How a Restaurant Request Works

Sales and payroll matter

Many restaurant policies are rated on sales, payroll or both. Have a realistic estimate for the coming year, including the share of sales from alcohol. Understating figures can lead to an audit bill later; overstating them raises the premium needlessly.

Kitchen records

Insurers often ask when the hood and ducts were last cleaned and when the suppression system was last inspected. Keep the service tags or invoices together so you can answer quickly.

Lease and license requirements

Landlords commonly set liability limits and require additional insured status. Liquor license authorities in some places require proof of liquor liability. Share these requirements with the agent so the quotes meet them.

You decide

Requesting a restaurant quote is free. Keep your current coverage if the offers do not fit.

Questions about your concept

Expect the agent to ask about your menu, hours, seating capacity, whether you have a patio, live entertainment or a late-night bar crowd, and whether you offer delivery or catering. These details shape which insurers will quote and how. A clear description of the concept up front saves several rounds of follow-up questions.

If you run more than one location, list each address and how they differ, since a bar-heavy site and a daytime cafe may be written separately.