The restaurant industry is always moving. With day-to-day operations that are constantly changing, accidents are bound to happen.
When you decide to open your own restaurant, figuring out what insurance to invest in is an important decision. You need something to cover the physical building along with everything you own inside. In the unfortunate event that something happens, it’s better to be protected.
Common Accidents You May Be Liable For
Accidents happen all the time, but when someone gets hurt it can mean bad things for your business. With the hustle and bustle of busy restaurant life, these incidents are more common than you think:
- Slips and Falls: One of the most common insurance claims against a restaurant is when a customer slips, falls and injures themselves. This can be due to water or a slick floor.
- Food Poisoning: Restaurants work with food, so naturally, food poisoning will occasionally happen. Whether the claim is true or not, you may be liable if a customer eats your food and suffers from illness.
- Customer Burns: Bodily injury can occur if a customer’s drink or food is too hot and they burn their tongue or fingers.
- Property Damage: Your restaurant is full of equipment, appliances, decor and more. If an accident occurs – a dishwasher busts or an angry customer breaks a chair – it may be up to you to cover the damage.
- Fire Damage: When your main task is cooking food using hot equipment, the risk of a fire is substantial. Big or small, if one breaks out, you are liable for recovery.
- Auto Accidents: If your restaurant delivers food, you may be liable for your drivers if they get into a car accident while making a delivery.
Types of Insurance for Restaurants
Commercial Property Insurance
Above all, your restaurant is a commercial property. Theft and natural disasters are rare, but not impossible. This type of insurance will cover the building itself along with your personal property within, like kitchen equipment, tables and chairs. If the unthinkable occurs, commercial property insurance will cover the damage and loss.
General Liability/Restaurant Liability Insurance
There is great risk in dealing in the food industry. Accidents occur all the time, but one burnt tongue shouldn’t ruin your business. General liability will cover all customer incidents that might result in bodily injury or damage.
Workers Compensation
Some types of commercial property insurance will cover workers compensation, but it’s important to make sure your restaurant has it in case the one you go for doesn’t. Workers compensation will take care of your employees in the event of injury on the job.
Liquor Liability
If your restaurant deals with alcoholic beverages, a liquor license is required. In the event that a customer’s intoxication leads to injury, liquor liability insurance will protect your business.
Reliable Commercial Restaurant Insurance in the DMV Area
When you open your own restaurant, it’s essential to have proper insurance to protect your assets. With the right coverage, your restaurant will be protected from any accident that occurs.
Sanford Insurance offers comprehensive commercial restaurant insurance for all restaurant owners in Central Virginia, Maryland, and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to protecting our clients in the food industry from financial harm.
Contact us today and see what we cover for your restaurant.