Looking for Food Service Insurance?
Protect your food service business from foodborne illness claims, customer injuries, property damage, and liquor liability. Harper provides tailored insurance for restaurants, cafés, caterers, and food service operations, delivering fast certificates for landlords, lenders, and licensing authorities.
What is Food Service Insurance?
Food service insurance protects restaurants and food-based businesses from the unique risks that come with preparing, serving, and selling food to the public. These risks include foodborne illness, kitchen fires, slip-and-fall injuries, alcohol-related incidents, and equipment damage. Coverage typically includes general liability, property insurance, product liability for food claims, liquor liability when alcohol is served, and workers compensation for employees. Landlords, lenders, and alcohol control boards often require proof of insurance before leasing space, approving loans, or issuing licenses.
Food & Product Liability
Covers claims related to foodborne illness, contamination, allergic reactions, or improper food handling that result in customer injury or illness.
General Liability
Protects against customer injuries such as slips, falls, burns, or accidents occurring on your premises or during catering events.
Property Protection
Covers kitchen equipment, cooking appliances, furnishings, signage, inventory, and other physical assets from fire, theft, vandalism, or certain natural events.
Liquor Liability
Applies if alcohol is served and covers claims related to intoxicated patrons, over-service, or alcohol-related injuries and property damage.
Workers Compensation
Covers employee injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages for kitchen staff, servers, and other workers.
Certificates
Fast proof of insurance for landlords, lenders, franchisors, and ABC boards.
Who Needs Food Service Insurance?
- Restaurants (full-service and quick-service) : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Cafés and coffee shops : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Catering companies : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Ghost kitchens and commercial kitchens : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Specialty food service operations : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
Food Service & Hospitality Expertise
Harper understands the operational realities of food service: from fast-paced kitchens and fire exposure to customer traffic and alcohol service. Coverage is structured to reflect how restaurants actually operate, not generic business models.
Fast Proof for Licensing, Leasing & Financing
Food service businesses often face tight timelines when opening, renewing leases, or applying for liquor licenses. Harper delivers accurate certificates quickly to keep openings, inspections, and approvals on track.
Clear, Practical Coverage Guidance
We explain food liability, liquor liability, and property coverage in straightforward terms so restaurant owners understand what’s protected, what’s excluded, and where claims most commonly arise.
Coverage Matched to Your Concept
Whether you operate a café, full-service restaurant, catering company, ghost kitchen, or specialty food business, Harper aligns coverage with your service style, menu risk, and alcohol exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do food service businesses need?
Most food service businesses need general liability, property insurance, product liability for food-related claims, and workers compensation if they have employees. Liquor liability is required when alcohol is served. Some catering or off-site services may require additional coverage.
Is food service insurance required?
Yes, in most cases. Landlords typically require liability and property coverage, lenders require insurance for financed equipment, and alcohol control boards require liquor liability before issuing or renewing licenses.
How much does food service insurance cost?
Costs vary by size, menu, alcohol service, and location. Small cafés may pay $3,000–$8,000 annually, while full-service restaurants with alcohol often range from $8,000–$25,000+ per year.
Does insurance cover food poisoning or allergic reactions?
Product and general liability coverage may apply to foodborne illness or allergic reaction claims when proper food safety, labeling, and handling procedures were followed.
Does insurance cover kitchen fires or equipment damage?
Property insurance covers fire damage to kitchen equipment, furnishings, and inventory. Equipment breakdown coverage can also apply to mechanical failures, depending on the policy.
Can I add my landlord as an additional insured?
Yes. Most restaurant leases require landlords to be added as additional insureds. Harper handles certificates and endorsements to meet lease requirements quickly.