Rhode Island Restaurant Insurance

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Running a Restaurant in Rhode Island

From cozy spots in Newport to vibrant eateries in Providence, your restaurant represents your passion for food and community. It’s the culmination of a dream, both to own your own business and to do something for others.

Whether you’re serving up clam cakes and stuffies, hot clam chowder, hot wieners, coffee milk, or dynamites, it’s a chance to do more than just feed people’s bodies. A great meal is a chance for folks to get together and bond.

But running a restaurant goes hand in hand with risk, from kitchen mishaps to customer incidents.

That’s what Rhode Island restaurant insurance is designed to do: protect your business, employees, and customers.

The challenge is that finding the right combination of insurance policies can be tricky. You want to protect your business, your staff, and your customers. But you don’t want to overpay for coverage that doesn’t do you any good. How do you decide what policies are necessary and which can be skipped?

Our guide walks you through what you need to know about Rhode Island restaurant insurance.

What Insurance You Need for a Restaurant in Rhode Island?

Every Rhode Island restaurant will need customized insurance coverage. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Below, you’ll learn more about the different types of coverage, including optional-but-smart-to-have policies like general liability insurance.

General Liability Insurance

General liability is your first line of defense against third-party claims. For instance, it would come into play if a customer slipped on a wet floor. In Rhode Island, the minimum general liability coverage varies. You’ll want to set your limits based on the risks your restaurant faces. That can vary based on things like location or even the type of food you serve.

Most insurers recommend policies starting at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate so you have enough coverage. Note that this isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s a smart decision to have this protection.

This type of insurance covers:

Bodily injury
Property damage
Personal injury
Advertising injury
Financial loss from lawsuits

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Rhode Island law requires workers’ compensation insurance for all businesses with one or more employees, whether full-time or part-time. Sole proprietors and independent contractors aren’t required to carry it but can opt in for coverage. Rates typically depend on your payroll and industry risk, averaging around $48 per month for small businesses.

Workers’ comp covers things like:

The costs of medical care stemming from a work-related injury or disease
Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
Lost wages
Lawsuits from injured employees

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance, often saving you money. It’s a smart choice for restaurants looking to cover both customer claims and damage to their physical assets like furniture, kitchen equipment, or inventory due to threats like fire or theft.

Liquor Liability Insurance

If your restaurant serves alcohol, Rhode Island requires that you have liquor liability insurance to protect against claims related to alcohol-related incidents, like over-serving patrons. This is protection that provides peace of mind and protects your employees if a patron overindulges.

Business Interruption Insurance

Rhode Island’s weather is unpredictable, with storms posing some pretty serious risks to operations. Business interruption insurance covers lost income during closures caused by covered events. That helps you pay fixed expenses. Think of rent and utilities as examples.

Here’s what this type of insurance covers:

Lost income
Payroll costs

Operating expenses
Training costs
Taxes
Relocation costs
Contingent business interruption

Commercial Auto Insurance

If you’ll be using a vehicle for any business-related needs (catering, going to the bank, etc.), don’t assume that your personal policy will cover things if you’re involved in an accident. You’ll need commercial auto insurance here. A commercial auto policy will cover things like:

Bodily injury for those involved in an at-fault accident

Property damage if you’re involved in an at-fault accident
Rental car coverage (in some cases)

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Why Choose FarmerBrown.com? for Rhode Island Restaurant Insurance?

At FarmerBrown.com, we understand the unique needs of Rhode Island restaurateurs. With years of experience in commercial insurance, we customize coverage to fit your business’s needs. Here’s why so many restaurant owners choose us.

Affordable Rates: Get competitive pricing to fit your budget. We provide custom quotes based on your restaurant’s specifics.
Comprehensive Coverage: From general liability to liquor liability, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help ensure that your entire business is as protected as possible.

Local Expertise: Our team has deep knowledge of Rhode Island’s insurance laws and regulations. That means we can help you through the process and ensure you have the right protection at all times.
Dedicated Support: Our friendly agents are ready to assist with quotes, claims, and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for a new general liability policy or just have questions, we’re here for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Is general liability insurance mandatory for Rhode Island restaurants?

No, Rhode Island doesn’t require that you carry it. However, while it might not be legally required, it’s highly recommended. It could also be necessary depending on whether you rent or own your building and even who you work with. Many landlords and contracts may require proof of coverage.

How much does restaurant insurance cost in Rhode Island?

Costs vary based on the type and size of your business. For instance, workers’ compensation averages $48/month, while general liability might start at $42/month. Get in touch with us today and we’ll happily give you a custom quote.

Can I get coverage if I use personal vehicles for restaurant deliveries?

Yes, you can add hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) to cover vehicles used for work purposes, as personal policies often exclude business use.

Do I need liquor liability insurance if I allow BYOB?

Yes, you should still consider it. Even if you’re not directly serving alcohol, you can be held liable for alcohol-related incidents on your premises. Liquor liability insurance is a smart bet against potential problems.