Employees
Review Workers’ Compensation when the restaurant has employees, beginning with the official California DWC employer guidance.
RESTAURANT COMPLIANCE GUIDE
California Restaurant Insurance Requirements and Review Guide
Use this guide to organize a California restaurant insurance review around employees, vehicles, locations, contracts, food and beverage activities, and the official state resources that explain applicable requirements.
Vehicles
Review Commercial Auto, hired auto, or non-owned auto when vehicles are used for delivery, catering, food trucks, or other business purposes.
Operations
Consider premises, products, liquor, property, equipment, cyber, certificates, and business-income exposures as applicable.
Employer and workforce review
California employers generally must provide Workers’ Compensation when they have one or more employees. Restaurant owners should also identify job duties, payroll, ownership, seasonal staffing, and any changes in locations or operations.
Vehicle and delivery review
A restaurant that uses vehicles for business should identify ownership, drivers, delivery radius, catering, food-truck activity, trailers, and hired or non-owned use. Commercial Auto needs depend on the actual exposure and policy terms.
Contract and operating requirements
Landlords, lenders, event venues, delivery partners, and other contracting parties may request certificates or specific limits. Those requests should be compared with the actual business operations and reviewed with a licensed broker.
Restaurant insurance questions
Is restaurant insurance one single policy?
Usually, restaurant insurance is a coordinated review of multiple coverage lines. The appropriate combination depends on the restaurant’s operations, employees, property, vehicles, contracts, and underwriting.
Where can California restaurant owners verify Workers’ Compensation requirements?
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation employer information page is the official starting point for the one-or-more-employee requirement.
Should a restaurant use the same insurance setup as another restaurant?
Not necessarily. Different menus, alcohol service, locations, delivery methods, equipment, staffing, and vehicle use can change the coverage review.