What insurance does a restaurant business need? (2026)
Most restaurant operations carry a stack of commercial-insurance lines — some legally required (typically workers' compensation when you have employees), most commonly carried because clients, landlords, lenders, or regulators expect them. Below: the lines that bureau filings most often cite for restaurant operations. Confirm what's legally required vs commonly carried with a licensed agent in your state — requirements vary state by state.
Typical insurance coverages for restaurant operations
Most restaurant businesses carry a stack of 4 commercial-insurance lines — based on common industry practice and the lines that bureau filings most often cite for this vertical. Workers' comp is typically required by state law where employees are involved; the rest are commonly carried but not always legally mandated. Confirm with a licensed agent in your state for what's legally required vs commonly carried.
- Workers' Compensation →Medical bills + lost wages for employees injured on the job. Typically required by state law where employees are involved (TX is voluntary).
- General Liability →Third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal/advertising injury claims arising from your operations.
- Liquor LiabilityCoverage for damages from sale or service of alcohol — required by most state liquor licenses and many landlords.
- Commercial Property →Building, contents, and business-personal-property coverage for your commercial premises.
Want pricing detail for restaurant?
See the full restaurant insurance cost guide — industry-typical ranges, cost drivers, ways to reduce premium, and recent filed-rate citations.
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Insurance requirements for other industries
Browse the typical insurance coverage stack for other verticals. Each links to that industry's standalone requirements page.
| Business activity |
|---|
| Bagel shops, full service |
| Brew pub restaurants, primarily serving meals, full service |
| Diners, full service |
| Doughnut shops, full service |
| Family restaurants, full service |
| Fine dining restaurants, full service |
| Full service restaurants |
| Pizza parlors, full service |
| Pizzerias, full service |
| Restaurants, full service |
| Steak houses, full service |