Running a restaurant on Amelia Island means busy tourist seasons, outdoor seating, kitchens full of equipment, and hurricane season every summer. The right insurance protects you from the things that can close your doors: a guest injury, a kitchen fire, a lost week of business after a storm, or a claim involving alcohol.
Southend Insurance compares coverage from multiple insurance companies for restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks and caterers in Fernandina Beach, Yulee and across Nassau County.
What restaurant insurance can cover
- General liability for guest injuries
- Liquor liability for alcohol service
- Building, equipment and furniture
- Food spoilage after a power outage
- Business income if you have to close
- Workers' compensation for staff
- Commercial auto for delivery and catering
- Employment practices liability
Good to know in Florida: If you serve alcohol, your general liability policy usually excludes liquor-related claims, so liquor liability is purchased separately. Flood damage is not covered by a standard business property policy and needs its own coverage. Florida generally requires businesses outside construction with four or more employees to carry workers' compensation.
Coverage built around how you operate
A beachside cafe, a downtown bar and a catering company have different risks. We look at your seating capacity, whether you serve alcohol, how much of your sales come from delivery or events, your equipment and your location, then compare a business owners policy against separate policies to find the right fit.
Restaurant Insurance FAQs
Do I need liquor liability insurance?
If you sell or serve alcohol, yes. Most general liability policies exclude alcohol-related claims, and many landlords and lenders require liquor liability before you open.
Does insurance cover food spoilage after a hurricane?
Many restaurant policies offer spoilage coverage for food lost when power or refrigeration fails. Limits and causes covered vary, so it is worth reviewing before hurricane season.
Is a business owners policy enough for a restaurant?
A business owners policy combines property and liability and works well for many smaller restaurants. Larger operations, bars, and businesses with significant alcohol sales often need separate policies.