Restaurant Class Codes for Workers’ Comp: What Agencies Need to Know

Quoting workers’ compensation for restaurants requires understanding the correct class codes. These codes determine the premium based on the type of work, exposure, and risk profile of the business. For agencies, accuracy in class code selection is essential to ensure correct pricing and proper risk assessment. This article outlines restaurant class codes used in workers’ comp and what they mean for your quoting process.

Whether you're dealing with a small fast-food outlet or a full-service dining establishment, the right class code helps you structure the quote correctly and avoid over- or undercharging. Keep reading to learn the key codes and how to apply them in your workflow.

Common Restaurant Class Codes in Workers’ Comp

Restaurant businesses are assigned class codes based on the type of work and the nature of operations. The following codes are commonly used for workers’ comp in the food service industry:

  • 9081: Restaurant NOC
  • 4654: Restaurant NOC
  • 9058: Hotel-Restaurant Employees (Hospitality & Hotels) – Used for employees in restaurant settings within hotels or hospitality environments. Note that this code may vary by state, such as 9079 in California and 0945 in Delaware.
  • 9082: Restaurant NOC

Several codes carry the same “Restaurant NOC” wording in different code lists, which is exactly why the state’s own list decides which one applies.

Some of these codes may be state-specific. Always confirm the correct code for the state where the restaurant is located. For example, code 0945 may be used in Delaware for hotel restaurants, while code 0897 applies to fast-food restaurants in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

How Class Codes Impact Your Quote

Class codes are used to determine the rate and exposure basis for workers’ comp. The code assigned to a restaurant business affects the premium calculation based on the nature of the work and the risk involved. While the code determines the rate, the coverage itself remains statutory and is not affected by the class code. This means that regardless of the code, the policy will cover work-related injuries to employees.

When quoting, agencies should ensure the correct code is applied to reflect the actual operations of the restaurant. This helps in accurate premium calculation and ensures the policy aligns with the risk profile of the business.

State-Specific Variations and Considerations

Class codes can vary significantly by state. For example, NCCI code 9058 (Hotel—Restaurant Employees) becomes 0945 in Delaware and Pennsylvania and 9079 in California. Always verify the code for the specific state where the restaurant is located, because using the wrong code leads to incorrect pricing.

Some states also have their own code sets. For instance, California, Delaware, and New York use different code systems. Agencies should be aware of these differences and work with local underwriters to ensure accurate code selection.

Best Practices for Agencies

When quoting workers’ comp for restaurant businesses, agencies should follow these best practices to ensure accuracy and efficiency:

  • Confirm the correct class code – Work with the client to understand the specific nature of their restaurant operations and select the appropriate code.
  • Check state-specific codes – Be aware of variations by state and use the correct code for the location of the restaurant.
  • Review the business’s operations – Understand the specific tasks performed by employees to ensure the code reflects the actual work being done.
  • Consult underwriting guidelines – Check with the carriers for any specific requirements or restrictions related to the selected code.

Accurate code selection helps in structuring the quote correctly and ensures that the policy meets the statutory requirements for the business.

Leverage Cennairus for Streamlined Quoting

At Cennairus, we help agencies streamline their quoting and placement process for workers’ comp and other commercial lines. One application reaches several carriers and specialty markets; some are connected by API and others are worked by email or a program desk. With automatic document processing, policies serviced in one place, and the agency's commission paid under the broker agreement, you can focus on what matters most — placing the right coverage at the right price.

By using Cennairus, agencies gain access to several carriers, specialty markets and purpose-built programs. Learn more about how we can help you streamline your quoting and placement process by joining Cennairus or by exploring our workers’ comp resources.