For a restaurant owner in Washington, there are several types of business insurance you should consider to protect your business, employees, and customers. Here’s a brief overview of each:
1. General Liability Insurance
This is a fundamental insurance that covers common risks, such as customer injury (like a slip and fall) or property damage. It can also cover legal fees if your restaurant is sued for these incidents.
2. Property Insurance
This covers damage to your restaurant’s physical structure and contents due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. If you own the building, it covers the building itself; if you lease, it covers improvements you made and your equipment.
3. Business Interruption Insurance
In the event that your restaurant must close temporarily due to a covered loss (like fire damage), this insurance can help cover lost income and ongoing expenses like rent and payroll.
4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required in Washington, this covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who get injured or become ill because of their job.
5. Liquor Liability Insurance
If you serve alcohol, this insurance is crucial. It covers your liability for damages that occur as a result of the consumption of alcohol at your restaurant, such as injuries caused by an intoxicated patron.
6. Food Contamination Insurance
This can be important if you face a foodborne illness outbreak or a contamination incident, covering costs associated with the incident, including lost income.
7. Commercial Auto Insurance
If your restaurant offers delivery or uses vehicles for business purposes, this insurance covers liabilities arising from accidents involving those vehicles.
8. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
This covers claims from employees alleging wrongful practices like discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination.
9. Umbrella Insurance
This provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of your other policies. It can be a safety net for extremely costly claims.
It’s important to consult with a licensed insurance professional who can provide tailored advice based on your specific restaurant’s needs and risks. Each restaurant is unique, and the coverage you need may vary based on factors like your location, size, number of employees, and the services you offer. Contact us today at 360-254-7166!