Restaurant insurance is not one policy. Cafes, bars, food trucks, catering, and full-service kitchens combine general liability, property, workers’ compensation, and — if you pour — liquor liability. Kavana Insurance Inc. helps California and Texas food businesses compare that package against how the kitchen actually runs.
Licensed California insurance agency, License 6016951. Licensed in Texas. Office: 915 Highland Point Dr Suite 250, Roseville, CA 95678. Call (916) 545-3202.
Types of food businesses
Quick service and casual
Fast food, coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks, ice cream shops.
Full service
Fine dining, casual dining, steakhouses, bistros, specialty cuisine.
Bars and nightlife
Sports bars, lounges, wine bars, brewpubs, cocktail bars — liquor liability is usually in play.
Specialty
Catering, ghost kitchens, pop-ups, food halls, buffets.
Why it is more than one form
Most restaurants need a combination of general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, liquor liability where alcohol is served, commercial auto for deliveries or catering, and business income. Eligible smaller operations may fit a Business Owners Policy for GL and property; WC, auto, and liquor still sit outside.
Common restaurant claims these policies may respond to
- Kitchen fire or property damage — commercial property and business income, subject to terms.
- Customer injuries — general liability for covered third-party injury on the premises.
- Foodborne illness allegations — often a GL matter; facts and exclusions control.
- Alcohol-related incidents — liquor liability, not standard GL, for alcohol service.
- Employee injuries — burns, cuts, slips. California employers with employees generally need workers’ compensation.
- Equipment breakdown or spoilage — often endorsements, not included automatically.
What changes the price
- Size, payroll, and employee count
- Service style and whether you serve alcohol
- Sales, location, and customer volume
- Limits, deductibles, and which lines you buy
- Claims history, kitchen protection, and delivery operations
Coverage options
General liability
Third-party injury and property damage. Often required by the lease. More on GL.
Property
Building, kitchen equipment, furniture, and inventory after covered losses.
Workers’ compensation
Medical care and wage replacement for covered work injuries. WC.
Liquor liability
Needed if you serve alcohol. Standard GL typically excludes it.
Commercial auto
Catering vans, supply runs, food trucks. Commercial auto.
Business interruption
Covered shutdowns — lost income and ongoing expenses, if purchased.
Quote in three steps
Share operations, staff, alcohol service, and location. Review options with a licensed agent. Bind, then request certificates. Certificates are issued after a policy is bound.