California Restaurants and the Business Insurance Policies that Protect Them within the Food Services Industry

  • September 10, 2016
  • 4 min read

For customers, dining at a restaurant is a time to relax, unwind, and treat themselves. This experience is created by the restaurant owners who ensure this with every choice they make, from the menu to the theme and ambience of the building itself. Restaurant owners understand the amount of effort and dedication it takes to manage a successful establishment that also serves as a place of enjoyment for their customers. Clearly, owners in the food service industry run their business with a mentality of putting their customers first but it is essential to think about the protection of the business itself as well. California restaurant insurance can give this protection as it takes into account and adequately covers the many unique risks that come along with owning a restaurant or managing a food services business.

Although the name implies exclusivity to restaurant owners, rest assure that a Restaurant insurance quote takes in the needs of any food service business, including bars, grills, catering companies, fast food eateries, and casual or fine dining establishments. No one is left out and every food business owner can get properly quoted to have their specific needs met.
Restaurants can obtain multiple insurance policies that are catered to those in the food service industry. These insurance policies include coverage’s in respect to customers, such as General Liability which provides coverage if a client gets injured in the establishment and Liquor Liability which protects owners if a customer drives after becoming too intoxicated at the restaurant and, as a result, hurts him or herself and/or someone else. Food Borne Illness coverage also helps when a customer gets sick from the restaurant’s food and/ how it was cooked.

Another quote that a California Restaurant should consider obtaining can ensure coverage for the tangible things, such as the building or equipment. Property Insurance covers the building structure and the contents within it. Food Spoilage Insurance provides protection in the event of broken equipment (freezers, boiler, etc.) that causes food to spoil. Cyber Liability insurance helps if damages occur as a result of improperly working computer security.

Workers Comp Insurance coverage for employees is also a very vital part of business. A workers compensation policy provides coverage in the event that an employee gets injured while working. Also, Employment Practices Liability provides protection for business owners if an employee makes claims of wrongful termination, harassment, etc. Financial risk can also be covered through the Business Income policy which provides temporary replacement income if a loss occurs and prevents the business from operating.

Now that the type of insurance needed has been established, the checklist for the most optimal insurance coverage for any California restaurant may look like this:

  • General Liability
  • Liquor Liability
  • Food Borne Illness
  • Property Insurance
  • Food Spoilage Insurance
  • Cyber Liability
  • Workers Compensation
  • Employment Practices Liability
  • Business Income

With all that’s been mentioned, it is clear that restaurant owners have specific needs for the type of insurance coverage needed to maintain a safe and successful business; needs that go beyond the minimum coverage for most businesses. Whether you are a small restaurant deemed the local favorite or a big restaurant chain that is growing and expanding to more locations, it is essential for you and your food service business to have the thorough coverage tailored to your needs and risks. In the same way that you serve your customers with the highest quality food and service, JVRC Insurance will also serve you with exceptional service and competitive quotes to provide you with the right protection and the confidence that you are covered! Reach out to us today for a quote or answers to any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Insurance

Are all California businesses required to carry Workers Compensation Insurance?

ALL California employers must provide coverage for their California employees

Why is California Workers Comp Insurance so expensive?

Largely because of claims that occur, experience modifications, fraud and payroll amounts statewide

Where do we get the information we post on our blog site?

The Department of Insurance website, The WCIRB, The Insurance Journal and many other trusted sources

What is an experience modification?

It’s a percentage that compares the payroll and loss history of your company to a similar-sized company within the same industry. For example, if a company has a better than average loss record, their experience modification would be less than 100%. If that is the case you would receive a credit on your Workers Comp rates. If that is not the case however it would result in the opposite, an increase in rates. The experience modification can be closely compared to an individual’s credit score.

Why is Workers Compensation Insurance a necessary requirement?

It is illegal in the state of California to not carry it. There will be penalties, fines and many other consequences if a worker is injured and you do not carry it. Furthermore if there is a claim and you do not have California Workers Compensation Insurance at the time the employer is still liable for all costs relating to the injury which can be devastating to any company.

How does your insurance carrier determine what your experience modification number is?

This is calculated based on your payroll, premium paid and by your reported losses for the last three consecutive years

Who regulates and makes California Workers Compensation laws?

The Department of Insurance regulates the laws and the State Senate makes them

What is a Classification or a class code?

It’s a component used determine the price an employer pays for their workers’ comp insurance premium. Classifications are established for each industry and typically include all jobs or operations within a particular business.