If you operate within the bar and restaurant industry, there are several types of insurance cover to consider. These include:

• Business contents insurance: It is important to have insurance in place to protect the interior contents of your bar or restaurant. This can include things such as fixtures and fittings, kitchen equipment, till systems and any furniture – for example carpets, tables and glasses. When taking out a policy of this type, make sure you add up the value of all items, as this could be a costly mistake in the event of a claim if you do not have enough cover in place.
• Business equipment insurance: Provides cover for the things that your bar or restaurant business needs to operate, such as computers, cleaning materials and stock.
• Public liability insurance: Provides financial protection if an individual suffers an injury during a visit to your restaurant, or if their property is lost or damaged, and they make a claim against you.
• Employers’ liability cover: If you employ any member of staff (including permanent, temporary, contractors or freelancers), then this is a legal requirement. The minimum level of protection is £5m, which will cover the cost of compensation claims if they get injured or ill while working for you.
• Buildings insurance: If you own the freehold for your restaurant, then you need to take out buildings insurance to protect your most expensive asset. The policy will provide cover in the event of perils such as flooding, a fire or theft.
• Business interruption insurance: Provides cover for financial losses if your bar or restaurant business can’t operate from its normal premises due to fire, major theft or a flood. This includes things like loss of income, rent, wages and bank loans and will help to keep your business operating for up to 36 months if the worst should happen.
• Stock insurance: Provides cover in the event that your stock (such as food and drinks) is damaged through events such as fire or flooding, or if it is stolen. In addition, this type of cover may also provide protection in the event that your fridge or freezer breaks down and your ingredients are spoiled.
• Theft of takings: If you take payments in cash, then you may want added protection in case of theft from you, anyone working for you or your premises.
• Product liability: If a problem has occurred in your kitchen and the food you have served to a customer has caused them illness or injury, this type of insurance will protect you in the event of a claim.
• Glass cover: This type of policy can provide protection in the event that the windows of your restaurant or bar and glass displays are damaged maliciously through vandalism.
• Loss of licence: If you serve alcohol in your premises and lose your licence for reasons outside of your control, this will ensure your business can operate as usual.
• Goods in transit cover:This will provide cover if goods are damaged whilst in transit to and from your premises or lost while being delivered by post or courier.

These are just examples of some of the types of restaurant insurance policies that we look after at The Yorkshire Broker. As we know that no two businesses are the same, speak to us today to find out which policies will best meet your needs.