When must a Ben Jerrys franchisee provide Certificates of Insurance to the franchisor?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
not prepared or previously approved the materials. If you do not receive written notice of disapproval within 10 days after the date we receive the materials, you may assume that we have approved them.
Insurance
You must obtain, before beginning any operations under the Franchise Agreement and must maintain in full force and effect at all times during the term of the Franchise Agreement, at your own expense, an insurance policy or policies protecting you and us. The policies must provide protection against any demand or claim relating to personal injury, death, or property damage, or any loss, liability or expense arising from the operation of your Shop. All policies must be written by a responsible carrier or carriers which we determine to be acceptable, must name us and our affiliates as an additional insured, and must provide at least the types and minimum amounts of coverage specified in the Manual as modified by us. Prior to the opening of your Shop, and on an annual basis thereafter, you must provide to us Certificates of Insurance showing the proper types and minimum amounts of coverage.
At the time of this Disclosure Document, we require the following types and minimum amounts of coverage:
Type of Coverage Minimum Insurance Required
General Liability $2,000,000 general aggregate
$2,000,000 products/completed operations aggregate
$2,000,000 personal & advertising injury
$2,000,000 each occurrence
$50,000 fire damage $10,000 medical expense
Worker's Compensation $500,000/$500,000/$500,000
Note that if you operate
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 37–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must provide Certificates of Insurance to Ben Jerrys prior to opening their shop and on an annual basis thereafter. These certificates serve as proof that the franchisee maintains the required insurance coverage, protecting both the franchisee and Ben Jerrys against potential liabilities.
The required insurance policies must protect against claims related to personal injury, death, property damage, loss, liability, or expenses arising from the shop's operation. The insurance must be written by a carrier deemed acceptable by Ben Jerrys and must name Ben Jerrys and its affiliates as additional insured parties. The policies must meet the minimum coverage types and amounts specified in the Ben Jerrys manual, as modified by Ben Jerrys.
The FDD specifies the minimum insurance coverage required at the time of the document. This includes General Liability coverage with a $2,000,000 general aggregate, $2,000,000 products/completed operations aggregate, $2,000,000 personal & advertising injury, $2,000,000 each occurrence, $50,000 fire damage, and $10,000 medical expense. Worker's Compensation coverage is also required at $500,000/$500,000/$500,000. If a franchisee operates an Authorized Warehouse, additional insurance may be required for Off-Premises Activities and Mobile Vending, as well as any associated vehicles.