doing your due diligence. With the right insurance coverage, you can protect yourself, your business, and your driver.”

Are you ready to hire a driver for your food truck? What precautions will you take? Let us know in the comments or on social media.