Restaurant Insurance
Restaurant insurance is a specialised business insurance to protect against the various risks associated with the restaurant industry. Restaurant business insurance provides financial protection and helps keep the business running if things go wrong or unexpected events happen.
Specialised Insurance For Restaurants
As a restaurant owner, you’ll be fully aware that without customers, staff, stock and suppliers, your business cannot operate. However, being in direct contact with the public comes with its own set of risks. Without the correct insurance for restaurants, unexpected events could leave you significantly out of pocket and even leave your business unable to trade for long periods.
You will need to consider risks such as a customer having an accident on your premises, becoming ill as a result of consuming your food or drink, your stock being damaged by fire or faulty equipment, and employees being injured whilst working for you.
It is crucial to seek independent advice to make sure you get the correct restaurant insurance to suit the way your restaurant business operates.
Alexander Swan will work together with you so that we can build a tailored, all-encompassing restaurant insurance policy to perfectly match the size of your business and the risks it is exposed to.
Unlike dealing directly with an insurance company, Alexander Swan has access to multiple insurers and their diverse policies. This broad reach allows us to present you with a range of options, increasing the likelihood of finding the most competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. We are with you every step of the way, from helping you choose the right insurance through to fully assisting you should you ever need to make a claim.
Why Do Restaurants Need Insurance?
Restaurant insurance is crucial for protecting your business from risks such as customers claiming against you for food allergy reactions or poisoning, accidents, property damage, damage to your fixtures, fittings and equipment, theft, assaults, legal claims.
Restaurants and other food and drink venues such as bars, pubs and cafes will all need a specialist and comprehensive insurance package depending on the size, location and type of venue.
Having the correct comprehensive insurance for restaurants, licensed venues insurance, pub insurance, bar insurance or café insurance package provides you with peace of mind that your business is protected from expensive legal claims, allowing you to get on and do what you do best – delivering first class dining and service to your customers.
What’s Included In Restaurant Insurance?
If you run a restaurant, it is crucial to have the correct insurance to protect your business, staff and customers. Important considerations when sourcing insurance for restaurants include the following:
- Employers’ Liability: If you employ staff, employer’s liability is a legal requirement to protect against injuries caused to an employee whilst working.
- Public and Products Liability (or Restaurant Liability Insurance): This is essential to protect you against potential claims from the public in case they are injured, get sick or their property is damaged in connection with your business – whether that be a customer, supplier or a passer-by.
- Buildings Insurance: Whether you own or rent the premises your business operates from, it’s important to protect against damage to the building.
- Business Interruption: This covers lost income and/or the cost of relocating your business (either temporarily or permanently, depending on the circumstances) if your business is unable to operate due to unexpected events.
- Equipment Engineering: This covers the cost of inspecting/repairing equipment such as ovens, fridges and any machinery that your restaurant relies on to operate.
In addition, further cover is available for:
- Theft/damage to contents, equipment, electronics, stock
- Tenant improvements
- Legal expenses cover to protect you against any costs of legal disputes
- Optional cover for outdoor catering and deep fat frying, including full ranges
- If you are a licensed venue, cover can also be included for tobacco and wines & spirits
Restaurant Insurance FAQs
Because you’ll have to employ staff for your restaurant, it is a legal requirement to have employer’s liability insurance. If you have customers visiting your business premises, you will need public liability insurance and product liability insurance. If you own or rent the building your restaurant operates from, you will need buildings and/or contents insurance to cover the building, its contents, stock and equipment in case of damage caused by a covered event such as fire or flood. There are other considerations such as legal expenses insurance for any legal disputes, business interruption insurance in case your business has to relocate (permanently or temporarily) or is unable to operate due to an unexpected event.
Whilst public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, it is absolutely necessary to protect you against many risks you face when dealing directly with the public. If you employ staff, you are legally obliged to have employer’s liability insurance.
The cost of insurance for restaurants will be entirely dependent on a number of factors, such as the size, location, the product(s) being sold, the volume and value of any stock and the number of employees you have. One of the best ways to find out the cost of a restaurant insurance policy is to contact a broker like Alexander Swan directly.
