Insurance for Restaurants

Is your Restaurant a safe Investment? - Nobody expects the worst to happen but if it does, will you have the protection you need to reopen?  

Insurance requirements by your landlord?

You can't open without meeting your lease insurance requirements. We are your Restaurant Insurance specialists. Let us guide you to the best fit for your Restaurant Insurance protection. 

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Special Insurance Issues for Restaurant Owners

Kitchen Fires - Prevention is your best insurance! Be sure that you have appropriate fire suppression systems in place and maintained. Insurance companies typically require that your heat producing cooking equipment, particularly grease sources (fryers, grills, ranges), have a wet chemical fire suppression system and vent hood overhead. Also, grease handling in the kitchen is very important. Insurance industry statistics indicate that 1 in 100 restaurants will suffer a fire during a given year and that 60% of these fires are related to kitchen cooking oil and grease.

Electrical Fire - Second to a cooking or a grease fire, overloaded or malfunctioning electrical equipment is a particular risk for restaurants. Austin had three restaurants burn to the ground due to Electrical Fires in 2006 (Chili's on Stassney, Berts BBQ and a Chinese Buffet).

Slip & Fall Lawsuits - While having a customer slip and fall is a risk for any business open to the public, restaurants are at particular risk because of the large number of customer visits and the added hazard of food spills. Falls by customers account for approximately 40% of all liability claims for food service businesses. General Liability Insurance protection is critical for you risk to the public.

Food Related Lawsuits - Restaurant owners can be sued after a customer becomes ill after eating and contracting a food borne illness. Safe handling of food is an important priority for any restaurant.

Liquor Liability - If you serve beer, wine or other liquor, be sure you are protected from lawsuits resulting from alcohol-related incidents. Claims involving liquor liability can be very expensive and result in business failure without insurance protection.

Property Risks - Operating a restaurant often includes considerable equipment, building improvements and food stock. Adequate property insurance protection is critical and may also be required by your lease.

Theft & Burglary - Restaurants are "cash" business and often handle considerable amounts of currency and checks. Restaurants are often target by burglars because of the potential of stealing both money and equipment. A monitored alarm system and appropriate cash handling can reduce these risks. Appropriate insurance protection is often available including Crime Coverages. It is important for the restaurant owner to understand what is covered for crime losses on their business insurance now and not after a crime.

Employee Injury Lawsuits - A food establishment is very much a people driven business. Your hired help is your biggest asset and one of your biggest lawsuit risks. Worker’s Compensation Insurance is critical liability protection for any employer. Also see Essay: Why Work Comp

Employment Practices - Any employer can be held liable for mistakes in handling employment relationships. Small and mid-sized business are particular venerable since they won't have the "HR Department" to enforce compliance with the legal requirements of non-discrimination and other employment rules. Employment Practices Liability Insurance can be important component of your company's protection.  

Other Resources for Restaurant Insurance

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