Start with the basics: What kind of food service are they running?
Restaurants and food service accounts come in many shapes and sizes. The business could be a fine dining restaurant, a fast-casual chain, a food truck, a catering company, or even a mobile food van. Each has different risks and insurance needs. Before you submit the account, clarify the type of food service they operate, the number of employees, and the locations involved.
Also ask about their business model — are they delivery-only, dine-in, or a mix? If they have multiple locations, find out if they are all in the same state or across state lines. This determines not only the class code (which varies by state) but also whether the business qualifies for any specialty programs, such as food truck or catering-specific coverage.
For more on class codes and how they impact insurance, check our guide on class codes and niches.
Ask about the kitchen layout and operations
The kitchen is the heart of most food service operations, and it's also the biggest source of risk. Ask whether the kitchen is commercial-grade, how many burners or ovens they have, and if they use a fryer. You’ll also want to know about their ventilation system and if it’s up to code — this can affect both fire risk and indoor air quality.
Other important questions include:
- Do they use a walk-in refrigerator or freezer? What's the size and how many employees access it?
- What kind of food preparation methods do they use? (e.g., grilling, frying, baking)
- Do they have a deep fryer? If so, how often do they change the oil?
These details help carriers assess the risk of kitchen fires, burns, or other injuries — and may impact placement and pricing.
Know the employee count and coverage needs
Restaurants are typically high-employee environments, so you’ll want to know the number of full-time and part-time staff. Ask if they plan to hire more workers in the near future. This helps determine the right workers' compensation coverage, which is mandatory in most states.
Also ask if they’ve had any employee injuries in the past year and how those claims were handled. If the business has a history of high-frequency claims, that could signal a need for additional training on workplace safety.
For more on workers' comp placement, read our full guide on workers' comp insurance.
Review their safety and compliance practices
Restaurants are subject to a range of health and safety regulations — from OSHA standards to local fire department inspections. Ask if the business has passed recent health inspections and if they’ve had any violations. You may also want to know if they have a food safety certification, such as ServSafe training for staff.
Other compliance-related questions include:
- Do they have a written safety policy for the kitchen and front-of-house?
- Is their fire suppression system regularly inspected and maintained?
- Do they have an emergency response plan in place?
Carriers will want to see that the business takes safety seriously — and that they’re actively reducing risk.
Determine if they need specialty coverage
Many food service businesses need more than just general liability and workers' comp. Ask if they handle alcohol sales — if so, ask about liquor liability coverage. If they offer catering services or operate a food truck, they may need additional coverage for mobile operations and equipment.
Also ask if they have any high-risk features, such as:
- Outdoor seating or events
- Live music or entertainment
- Alcohol service (especially in states with strict liability laws)
- Delivery services (which may require commercial auto coverage)
These can affect the type of coverage they need and the carriers that will write the risk. For a deeper look at lines that apply to food service, check our guide on BOPs and other commercial lines.
Understand their past insurance experience
Ask if they have previous insurance coverage and where they got it. You’ll want to know the name of the carrier, the types of coverage they had, and if there were any claims filed. If they’ve had coverage canceled in the past, find out why — this could be a red flag for underwriters.
You should also ask about their current insurance costs and if they’re happy with their coverage. This helps you understand their expectations and whether they may be looking for a cheaper option, better coverage, or a different carrier.
Get a feel for the business owner’s mindset and goals
Finally, it's important to understand the business owner's mindset and goals. Are they looking to expand? Do they plan to open new locations? Do they have any upcoming events or promotions? These factors can influence coverage needs and risk exposure.
You should also ask if they have a business continuity plan. Do they have a backup kitchen, for example, in case of a fire? Are they planning for possible disruptions, such as a health inspection shutdown or a natural disaster?
By understanding the business owner’s goals and concerns, you can better position yourself as a partner in their growth and risk management — not just another insurance provider.
