Comprehensive Restaurant Insurance for
DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Great Food is Only Half the Business.
Protection is the Other.
From the front of the house to the back of the kitchen, you face risks that standard business policies often miss. Whether you run a busy café in DC, a crab house in Maryland, or a fine dining establishment in Northern Virginia, one kitchen fire, foodborne illness claim, or slip-and-fall accident can threaten your entire business.
- Liquor Liability & Dram Shop Laws
- Food Spoilage & Contamination
- Kitchen Fires & Equipment Breakdown
- Slips, Falls & Premises Liability
- Employee Burns & Cuts
- Cyber Risks (Point-of-Sale Systems)
Specialized Coverage for the Food Service Industry
Liability Protection
This coverage is critical for restaurants facing high foot traffic, alcohol service exposure, and customer injury claims.
Property & Equipment
Designed to protect restaurants that rely on expensive cooking equipment, units, and food storage systems.
Workers’ Compensation
Covers common restaurant workplace injuries including burns, cuts, slips, and repetitive lifting accidents.
Loss of Income
It is designed to help restaurants stay financially stable and resilient if operations are shut down due to a covered loss.
Cyber & Data Breach
Protects restaurants that process customer payments through POS systems and online ordering platforms.
Employment Practices
Particularly important for restaurants managing hourly staff, shift scheduling, and wage-and-hour compliance.
Serving the Capital Region's Hospitality Sector
We understand the specific local codes and requirements for businesses across our region.
- Washington D.C.: Compliance with strict District employment laws and high-traffic liability risks.
- Maryland: Coverage for establishments from Baltimore to Bethesda.
- Virginia: tailored policies for Northern Virginia’s growing restaurant scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Liquor Liability if I only serve beer and wine?
Yes. Standard General Liability policies typically exclude alcohol-related claims. If you serve any alcohol, you need specific Liquor Liability coverage to protect against claims arising from intoxicated guests.
How is restaurant insurance cost calculated in DC and MD?
The cost of restaurant insurance in DC, Maryland, and Virginia is based on factors such as annual revenue, alcohol sales, payroll size, kitchen equipment, and prior claims history. Local regulations and risk exposure also play a role in determining coverage needs and pricing.
Does my policy cover food spoilage during a power outage?
Standard property policies may not, but we can add specific "Spoilage Coverage" to reimburse you for perishable stock lost due to mechanical breakdown or utility failure.
Do I need special insurance if my employees deliver food using their own cars?
A personal auto policy will typically deny claims if the vehicle was being used for business delivery. You need "Hired and Non-Owned Auto" coverage to protect your business if an employee gets into an accident while delivering an order.
How quickly can I get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for my landlord?
We understand that lease requirements in DC, MD, and VA can be strict. Once your policy is bound, we can typically issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) within the same business day so you can sign your lease or open your doors without delay.
Am I covered if a customer claims they got food poisoning?
Yes, this generally falls under the "Products-Completed Operations" portion of your General Liability policy. It helps cover legal defense fees and settlements if a customer claims illness caused by food prepared at your establishment.
Does my policy cover valet parking services?
Not automatically. If you offer valet parking (even if it's complimentary), you face liability for customer vehicles. You would need to add Garagekeepers Legal Liability to protect customers' cars while they are in your care.
Request a Business Quote
We have successfully received your business details. A commercial insurance specialist focusing on the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region will review your information and contact you shortly to discuss your coverage options.
