Restaurant Coverage Terminology

Restaurant or Business Insurance Terminology can make your head spin, we’re here to simplify it for you.

Merrill Insurance has a goal to simplify insurance by explaining some important coverages relevant to Restaurants and Restaurant Owners that may stump you when you read through your policy.

It’s important to note that these summaries are to be used for basic information only, for more detailed information on your policy, exposures or your carrier’s coverage, please give us a call at the office for a review or to answer any specific questions related to your policy or your specific exposure. You should have an ongoing conversation with your agent to make them aware of all arms of your business to be sure that you have the appropriate coverages in place.

Interested in a quote? Fill out this form and our Agent, Jessica Tewksbury, will be in contact with you!

Commercial Property

Property exposures in restaurants are substantial and can come from many sources, including equipment failures, food spoilage, natural disasters, customers, employees and other third parties. When discussing property exposures, fire and water damage are of particular concern, and restaurants face an elevated level of risk due to things like open flames, the wide use of combustible items (e.g., tables, chairs and linens), complex HVAC systems, sewer backups and appliances connected to water lines (e.g., dishwashers).

Equipment Breakdown

Restaurants depend on functioning equipment to service their customers effectively. In the face of an equipment breakdown (e.g., refrigeration unit leaks and cooking appliance malfunctions), restaurants can experience business interruptions or even prolonged closures. What’s more, equipment breakdowns can even lead to major property damage should an appliance leak or start a fire, compounding the cost for your business. 

Crime

Crime can be a challenge for restaurant owners, especially because their operations often have a steady amount of cash flowing in and out. To make matters worse, thieves can strike at any time, leaving owners to recoup any lost funds or equipment. In this day and age, thieves (including your employees) do not need direct access to cash to steal from you—merchandise, supplies and securities are all fair game. What’s more, the location of a restaurant as well as its hours of operation can have a significant impact on its level of crime risk.

Inland Marine

As a restaurant owner, you are responsible for property that may not be covered by traditional insurance. Inland marine coverage can fill these gaps in commercial property protection. Without an inland marine policy, property that’s unique or valuable, in transit, in your temporary care, stored at fixed (but movable) locations or used to transfer information represent major exposures. Specifically for restaurateurs, inland marine insurance can provide much needed protection for food or catering supplies transported to various locations and food trucks.

Premises Liability

Premises liability exposures at restaurants can directly affect patron safety and, when injuries occur at your business, you could be held responsible. Accidents related to slips, trips and falls; burns and scalds; and cuts are common and a major source of concern. Something as simple as a hot plate, a spilled drink or an uneven surface can lead to costly insurance claims following an accident.

Food and Product Liability

Food safety is an important consideration for restaurant owners and a primary source of food and product liability. The potential for food poisoning, contamination, spoilage and allergic reactions is ever present, making continued customer safety a challenge. In the event that one of your customers becomes ill due to your food or accidently ingests a foreign object found in one of your menu items, your restaurant could face legal ramifications and suffer irreversible reputational damage.

Liquor Liability

Lawsuits related to liquor liability are filed each day, and it’s increasingly common for victims and their families to file suits against restaurants for their role in serving a customer who is then involved in an alcohol-related accident. Making matters worse, all it takes is a single liquor liability claim to put your entire business at risk. Liquor liability exposures for restaurant owners can stem from selling liquor to underage individuals, overserving patrons and non-compliance with applicable legislation.

Business Interruption

Continuity is critical in business, and there are few things more important than continuous revenue and cash flow, particularly for small to medium-sized organizations. In fact, just one brief business interruption can be incredibly costly for an organization, often leading to serious reputational damages or long-term closures. Common interruptions for restaurants can include natural disasters, fires, food recalls, cyber events, staff shortages and supplier issues.

Cyber Liability

Restaurants are a common target for cybercriminals, as these businesses often process a high volume of credit and debit card information. In addition, employees who are improperly trained on computer and data security could expose your organization to ransomware, viruses, phishing scams and malware. Compounding your exposures, many restaurants offer guest Wi-Fi that, if improperly secured, can put you and your guests at risk of an attack.

Automobile Exposures

Depending on the services your restaurant offers, employees may be required to operate a vehicle on behalf of your business, creating automobile exposures in the process. While important for daily operations, the improper use of a vehicle can lead to potential accidents and major insurance claims. What’s more, if you allow employees to use their own vehicles for work, standard auto policies are often not enough. Additionally, providing valet parking can also create unforeseen challenges should a customer’s vehicle get damaged.

Workers Compensation

On-the-job accidents at restaurants can lead to costly workers’ compensation claims. Complicating matters, there are a number of risks to account for, including cuts and burns; slips, trips and falls; ergonomic-related hazards; workplace violence; and drive-thru exposures. Things like improper lifting techniques, poor knife safety and inadequate training can all cause your employees to suffer an injury on the job—disrupting your business and negatively impacting your bottom line.

Call your Agent, Jessica Tewksbury, today!

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