Insuramerica of FloridaOpenSpace

When you own a restaurant or food service business, keeping the focus on your customers is very important. Make sure you are covered in the event something unforeseen occurs so that you and your staff are prepared and protected. Insure your restaurant business against loss, damage, liability, or business interruption.

Today’s restaurant environment is more complex than ever and you want to know you’re covered for unexpected occurrences. One area in the restaurant business you do not want to skimp is insurance. Insurance can protect you and your business from a myriad of problems, from broken equipment to liability lawsuits. Whether your restaurant is elegant, trendy, traditional, ethnic, or home-style, we have the package for you.

Who needs this?

• Restaurants
• Bakeries
• Delicatessens
• Food Services
• Catering Services

Why is insurance for restaurants important?

Restaurants offer a full menu of food items and may or may not also offer alcoholic beverages. A restaurant may specialize in a specific type of cuisine or may serve a general menu. Additional exposures may develop from music or entertainment, various promotions, and events. Some may have small dance areas.

What kind of property exposure is there?

In most restaurant insurance programs, property exposure is substantial. The major hazards come from the cooking aspect of the operation. The more grease laden vapor that is produced, the greater the exposure to potential fire. All grills and deep fat fryers must have fire extinguishing protection, hoods and filters. There should be fuel shut offs and adequate hand-held fire extinguishers. The kitchen must be kept grease free to prevent the spread of fire and also to protect Florida employees. Kitchen cleanliness is the best prevention to fire. Most restaurants are tenants, so Business Personal Property is the major exposure. Business income losses can be minimized if there is an alternative location to continue operations and not lose customers, depending on the restaurant insurance program. Returning to normal operations after a loss is difficult and there can be substantial lag time between reopening and returning to full income if regular customers have moved to a new “favorite” restaurant.

How about possible crime and commercial restaurant insurance?

Florida restaurant insurance can help with crime exposures. These are dependent on the money and stock available to steal. If the Florida restaurant uses expensive cuts of meat or provides alcohol, theft of stock could be a problem. If the cash receipts are high, both employee dishonesty and holdup are concerns that must be addressed.

What about customer liability?

Premises liability losses occur from spilled food and also from interaction between the serving staff and the customer. All Florida employees must be instructed in proper customer handling, including how to deal with disgruntled or overly enthusiastic customers. This is is often covered by restaurant liability insurance.

What if I want to sell alcohol?

Liquor liability losses depend on the amount and type of alcohol served and the adherence to strict policies on who can be served and how much they can be served. Employees who serve alcohol should complete training courses in recognizing intoxication problems and dealing with customers. Programs that encourage designated Florida drivers or offer free taxi service can be useful. Restaurant liability insurance may be more expensive if alcohol is sold.

How much worker comp is required in the state of Florida for a restaurant?

Workers Compensation in Florida is written as “Statutory Limits” with no real limit listed on the policy. There is a separate part of the policy called Employers Liability that is written with minimum limits of $100,000 each Accident, $500,000 Disease Policy Limit, $100,000 Disease Each Employee. The Employers Liability is for rare occurrences where the Workers Compensation Statutes may not apply directly and liability coverage is needed.

In Florida, for non-construction businesses, you are required to carry workers compensation coverage when a business has 4 or more employees (officers/owners are considered employees) or statutory employees (individuals not paid as employees but qualify as employees under the workers compensation statutes).

What other insurance should a Restaurant consider?

Commercial Property, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, General Liability, Liquor Liability, Employee Benefits, Umbrella, Commercial Auto, Workers Compensation.