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Best Restaurant Insurance Providers For Small Businesses
Is your restaurant protected from workers' injuries, diners' slips, and other risks? Our restaurant insurance guide discusses coverage and best providers.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Restaurant insurance helps protect food service businesses from common risks, from property damage to liability claims.
In this guide, we’ll cover how restaurant insurance works and highlight providers that offer coverage options for small businesses.
Not ideal for larger or complex restaurant operations
Limited specialty coverage options
Why We Chose ERGO NEXT
ERGO NEXT stands out for its fast, fully online quoting process and ability to activate coverage quickly. This makes it a strong option for restaurant owners who want to secure insurance without a lengthy application process.
ERGO NEXT Pricing
ERGO NEXT provides instant quotes based on your business details, such as location, size, and coverage needs.
Some sample data suggests professional liability coverage may average around $50 per month, but pricing varies widely depending on your policy selections. Discounts may be available when bundling multiple policies.
ERGO NEXT Coverage
ERGO NEXT offers a range of policies that can be tailored to restaurant businesses, including:
General liability
Business owners policy (BOP)
Workers’ compensation
Commercial auto
Professional liability
Liquor liability
Commercial property
Some policies may include or allow for coverage related to foodborne illness claims. Coverage details and availability vary by policy.
Choose ERGO NEXT If...
You want instant quotes and fast coverage without a long application process
You run a small or independent restaurant with straightforward insurance needs
You prefer managing your policy online and bundling coverage for potential savings
Pricing varies, with some average cost examples available
Coverage Options
Comprehensive coverage with customizable policies
Quote Speed
Usually same-day
Pros
Wide range of restaurant-specific coverage options
Fast quote process
Available in most states
Cons
Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
Pricing may be higher than some competitors
Why We Chose The Hartford
The Hartford stands out for its wide range of add-on coverages tailored to restaurants. In addition to a standard business owners policy (BOP), it offers options like liquor liability and employment practices coverage, making it easier to build a more customized insurance package.
The Hartford Pricing
The Hartford provides personalized quotes based on your business details. Quotes can typically be requested online or by phone and are often available the same day.
Some data suggests BOP policies may start around $260 per month, but pricing varies widely depending on factors like location, size, and coverage selections.
The Hartford Coverage
The Hartford offers commercial property insurance as part of a broader set of business policies, including a BOP that bundles core coverages.
General liability
Commercial property
Business income
Additional options may include:
Workers’ compensation
Commercial auto
Employment practices liability
Liquor liability
Coverage availability and limits vary by policy.
Choose The Hartford If...
You need specialized or add-on coverage for your restaurant
You want to bundle multiple policies in one place
You prefer a provider with flexible coverage options
Flexible pricing based on coverage duration and needs
Coverage Options
Basic to moderate coverage with flexible policy options
Quote Speed
Instant online quotes
Pros
Instant quotes and fast coverage
Flexible, event-based coverage options
Competitive entry-level pricing
Cons
Not ideal for larger or full-service restaurants
Limited specialty coverage compared to larger insurers
Why We Chose Thimble
Thimble stands out for its flexible, short-term coverage options, which are well-suited for catering businesses and event-based food service providers. The ability to purchase coverage by the job, month, or year makes it easier to match insurance costs to your schedule.
Thimble Pricing
Thimble offers policies starting around $17 per month for general liability coverage, with higher costs for bundled policies that include property coverage. Pricing varies based on factors like location, business type, and coverage limits.
Quotes are available instantly online, and coverage can often begin shortly after purchase.
Thimble Coverage
Thimble offers a range of policies that can be tailored to food service businesses, often through bundled options like a business owners policy (BOP).
General liability
Commercial property (typically via BOP)
Business interruption
Liquor liability
Event liability
Additional options may include business equipment coverage (similar to inland marine insurance) for tools and equipment used offsite.
Choose Thimble If...
You operate a catering, mobile, or event-based food business
THREE stands out for its bundled, all-in-one approach to business insurance. Instead of managing multiple policies, restaurants can get a single package that includes a wide range of coverages tailored to their operations.
THREE Pricing
THREE provides personalized pricing based on your business details. Quotes can be requested online or by phone and are typically available within minutes.
The company advertises that its bundled policies may cost less than purchasing separate policies, but actual savings vary based on your business and coverage needs.
THREE Coverage
THREE combines multiple types of coverage into a single policy designed for simplicity and broad protection.
General liability
Commercial property
Business income
Equipment breakdown and spoilage
Workers’ compensation (where applicable)
Commercial auto (if needed)
Liquor liability (if applicable)
Additional coverages, such as cyber liability or employment practices liability, may also be included depending on your business.
Choose THREE If...
You want a single policy that covers most business risks
Pricing varies based on coverage and business profile
Coverage Options
Comprehensive coverage with customizable policy options
Quote Speed
Approximately 30 minutes
Pros
Broad coverage with multiple add-on options
Strong financial stability
Access to local agents
Cons
Not available in all states
Quote process can be more involved
Why We Chose Nationwide
Nationwide stands out for its ability to support larger or more complex restaurant operations. Its combination of core coverage and additional policy options makes it a strong fit for businesses that need more than a basic insurance package.
Nationwide Pricing
Nationwide provides personalized quotes based on your business details. The quote process typically requires more detailed information than some online-first insurers, with results often available within about 30 minutes.
Pricing varies widely depending on factors like location, size, and coverage needs.
Nationwide Coverage
Nationwide offers commercial property insurance as part of a broader set of business policies, including a business owners policy (BOP) that bundles multiple coverages.
General liability
Commercial property
Business income
Equipment breakdown
Additional options may include:
Commercial auto
Workers’ compensation
Employment practices liability
Cyber liability
Umbrella coverage
Coverage options can be expanded to support larger or multi-location operations.
Choose Nationwide If...
You operate a larger or multi-location restaurant
You need a wide range of coverage options
You prefer working with an established insurer and agents
Not ideal for larger businesses or higher revenue operations
Why We Chose FLIP
FLIP focuses specifically on food-based businesses, including home-based operations, food trucks, and vendors. Its targeted coverage and flexible payment options make it a strong fit for smaller or specialty food service businesses.
FLIP Pricing
FLIP offers custom pricing based on your business type and coverage needs. General liability coverage may start around $26 per month, with higher costs for additional coverage.
Quotes are available instantly online, and coverage can begin shortly after purchase. Monthly payment options are available.
FLIP Coverage
FLIP provides insurance tailored to a wide range of food-related businesses, often focusing on liability and equipment protection.
General liability
Product liability (food-related claims)
Inland marine (equipment coverage)
Liquor liability
Professional liability
Additional options, such as cyber coverage or excess liability, may be available depending on your needs.
Choose FLIP If...
You run a home-based or small food business
You operate as a vendor, caterer, or food truck
You want simple, flexible coverage with monthly payments
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing business insurance since 2020. Our writers have tested over twenty different major insurance companies. In each review, we evaluate pricing, features, customer service, and user reviews.
When comparing different business insurance companies, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the number of standard insurance policies available, and the ability to create custom policies. Our lists of the best business insurance providers include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points and often share qualities such as low cost, a variety of niche business insurance policies, multiple ways to file claims, and excellent customer support.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, ensuring that the business insurance companies included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.
How Does Restaurant Insurance Work?
Running a restaurant comes with a range of risks, from customer injuries to equipment failures and food safety issues.
Restaurant insurance typically combines multiple policies to help protect your business from financial loss when something goes wrong. The right mix of coverage depends on your operations, staff, and services.
Essential Insurance for Restaurants
Most restaurants rely on a combination of policies to address different risks. Common types of coverage include:
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance covers third-party injuries and property damage. For example, it can help pay for medical expenses or legal costs if a customer is injured on your premises.
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance covers your building (if owned) and business assets, such as equipment and inventory, against risks like fire, theft, and vandalism. Coverage for floods, earthquakes, and similar events is typically excluded unless added separately.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job. Requirements vary by state, but most businesses with employees are required to carry this coverage.
Liquor Liability Insurance
If you serve alcohol, liquor liability insurance helps protect your business if a customer causes harm after being served. This coverage can help pay for legal defense and related claims.
Product Liability Insurance
Product liability insurance covers claims related to foodborne illness or other harm caused by the products you serve. It’s often included in general liability policies but may have limits.
Temperature or spoilage coverage can also be added to help cover losses from equipment failure or power outages.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If your business uses vehicles for deliveries or operations, commercial auto insurance covers accidents and vehicle-related risks during business use.
Cyber Liability Insurance
If you process electronic payments or store customer data, cyber liability insurance can help cover costs related to data breaches or cyberattacks.
Business Interruption Insurance
Business interruption insurance helps replace lost income and cover expenses if your restaurant must temporarily close due to a covered event.
How Much Does Restaurant Insurance Cost?
Restaurant insurance costs vary widely based on your business type, size, and risk exposure.
Some estimates suggest a comprehensive insurance package — including a business owners policy (BOP), liquor liability, and workers’ compensation — may cost several thousand dollars per year. Smaller operations, such as vendors or home-based businesses, may pay significantly less.
Your actual cost will depend on factors such as:
Location: Local regulations and risk levels
Business type: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, or mobile operations
Number of employees: Affects workers’ compensation and liability exposure
Alcohol service: Increases risk and may require additional coverage
Property details: Building ownership, value, and condition
Because pricing varies so much, it’s important to compare quotes based on your specific needs.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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