Checklist

Restaurant Insurance Checklist

Prepare a restaurant’s premises, food, alcohol, property, employee, delivery, and equipment exposures.

Reviewed August 11, 2026. Educational guide, not a quote or coverage decision.

Working checklist

Prepare a restaurant’s premises, food, alcohol, property, employee, delivery, and equipment exposures.

AreaWhat to recordDone
PremisesSeating, square footage, hours, landlord requirements, outdoor areas
CookingCooking methods, hood/suppression system, cleaning schedule, grease controls
FoodSales mix, catering, delivery, food safety and product exposure
AlcoholAlcohol sales percentage, service controls, liquor-license information
PropertyKitchen equipment, refrigeration, stock, spoilage and business income needs
EmployeesPayroll, duties, delivery drivers and workers compensation
VehiclesOwned or employee vehicles used for delivery/catering

Use the checklist with current documents

A checklist is useful only when the entries can be tied back to current business records. Keep the relevant application, quote, policy, endorsement, contract, invoice, log, or claim document beside the worksheet.

  • Date the worksheet and update it when the business changes.
  • Do not copy last year’s payroll, revenue, vehicle, property, or contract details without checking them.
  • Mark unanswered items for a licensed insurance professional or official state resource.
  • Keep a clean PDF or printed copy with the business insurance file.

Questions to resolve before relying on the result

The checklist does not determine whether coverage exists. Use it to identify mismatches between the business operation and the documents being reviewed.

  • Which fact on the worksheet is most likely to change underwriting?
  • Which contract requirement needs an actual endorsement rather than a certificate note?
  • Which value, limit, payroll, vehicle, or location needs supporting documentation?
  • Which state-specific requirement needs verification with an official agency?

Related reading

Sources and verification

Use official and primary sources to verify current rules, insurer licensing, policy wording, and state requirements. The declarations page, forms, endorsements, and signed contracts control the actual insurance relationship.