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Restaurant Insurance
At UK Sure, we provide insurance specifically designed for restaurants, cafés, takeaway operators, and business owners.
With extensive experience in the hospitality sector, we cater to the insurance needs of various dining establishments, helping to safeguard their businesses and reputations.
Whether you run a bustling gastropub, a charming French bistro, offer the finest pizza in town, or operate a trendy pop-up fusion eatery, the restaurant industry can present significant risks for patrons and staff.
Despite your best efforts to manage every detail, accidents can occur. Having restaurant insurance in place can be crucial to ensuring you can continue delivering exceptional experiences when the unexpected arises.
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What is restaurant insurance?
Restaurant insurance can cover many aspects of running a retail business. This can include cover for your physical premises, goods, and stock (on your premises and in transit). It can also cover claims from customers and employees.
Although your menu may resemble that of other restaurants, we understand that every business is unique.
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Access to a customizable restaurant business insurance solution tailored to your needs can significantly ease your focus on managing your operations. Whether you're a sole, a startup, or aspiring to become a Michelin-starred chef, contact UK Sure for restaurant insurance coverage that can encompass some or all of the most common insurance types.​
Types of restaurants we cover:
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Kebab Houses and Takeaway
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Italian Restaurants
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Chinese Restaurants & Takeaway
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Sushi Places
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Cafes
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Tea Rooms
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Bakery and Pastry Shops
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Fish & Chip shops
The main areas of restaurant insurance
If you own the shop premises, you'll need building insurance, which can cover the cost of damage from an insured event, such as a fire, flood, or vandalism.​
Legal expenses
Legal expenses insurance is an optional extra for shop insurance. It can cover the cost of defending your retail business in court, including some or all of your solicitor's costs.​
Stock and goods in transit
Stock inside your shop is generally covered. Goods in transit protect items against replacement costs if they are stolen, lost, or damaged on their way to or from your premises or warehouse.​
Business interruption
Events like a fire or flood can force your shop to close or be open for reduced hours. Business interruption coverage covers insured costs incurred from lost income.​
Public Liability
They could claim if a customer or supplier is injured or their property is damaged in your shop due to negligence. Public liability insurance can cover any legal fees and compensation.​
Employers' Liability
It's a legal obligation to have employers' liability insurance when you employ anyone to work in your shop.This is true whether you have casual, temporary staff or contractors.
Do I need Restaurant insurance?
Restaurant insurance can protect you from many claims that could prove expensive without adequate insurance coverage. If a customer is injured and makes a legal claim, or your stock is damaged due to a flood, restaurant insurance could protect you from the associated costs. Running a restaurant with at least one employee means you may legally need employer liability insurance.
How much Restaurant insurance do I need?
Understanding the risks for your business can help you work out the amount of insurance required!
Think about the:
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Nature of your retail business.
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The value of your stock is based on its cost rather than retail price.
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Size and location of the building – is it more at risk of fire or flooding?
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Daily operations – do you have a high footfall or work with lots of delivery drivers
Why get Restaurant insurance?
Your clients will expect you to have Public Liability Insurance as a minimum, which will frequently be a contractual obligation. But, legally, you don’t need it. The only mandatory element is employee liability; if you’re a one-man band, you don’t need that. However, If, like most people, you don’t have surplus cash to cover a worst-case scenario, nor the time or expertise to sort a claim, then Restaurant insurance will ensure your bottom line won’t be hit if you have a claim – and you won’t have the lost time or stress of sorting a claim.
How much cover do I need for employers’ liability?
The amount of employer liability insurance coverage you need depends on the size of your business, the industry you operate in, and the specific risks your employees face on the job.
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The law requires a minimum of £5 million in employers’ liability insurance coverage for all your employees, including part-time workers, contractors, and temporary staff.
Many businesses opt for higher coverage limits to ensure they are adequately protected in case of a claim.
Is it mandatory to have employers’ liability insurance?
It is a legal necessity for most businesses to have employers’ liability insurance.
The only exceptions to this requirement are companies with no employees or businesses that employ only close family members.
If a business operates without the legally required level of employers’ liability insurance, it can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.
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Restaurants in the UK that employ staff are legally obliged to have employer’s liability insurance, which will provide your business with coverage against claims from an employee. You should be insured for at least £ 5 million and must post your certificate for all staff to see.
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​Protection up to £10 million
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Cover for your temporary staff
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Working partners are included in the policy.
What is the Employers’ Liability Act?
The Employers’ Liability Act 1969 (ELA) requires employers to have insurance to protect their employees from work-related injuries or illnesses.
Under the law, employers are legally responsible for the health and safety of their staff while they are at work. If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work, the employer may be liable for damages.
Running a retail business with at least one employee means you may legally need employers’ liability insurance.
Main areas of Restaurant Insurance
✅ Legal Expenses
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Cover the cost of defending your retail business in court. Legal expenses insurance covers some or all of your solicitor costs
✅ Stock & Goods in Transit
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Replacement of stolen, lost, or damaged goodson the way to or from your premises or warehouse
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✅ Business Interruption
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Events like a fire or flood can mean your restaurant has to close or is open for reduced hours. Business interruption covers insured costs incurred from lost income
✅ Public Liability
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You could claim if a customer or supplier is injured or their property is damaged in your restaurant due to negligence
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✅ Employers’ Liability
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It’s a legal obligation to have employers’ liability insurance when you employ anyone to work in your shop. This is true whether you have casual, temporary staff or contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is Pubs & Restaurant Insurance?
It is a specialized insurance policy designed to protect hospitality businesses like pubs, bars, and restaurants from common risks such as property damage, liability claims, staff injuries, and business interruption.
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Question: Is public liability insurance mandatory for pubs and restaurants?
While not legally required, it's highly recommended as it covers claims from customers who may be injured or suffer loss while on your premises.
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Question: Do I need employer’s liability insurance?
Yes, it is legally required if you employ staff, whether full-time, part-time, or casual.
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Question: Can I insure my outdoor dining area or beer garden?
Yes, many insurers offer coverage for outdoor spaces, but you must disclose these areas to ensure proper protection.
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Question: Does it cover food poisoning or allergic reactions?
Product liability insurance, usually included, can cover claims related to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions caused by your food or drink.
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Question: Can I include protection for cash kept on-site?
Yes, you can add cash cover to protect money stored on the premises or in transit to the bank.
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Question: How are premiums calculated?
Factors include business size, location, turnover, number of employees, type of services offered, and claims history.
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Question: Will it cover events or live entertainment?
Coverage for events or live music may be included or added, depending on the policy. Always notify your insurer about such activities.
Do you have a question about restaurant insurance?
Submit your question here
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