Restaurant Insurance

What is Restaurant Insurance?

Restaurant insurance is a form of financial protection for a restaurant business (or business insurance for restaurants). It can cover legal costs for liabilities and third-party claims, medical expenses, stock losses, and all the risks related to a food business. Some business insurance companies offer a standalone product for restaurants, but often you may need to build a portfolio with all the cover you need.

You could, for example, experience loss of earnings if the country goes into another lockdown. You may need to cover the risks related to alcohol sales or the costs of stolen stock. Whatever the financial risks are that you want to cover, you can find a policy or custom solution at one of South Africa’s reputable business insurers.

How Does Restaurant Insurance Work?

Firstly, you will need to compare restaurant insurance quotes to see which offer suites your needs best. If you choose a South African insurer that offers restaurant cover as a standalone product (for example, OUTsurance Hospitality cover), it will simplify the process of getting your business covered.

What is the average cost of business insurance for a restaurant?

There isn’t a single amount estimate for the cost of restaurant insurance, since it often depends on your restaurant insurance policy’s scope and your risk profile. For example, a comprehensive commercial policy that includes product liability insurance and commercial auto insurance usually costs more than only getting restaurant liability insurance.

Other factors that could impact how much your policy will cost you monthly include the size of your business, how many customers you serve annually, your claims history, the condition of your property and building, and your annual revenue averages. If the assets owned are expensive, it can also push up the price.

What Does it Cover?

Your cover depends on the business insurance policy you choose. It’s essential that all your risks are covered. But if you can’t afford comprehensive cover, a liability policy is your top non-negotiable. Restaurant owners know how their frequent contact with the public can often lead to liability claims.

These claims often lead to a major loss of income due to legal costs and compensation fees. Some insurers offer liquor liability insurance, and others offer liability cover for bodily injury on duty (workers compensation insurance for restaurants). Ensure you have liability coverages for every possible risk.

Next, you can include commercial property insurance to cover property damage. Stock insurance is important to ensure theft, fire, or loss don’t devastate your day-to-day operations. If you offer food delivery services, you can get business vehicle insurance and courier and delivery cover, too.

What are the best insurance companies for restaurants in South Africa?

Insurance providers in South Africa differ in the offerings they have, their costs, and the extent of the cover on offer in their Restaurant Business Insurance. Although many may not offer a policy exclusively for restaurant owners, they may offer specialised cover that can be customised. Most South African insurers offer a business policy that can be adjusted to suit the needs of almost any business types.

Since each restaurant has its own unique challenges and needs, it’s best to get a quote to find out which offer will be best for you. You can also check the insurer’s ratings on review websites like hellopeter.

Who Needs Restaurant Insurance?

The most obvious answer here is a restaurant owner, but there’s more to it. Many businesses in the hospitality industry who may not operate as a full-time restaurant could also need cover. For example, a coffee shop, pub, bar, hotel, resort, bed-and-breakfast, club, and any hospitality business.

If it is possible that wet floors could make someone slip and fall, then claim against your business, you will need cover. Do you own your hospitality business’ building? You will need insurance for it. A beverage business that serves alcohol will also need public liability insurance.

From public liability cover to automobile liability insurance, you can find the right policies without a fuss. Simply fill in the form at the top of this page, and the ideal insurer for your needs will contact you for an obligation-free quote!